In the 130 years that Sun Life has stood as a beacon of hope and security in the Philippines, countless stories of determination and success have emerged. These stories have not only shaped the lives of individual clients but also strengthened the fabric of the business community across the nation. As part of Sun Life’s 130th Anniversary celebration, one inspiring entrepreneurial story takes the spotlight — Engineer Fulbert C. Woo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Iloilo Chapter.

A Chinoy Legacy of Resilience and Innovation

Engineer Fulbert C. Woo proudly carries on a Chinoy family legacy as a third-generation businessman. “I’m a third-generation businessman. It all started with my lolo,” said Engr. Woo. His grandfather initially started a bakery business, which then became a bakery when he married a Filipina. Later in life, they got into the business of medical-grade oxygen by putting up Prime Gas Iloilo.

Continuing the family’s venture into the oxygen supply industry, Engr. Woo saw the need to innovate in order to meet changing demands. Engr. Woo said, “When we took over the business from my father, it was focused on delivering oxygen in large cylinders. However, we observed the growing demand for oxygen, so we expanded our services economically to your doorstep.”

With foresight, Prime Gas invested heavily in infrastructure to better serve its clients. “We invested in equipment, such as storage tanks in each hospital. Para po yung delivery ng oxygen nila, mas magaan na po,” Engr. Woo explained. This helped in making sure that medical practitioners are easily able to get oxygen for their patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Engr. Woo’s personal mission of helping the community goes beyond providing medical oxygen. For the past three years, he has served as President of the Iloilo Chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), a non-profit, non-government organization composed of businesses and industry associations of all sizes. In this role, Engr. Woo has worked tirelessly to become the “Voice of Ilonggo Businesses,” developing programs and seminars aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to grow their small businesses.

His commitment to service also extends to youth leadership and civic engagement, having served as President of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Iloilo, where he spearheaded community projects that empowered young professionals to lead positive change.

Whether through business innovation or civic service, Engr. Fulbert Woo stands as a shining example of Chinoy resilience—honoring the legacy of those who came before him while boldly building a future for generations to come.

Overcoming Challenges with Integrity and Financial Wisdom

No entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges. Engr. Woo candidly spoke about financial hurdles, the need for continuous investment, and managing risks amidst expansion.

“There were times when banks closed [and] then, we lost our support. We faced exposure from expansion and financial concerns,” he said. “But even with these challenges, I believe in taking calculated risks, maintaining discipline, and holding on to our integrity.”

For Engr. Woo, integrity is non-negotiable — especially when dealing with clients in the healthcare industry. “You have to deliver those products based on your contract.

He added, “You supply these products to your clients, especially those who are from hospitals, and you make sure that they are of good quality.” It is this deep sense of responsibility and ethics that has earned him the trust of his clients, partners, and community.

Building a Brighter Future Together

In securing the future of his businesses and his family, Engr. Woo recognized the importance of sound financial planning. For him, Sun Life was a natural choice.

“Choosing Sun Life, we understand that we really need insurance to answer our needs,” he shared. “Sun Life’s people—the way they sell is very understandable. Anong benefits, anong lahat—very transparent po sila. And dun po namin naiintindihan kung bakit kailangan natin ng Sun Life insurance.”

He added, “Sun Life is the longest-standing and most trusted insurance company that I’ve seen in the Philippines, so I trusted Sun Life. And the people around them are also trusted and transparent with me.”

Now nearing 50, Engr. Woo is thinking ahead. “When I think about retirement planning, I ask, ‘Hanggang kelan ba tayo mag-nenegosyo?’ There is no certainty about what will happen to your business, so that retirement plan should be in place before you get [there].” He stressed the importance of planning early and not waiting for health or business challenges to arise.

“As our business grows, we might not know—maybe five years from now, it’s no longer applicable to us,” he added. “We need something that can help us sustain our presence, and retirement planning is one of the solutions.”

Through Sun Life, Engr. Woo is building a secure future—not just for himself, but for generations to come.

Lessons in Integrity and Leadership from a Father’s Wisdom

For Engr. Woo, the most valuable lessons in business were passed down from his father — lessons that continue to shape his leadership today.

“When we do business,” he recalled, “palaging sinasabi ng tatay ko, you don’t always go for the income or the profit. You check on the people who are working with you and the people that you’re supplying. They have to grow and they have to stay with you, too.”

These words became the foundation of his business philosophy: to prioritize people, foster mutual growth, and remain committed to integrity in every transaction.

Engr. Woo also highlighted the importance of understanding cultural values — particularly within the Filipino-Chinese business community — where trust and long-term relationships are vital. “My biggest lesson is trust. Learn to trust your partners, your suppliers, and your friends as well. Doing business is not just about profit; but it always also boils down to your relationships.”

As Sun Life celebrates its 130th year, stories like Engr. Woo’s reaffirms the company’s enduring mission: to be a true Partner for Life. By championing financial empowerment, cultural understanding, and a commitment to transparency, Sun Life continues to illuminate the path forward for entrepreneurs, families, and communities across generations.

Here’s to 130 years of shining brighter together.