Social Security System and Manulife Philippines Strengthen Financial Security for SSS Retiree and Surviving Spouse Pensioners who Availed of the SSS Pension Loan Program with Group Credit Life Insurance

Tweet

Social Security System (SSS) and Manulife Philippines have formally expanded their partnership to provide Group Credit Life Insurance coverage to pensioners who availed of the SSS Pension Loan Program, following a ceremonial contract signing held at the SSS Head Office in Diliman, Quezon City. Present at the contract signing are executives from both organizations, led by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph de Claro and Manulife Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Rahul Hora.

Manulife Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora, Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer Erwin Go, and Vice President and Head of Corporate Solutions Cheryl Asinas formalize the partnership with Social Security System President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Carlo and Executive Vice President for Investments Sector Ernesto D. Francisco, Jr.

Previously available only to 2 million retirement pensioners across the country, the expanded coverage now also includes approximately 1.2 million surviving spouse pensioners, ensuring that their financial obligations of loan borrowers are protected through comprehensive credit life insurance. This milestone marks a significant step toward strengthening financial resilience for Filipino families.

"This partnership represents our shared commitment to protect and empower our clients, especially those who rely on financial assistance to make their dreams happen, secure their families’ future, or rebuild their lives after a calamity," said Robert Joseph de Claro, President and Chief Executive Officer, Social Security System. "Through this agreement, we help ensure that our borrowers are not left vulnerable in times of unexpected loss, illness, or tragedy.”

"Expanding this partnership reflects our dedication to helping build a more inclusive financial landscape where Filipino families can access the protection they need," said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “With this initiative, we reinforce our goal of enabling more Filipinos achieve greater financial security, especially during times when support is needed most."

Strengthening financial resilience: Enhanced insurance features and benefits

The enhanced program builds on the successful implementation of the SSS Pension Loan Program (PLP), announced on Labor Day 2025, which provided accessible, low-interest loans to pensioners. With Manulife as the Group Credit Life Insurance provider from 2025 to 2026, both retirement and surviving spouse pensioners benefit from:

● Comprehensive protection: Manulife’s group credit life insurance covers outstanding loan obligations in the event of the borrower’s passing, relieving families of financial burden during difficult times.

● Inclusive coverage: The insurance now extends to surviving spouse pensioners, ensuring broader protection across the pensioner base.

● Seamless integration: The insurance is embedded within the pension loan process, with no additional steps required from members to access coverage.

Building trust through proven partnership

Manulife’s continued collaboration with SSS underscores the power of public-private partnerships in expanding the reach of social protection programs. Since the original five-year group credit life insurance contract began in August 2022, Manulife has leveraged its insurance expertise to support government initiatives that promote financial security for Filipino families, advancing its nation-building efforts.

With this landmark enhancement, Manulife builds on its 118-year legacy in the Philippines, reaffirming its role as a trusted financial partner of Filipino customers. The company continues to deliver innovative insurance solutions that meet customers’ evolving needs across all life stages.

Manulife Launches Global Longevity Institute Committing $350M by 2030 to Accelerate Progress on Lifelong Health and Financial Resilience

Tweet

●      Global research, advocacy and community investment platform created to advance innovation that will reimagine aging and lifelong well-being

●      Initial actions include new research with Milken Institute, Longevity Symposiums across global markets, and more

Manulife announced the launch of the Longevity Institute, a global platform that will seek to drive action to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. Backed by a $350 million commitment, the Longevity Institute will work to champion research, innovation, and partnerships that will help people thrive at every age.

As a global leader in life insurance, asset management, and retirement planning, Manulife is deeply invested in the health and well-being of its customers. However, the gap between how long people live (lifespan) and their quality of life (healthspan) is widening — with many spending up to 20% of their lives in poor health, and nearly 40% facing financial insecurity as they age^[1]. The Longevity Institute aims to close this gap by reimagining how people live, work, learn, and contribute throughout their lives.

“Empowering health, wealth, and longevity is central to Manulife’s bold new ambition. It aligns with our values and our commitment to the communities we operate in, and we are uniquely placed to help individuals and families navigate the growing gap between lifespan and healthspan,” said Phil Witherington, President and CEO of Manulife. “For generations now, Manulife has supported customers at every stage of life, and we see a powerful opportunity to scale our expertise and help even more people live longer, healthier, better lives. Through the Longevity Institute, we will partner with organizations that share our purpose, unlock new insights, drive innovation, and create a future where everyone can thrive—at any age.” 

