Education Leads Filipino Legacy Priorities in Sun Life Study

More respondents report formal plans, but preparing heirs to manage inherited wealth remains a concern.

Educational opportunities ranked as the leading legacy priority among Filipino respondents in Sun Life Asia’s latest survey, placing the next generation’s prospects at the center of what families hope to leave behind.

In “Passing the Torch: When Legacy Means More Than Money,” 56% of Philippine respondents cited education, ahead of wealth and family traditions at 45% each.

The findings suggest that respondents view legacy as a combination of financial resources, opportunities and values. While 92% intend to leave financial assets or wealth, their priorities also reflect how those resources could support future generations.

What families want their wealth to accomplish

Among respondents planning to transfer wealth, 61% want their assets invested for long-term growth, 55% want them to support essential family needs, and 53% want them to help fund education.

These figures show the purposes respondents attach to an inheritance: sustaining a household, supporting learning and keeping resources available over time.

JJ Moreno, identified in the release as Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines, said families are taking a broader view of legacy.

“The goal is no longer just to pass on wealth, but to create opportunities, share values, and give future generations the tools they need to succeed,” Moreno said.

More respondents report formal plans

Sun Life’s comparison with its 2025 survey shows an increase in reported planning activity.

The 36% Philippine figure for fully documented and communicated plans also exceeded the survey’s 22% regional average.

These are comparisons between the two annual surveys; the supplied release does not establish that the same individuals participated in both years.

Preparing heirs remains a concern

Greater planning activity has not removed respondents’ worries about whether inherited wealth will last.

Eighty-two percent of Philippine respondents expressed concern that their wealth might not survive beyond the next generation.

When asked about their concerns, 50% cited beneficiaries’ financial readiness to manage inherited wealth, compared with 46% who cited market volatility.

The findings also reveal mixed expectations among younger respondents. Seventy-one percent of Gen Z respondents and 73% of Millennials believe their wealth can positively affect future generations. However, 86% and 84%, respectively, worry that it may not last beyond the next generation.

The distinction matters: leaving assets and preparing someone to manage them are separate parts of the legacy respondents envision.

Family discussions are underway

The study found that 70% of Philippine respondents have had at least some legacy-related discussions with family members. A separate communication measure found that 25% said their plans had been communicated fully.

Interest in professional guidance also exceeded reported use. Thirty-four percent had sought legacy-planning advice, while another 50% said they would like to do so in the future.

Trustworthiness and integrity ranked as the most important qualities in selecting an adviser, ahead of expert knowledge, according to the release.

Understanding the survey

Sun Life Asia conducted fieldwork in August 2026, gathering responses from 3,073 people across six markets: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

That number is the regional total. The supplied release does not state the Philippine sample size, sampling method or margin of error, so the findings should be understood as the views of surveyed respondents.

The central story is clear: education and family values sit alongside financial assets in respondents’ legacy goals. Their concerns also show that the future they hope to support depends on how well the next generation understands and manages what it receives.

The Philippine findings report is available upon request, according to Sun Life. For company information, visit Sun Life Philippines.