A calm, strategic guide from your financial planner—because panic has never built wealth.

“When the economy shakes, your strategy shouldn’t.”

You’ve probably seen the headlines:

FDIs down 40.5%.

Peso at historic lows.

PSEi is hitting a 5-year slump.

Political trust is falling.

GDP forecasts downgraded.

If you’re uneasy, know that everyone else is too.

Even my most seasoned clients from Makati, BGC, California, and the Middle East are asking the same question:

“David, should I be worried about my VUL?”

And here’s the truth I tell them every single time:

Your VUL was never designed for panic. It was designed for moments exactly like this.

Let’s plan our next steps calmly, intelligently, and purposefully.

1. We're Not Pulling Out — We're Rebalancing with Precision

The fastest way to lose money is to withdraw during a downturn.

The smartest way to grow money is to rebalance during one.

When PH equities look shaky, we shift—not escape:

• Reduce local equity exposure.

• Strengthen global and bond allocations.

• Maintain a strategic stake in Philippine equities for eventual recovery.

• This way, you're protected today and positioned for gains tomorrow.

Rebalancing your Sun Life VUL Fund portfolio is a quick financial move, with changes usually taking effect within one business day. You can rebalance up to 4 times a year through fund switching. Contact your financial advisor to start the request and sign a Fund Switch Form.

Many advisors now offer digital processes, allowing you to fill out and submit the form online, making portfolio management more strategic and straightforward.

For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), digital fund switching is seamless and tailored to your needs. You need to contact your advisor and request that they allow you to sign a form. All documents can be submitted and processed remotely, ensuring your financial strategy stays on track even when you are overseas.

2. We Increase Your Global Exposure (Especially When the Peso Is Weak)

Global funds cut single-country risk by reducing exposure to local volatility and diversifying across international markets. When one market is down, others could be up, creating a balance that protects your investments. Here's the advantage most people miss:

A weak peso means Stronger gains for your dollar-denominated or global investments

Global funds help you:

• Offset local volatility

• Benefit from faster-recovering markets

• Gain exposure to world-class companies.

Global funds act as your shock absorber. As a financial advisor with 610 clients and over 700 accounts, I understand that navigating seasonal fluctuations is crucial. Replace "invest and forget" with "monitor and adjust regularly.

"To put this into practice, ask yourself: If your portfolio faced a sudden market downturn, would it hold up or need adjustments? Doing a 'black-swan drill' helps you test your assumptions. By imagining extreme scenarios, you can prepare your strategy to stay strong and flexible.

For OFWs, here's a quick example: First, identify your current asset allocations and forecast potential impacts under extreme conditions.

Next, adjust each allocation as if a downturn had happened. Finally, review the results to find weaknesses and make strategic changes. This exercise helps OFWs keep their portfolios ready for anything, maintaining financial health even in unpredictable markets.

3. We Double Down on Peso-Cost Averaging

Markets are down, but math is on your side. When prices drop, your premium buys more units. For example, if ₱10,000 bought you 80 units last year, today the same amount could buy you 120 units. More units mean bigger gains when the market rebounds.

More units =

Bigger gains when the market rebounds.

You’ve heard this before from me:

Consistency beats timing—always.

Monitor your progress to avoid unfinished goals. Audit your resources regularly.

4. No Emotional Withdrawals

Consider the story of an acquaintance who, during a downturn like this, pulled out his investments out of fear. Within months, the market rebounded and his assets regained much of their value. He regretted selling before his investments had a chance to grow. Pulling out now is like selling your condo during a typhoon.

The storm will pass.

The value will recover.

Every market cycle repeats this rhythm.

A former client withdrew funds during the downturn. I explained that the market would recover and their death benefits were guaranteed. With a VUL policy, patience is key to growth. If you want only growth, a mutual fund or UITF is a good option. VULs have monthly administration charges, and typical switching fees may apply if you exceed 4x in a year, along with fund withdrawal adjustments.