The Longevity Institute will focus on igniting global research and thought leadership to better understand how people can flourish as they live longer; accelerating innovation and advocacy through initiatives that promote health, wellness, and financial readiness; and investing in community partnerships that advance knowledge, promote equity, and drive action around longevity.

Steve Finch, President & CEO, Manulife Asia said, “With the demographic shifts in Asia, where one in four people will be over the age of 60 by 2050, it's crucial to rethink traditional approaches to financial planning, health care, and workforce participation. At Manulife, we are committed to driving innovation that promotes long-term financial resilience, equitable healthy aging, and lifelong fulfillment. By supporting early-stage innovations and providing comprehensive solutions, we aim to help people live better for longer and secure their financial futures.”

Initiatives

Manulife has a long history of driving impact through programs, products, services, and community investments dating back to 1888, when Manulife gifted an ambulance to the City of Toronto—its first act of public service to help people live longer, healthier lives.

To mark the launch of the Institute and build on our long history of impact, Manulife is pleased to share new and ongoing initiatives that reflect our commitment to advancing longevity through meaningful action:

●        Partnering with the National Institute of Ageing: Manulife is supporting the National Institute on Ageing’s annual Ageing in Canada Survey, conducted in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University. This important research explores the lived experiences of Canadians aged 50+ to inform policies that promote healthy aging.

●        Partnering with the Milken Institute: Manulife has supported the Milken Institute to advance thought leadership and research on some of the most critical issues shaping longevity and the future of health. Feeding Change's work and recent policy brief highlight opportunities for strengthening resilient fruit and vegetable production and integrating food into health interventions. The Future of Aging initiative and new report, Longevity Ready: A Systems Approach to Aging Well at Home, elevates solutions enabling current and future generations to prepare for longer, healthier lives in their homes and communities.

●        Longevity Symposiums: The Manulife and John Hancock Longevity Symposiums began in Boston two years ago and are now expanding globally. Recently, Manulife Singapore and Manulife Philippines hosted inaugural events in Asia, bringing together healthcare experts, industry leaders, financial consultants, customers, and partners—to explore how people can live not just longer, but better. John Hancock will host its third Longer. Healthier. Better. Longevity Symposium in the U.S. in April 2026.

The launch of the Longevity Institute quickly follows John Hancock’s inaugural Longevity Preparedness Index — developed with MIT AgeLab, which measures how ready U.S. adults are to thrive as they age. This index will expand to cover Canada in future years and provides insights that support the need for continued longevity advancements and innovations.

Outcomes

The Longevity Institute will build upon Manulife’s existing efforts to help more than 36 million customers improve their health and wealth. This work aims to drive the following outcomes:

 

●       Health: Help people make everyday choices that support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being—through better nutrition, early detection, movement, and mental health support that fits into real life.

●     Wealth: Empower people to feel confident about their financial future, with tools, education, and support that help them weather life’s ups and downs and build lasting financial security.

A comprehensive list of the Institute’s work and partnerships to date can be found in this fact sheet. The Institute will be known as the John Hancock Longevity Institute in the United States. For more information on the Longevity Institute, and to stay up to date on the Institute’s actions, insights, and events through 2030, visit Manulife.com/Longevity.  

---

^[1] World Economic Forum

Manulife Brings Personalized Gut Health Insights to the Philippines

Tweet

Empowering Filipinos to take control of their health through science-backed innovation

Manulife is introducing a new health initiative in the Philippines that offers personalized gut microbiome screening through its collaboration with AMILI, Southeast Asia’s first microbiome insights company.

In the Philippines, this partnership is especially timely. According to the 2025 Asia Care Survey, 82% of Filipinos cite rising healthcare costs as their top concern, and many feel uncertain about their ability to maintain physical and financial well-being in the future. The screening provided by AMILI helps address these anxieties by offering science-backed, preventive care that supports better health outcomes and reduces long-term medical risks.

"At Manulife Philippines, we are focused on delivering innovative solutions that support the evolving health needs of Filipinos," said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. "This collaboration with AMILI allows us to offer a unique health experience that goes beyond traditional insurance, empowering our customers to take a proactive approach to their health."

Manulife customers in the Philippines will now be able to access a personalized gut health screening designed specifically for Asian populations. The service includes tailored nutrition recommendations and teleconsultation to help interpret results. This empowers customers to better understand their health and take preventive steps to improve immunity, brain function, heart health and overall longevity. The service also provides a meaningful way to address rising health concerns in the Philippines by showing how Manulife delivers on its promise to support longer, healthier lives—through early detection, personalized care, and preventive action that can help reduce long-term healthcare costs for individuals and the system

"Our goal is to be a true partner in our customers' health journey—not just by helping them prepare financially, but also by giving them access to tools, services, and support for prevention, care, and overall well-being," said Grace Mallabo, Chief Health and Product Officer, Manulife Philippines. "By integrating personalized health insights into our offerings, we are helping Filipinos make informed decisions and improve their quality of life."

AMILI’s screening leverages the region’s largest multi-ethnic gut microbiome database, delivering insights that support digestive health, immunity, mental well-being, and chronic disease prevention.

"We’re proud to support Manulife’s customers in the Philippines with actionable, science-backed health insights," said Dr. Jeremy Lim, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, AMILI. "This partnership is a step forward in making predictive, preventive care more accessible across Southeast Asia."

This initiative in the Philippines is an expansion of the First-in-Asia Gut Microbiome Screening collaboration between Manulife and AMILI, launched in 2024 in Singapore. It is part of Manulife’s broader strategy to support health and longevity through value-added offerings across Asia, helping customers take control of their health in meaningful ways.

Details on the collaboration between Manulife Philippines and AMILI can be accessed at https://www.manulife.com.ph/services/manulife-move.html.

Cebuana Lhuillier Reinforces Mental Health Support through ₱10-Million MindCare Coverage for NCMH

Tweet

Cebuana Lhuillier, through its insurance arm Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc. (CLIB), is reinforcing its commitment to championing mental health and financial inclusion with the turnover of ₱10 million worth of insurance coverage under its MindCare initiative to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH).The insurance coverage will be distributed nationwide, providing accessible protection to individuals and communities in need of mental health support.

Atty. Isagani Acosta (5th from right), General Manager of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers (CLIB), leads the turnover of ₱10 million worth of insurance coverage under Cebuana Lhuillier’s MindCare Program to National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Executive Committee, headed by Dr. Noel V. Reyes (9th from left), Medical Center Chief II.

The initiative aligns with the celebration of World Mental Health Day and reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to address the growing need for mental health awareness and accessible protection.

“Through MindCare, we are extending our advocacy of financial inclusion to encompass mental health,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier. “We believe that empowerment is achieved when Filipinos are both financially secure and emotionally resilient. By partnering with the NCMH, we aim to make mental health protection more accessible to all Filipinos, wherever they may be.”

Developed by CLIB, MindCare is an innovative insurance product designed to provide coverage for mental health consultations and treatments. It demonstrates Cebuana Lhuillier’s broader commitment to developing inclusive financial solutions that address relevant social concerns and promote the overall well-being of Filipinos.

According to Atty. Isagani Acosta, General Manager of CLIB, MindCare exemplifies the company’s dedication to making insurance more inclusive and responsive. “Our objective at CLIB is to offer innovative insurance products that meet the evolving needs of our clients. MindCare recognizes the importance of mental health as a key component of a person’s well-being and ensures that support is available to those who need it most,” he said.

The ₱10-million coverage turnover to the NCMH highlights the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in promoting mental health. As the country’s primary institution for mental health care, NCMH will oversee the nationwide distribution of the insurance coverage, allowing more individuals to benefit from essential mental health services.

Dr. Noel Reyes, Medical Chief of the NCMH, expressed appreciation for the partnership, stating, “We are grateful for Cebuana Lhuillier’s support and commitment to mental health. Partnerships like this help strengthen our capacity to reach more Filipinos and promote greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues. This initiative is a meaningful step toward a more compassionate and supportive society.”