Additionally, early withdrawal could lead to penalties, which is why transparency about these costs is crucial, especially for OFW investors who value predictability in financial planning.

Unlike mutual funds, VUL offers both investment growth and life insurance protection, making it a comprehensive tool. This is why withdrawal is a poor strategy. Rebalancing is the right approach to weather the storm.

5. We Strengthen Your Safety Assets Inside the VUL

To reduce anxiety, we increase your stability layer by allocating to bond funds, global balanced funds, and money market funds.

These act as seatbelts in turbulence, keeping your ride smooth when markets hit potholes. Just as seatbelts provide safety during a bumpy car journey, these assets keep your financial journey steady and offer peace of mind during market upheavals.

Twenty years ago, fund choices were limited to just 10. Now, with Sun Life, you can choose from both local and global funds. This gives you a strong advantage in the age of the AI boom. Back then, we couldn’t access tech or the US markets.

With innovation, you can now select funds that help your value grow. For example, consider the Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund for local exposure or the US Tech Fund and Global Equity Fund for global opportunities. This range of options allows you to tailor investments to your specific growth goals.

6. We Use a Two-Bucket Approach

Because clarity reduces fear.

Bucket A: Stability

Bond funds, money market, global balanced

Bucket B: Growth

Global equities, U.S. tech, Asia ex-Japan, PH equities

This keeps your VUL clear, simple, and controlled.

An OFW client preferred stability, so we chose a 50/50 split between bond funds and money market. A local client, seeking growth and an aggressive approach, opted for global tech over Philippine equities. He was happy when his account gained a few thousand. This is always case-by-case.

Assessing a client's risk profile is key: clients should evaluate their goals, investment horizon, and comfort level with market fluctuations. Understanding these helps them make confident allocation decisions.

Remember, you work with a reputable financial advisor who can guide you by text, email, or chat.

If your advisor can't meet your standards, feel free to reach out, and I'll be happy to serve you. For OFWs, if your advisor is unavailable, you can contact our dedicated hotline or request a new advisor. This ensures that you always have the support you need to make informed decisions and confidently navigate your financial strategy.

7. Want Extra Protection? We Add Dollar Funds

With the peso struggling, dollar funds help you:

• Protect purchasing power

• Diversify currency risk

• Counter PH volatility

It’s one of the smartest moves you can make right now. For example, if the peso depreciates from ₱56 to ₱60, a ₱100 investment would shrink by 7%. A dollar fund would keep its value, showing the advantage of a currency hedge. For OFWs, this stability is crucial, especially if you live or plan to retire abroad.

VUL payouts affected by currency changes can impact your purchasing power overseas. By investing in dollar-denominated funds, you can better secure your financial future against currency drops, ensuring a more predictable payout when you need it.

Some clients prefer single-pay VUL over regular-pay VUL. It offers a clear advantage with a one-time payment, especially for those with high liquidity, like high-net-worth individuals and business owners. They can choose dollar funds easily.

The primary benefit of single-pay VUL is its convenience and immediate full funding, providing instant investment potential without ongoing payments. The drawback is the larger initial commitment.

Regular-pay VUL spreads the cost over time, making it easier to manage, but requires a long-term commitment and does not allow immediate full funding. Knowing these pros and cons helps clients make informed decisions tailored to their specific situation and strategy.

A dollar-denominated VUL invests in:

• Global equity funds (US, Europe, Asia)

• Global bond funds

• International diversified portfolios

What happens when the peso weakens?

• Your dollar value INCREASES when converted to pesos

• Even without strong market performance, your fund value grows in PHP

• You protect your portfolio from local risks.

Example: Peso depreciates from ₱56 → ₱60

Your dollar VUL grows 7% instantly in peso terms—regardless of market fluctuations.

This is why high-net-worth clients often shift to dollar funds during political or economic stress.

8. We Stick to Your Time Horizon (Not the Headlines)

Consider your VUL as a financial marathon, not a sprint. Your VUL isn’t a 1-year project. It’s a 20-year wealth strategy.

Like a marathon, it's about steady progress, pacing yourself, and not being thrown off by temporary setbacks. What happens in the next 12 months matters far less than what we build in the next 12 years.

I encouraged clients to diversify and acquire financial instruments with horizons beyond 10 years. This strengthens their portfolios; some have up to seven insurance plans, several mutual funds, and UITFs to help them weather storms, improve their lives, and live within their means.

Building your portfolio requires silence and precision.

9. Quarterly Reviews — Not Panic Monitoring

Checking markets monthly causes anxiety.

Quarterly reviews create a strategy.

I’ll watch your portfolio closely so you don’t have to.

We act on data, not emotion.

As a financial advisor, I urge regular VUL reviews. I recommend doing these quarterly to keep your strategy on track. During each review, we verify alignment with your goals, update beneficiary information, and ensure you’re meeting or exceeding the benchmark. We also address changes in the financial landscape and how they might impact your portfolio. This structured approach ensures you are supported and your investment stays resilient.

10. We Strengthen Your Safety Net Outside the VUL

Your VUL grows best when you’re never forced to touch it.

So we keep your:

• Three to six months of emergency funds are crucial for financial security. For OFWs, setting up and accessing these funds can be a challenging process. Consider maintaining an emergency fund in both the Philippines and your country of residence. This ensures you have access to funds when and where you need them. Use remittance services to transfer money home with minimal fees, and explore local banks that offer online access and international accounts. This makes managing your emergency funds easier and ensures they are available when needed.

• Cash buffers

• Short-term liquidity -

  This preserves your VUL’s long-term power.

11. Protection Remains Your Core Benefit

Regardless of market fluctuations, your insurance coverage remains strong.

That’s your family’s safety net—untouched by volatility.

Your VUL is not just an investment.

It’s protection, liquidity, growth, and legacy rolled into one.

Wealth Insights: Your VUL Strategy in One Look

Before diving into the details, take a moment to assess your readiness with this quick 10-item checklist. Are you prepared for these strategic moves?

Readiness Checklist:

1. You've planned to rebalance, not withdraw.

2. Increasing your global exposure is part of your strategy.

3. You are committed to using peso-cost averaging effectively.

4. You've strengthened your bond and balanced funds.

5. A two-bucket system is in place for clarity.

6. Dollar exposure has been considered.

7. You are following a long-term horizon, not influenced by short-term news.

8. Emergency funds are secure and untouched.

9. You trust in your protection benefits.

10. Quarterly reviews are part of your ongoing strategy, rather than emotional decision-making.

11. By ticking off these points, you can assess how well-positioned you are to maximize the benefits of your VUL strategy.

The Exclusive Angle Most Filipinos Miss

Most people focus on beating the market.

But the real winners focus on:

1. Structure

2. Tax efficiency

3. Currency protection

4. Long-term compounding

5. Strategic rebalancing

This is how high-net-worth investors grow wealth—even in unstable economies.

You Don’t Need to Navigate This Alone

Yes, the Philippines is facing challenges.

However, your VUL was designed to withstand volatility—not avoid it.

And you have me to ensure your plan stays:

1. Solid

2. Protected

3. Diversified

4. Long-term aligned

If you’re ready, we’ll refine your allocations, boost your stability layer, and let volatility work for you—not against you.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as personalized financial advice.

Investing involves risks, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Readers are encouraged to evaluate their own risk tolerance and, where necessary, consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

David Isaiah Angway, RFP®, CTEP®, CWA®, is a Registered Financial Planner, a Mutual Fund Advisor licensed by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and a Certified UITF Sales Personnel licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

As a licensed professional, he is authorized to assess a potential investor’s risk-return profile and ensure their suitability for investing in Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) before participation.

The views and opinions expressed here are based on reliable public information and professional judgment at the time of writing but do not represent the official views of any financial institution.

The author and publisher shall not be liable for any losses or damages arising from the use or reliance on this information.