Through initiatives such as MindCare, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to lead in providing innovative and inclusive insurance solutions. The company remains steadfast in its mission to empower every Filipino with access to financial protection and mental wellness resources that contribute to a stronger, more resilient nation.

AXA Philippines clinches double win at 2025 Insurance Asia Awards

Tweet

As one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, AXA Philippines took home a significant double victory at the 2025 Insurance Asia Awards, winning Health Insurance Initiative of the Year for its superior critical illness plan, Health Max Elite and International General Insurer of the Year for its expansive general insurance solutions, including the AXA Smart Traveller, which was also recently recognized with a Platinum Seal by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2024. These back-to-back accolades underscore AXA’s stronghold as a trusted, innovative, and all-around insurance provider, protecting over a million Filipinos through accessible, relevant, and customer-first products.

The Insurance Asia Awards recognizes the best of the best in Asia’s insurance industry, celebrating insurance companies that rise above market challenges while delivering customer satisfaction and sustainable growth. AXA’s double recognition underscores its leadership in both life and general insurance, driven by standout initiatives such as first-in-market health coverage, award-winning travel protection, and strategic partnerships that make insurance more accessible to every Filipino.

Evolving View on Longevity: For Filipinos, Quality of Life Outweighs Lifespan - Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025

Tweet

 

●        Survey of 1,000 consumers in the Philippines shows Filipinos value independence, quality of life, and purpose over longer life spans.

●        Despite rising health concerns, especially among those aged 25-34, most Filipinos surveyed do not take sufficient preventive health actions.

●        Amid widening retirement savings gap, Filipinos see the link between finances and health but remain underprepared for retirement.

●        Many Filipinos place excessive reliance on cash as a placeholder investment, increasing the risk that they might outlive their savings in the face of potential longer life expectancy.

A shift in how Filipinos view longevity is emerging, as they prioritize quality of life more than simply living longer as they age, according to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025: "Embracing Longevity: Enjoying a Better Life." The comprehensive study, which surveyed 1,000 Filipinos, revealed that only 13% of respondents chose living a longer life as their top wish when they consider their older years, while 26% prioritize financial independence and 17% value staying physically, mentally, and socially active.

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which ran in January and February, explored attitudes around how the region views longevity, as global life expectancies continue to rise.

Among those who value quality of life over lifespan, the respondents’ desired lifespan averages 69 years—below the national life expectancy, which is projected to reach 73.2 by 2050—suggests a preference for a life of purpose, vigor, and independence over sheer longevity.

“Filipinos are redefining what it means to live a good life,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “They are no longer focused solely on longevity. Instead, they want to live better—with freedom, dignity, and the ability to enjoy life on their own terms. This shift challenges us to rethink how we support them—not just with insurance, but with holistic solutions that enhance their quality of life.”

Health concerns continue to rise, especially among younger Filipinos

The survey also revealed that health issues are a growing concern, particularly among Filipinos aged 25-34. Nearly 44% of respondents reported experiencing physical or mental health problems that affect their daily lives. Despite this, most Filipinos surveyed are not taking enough preventive action.

On average, more than half of the survey respondents engage in only 5 out of 17 recommended preventive health measures that can support a longer, healthier life. Critical indicators of long-term health—such as muscle mass and oxygen uptake—are monitored by just 16% of participants. These metrics are scientifically linked to longevity and overall vitality yet remain largely overlooked.

Despite this, 74% believe their current health habits are sufficient to protect their health as they age.

“There is a clear gap between awareness and action. Filipinos understand the importance of health, but many are not taking the necessary steps to protect it,” added Hora. “This disconnect could lead to long-term vulnerabilities, which will be challenging to address later in life. To bridge this gap, we encourage Filipinos to take more proactive steps, such as scheduling regular check-ups, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, to help safeguard their overall health and well-being.”

Filipinos face a retirement savings gap

The survey also highlighted the strong relationship between financial stability and health outcomes. A significant 80% of respondents believe that their financial well-being directly affects how long they can remain physically healthy. Similarly, 76% say it impacts their mental health and emotional resilience.

 However, despite this awareness, the average retirement savings among Filipinos is only PHP 630,000—16% of the PHP 3.85 million they estimate they will need to retire comfortably.

“Filipinos recognize that wealth and health are deeply connected,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines. “However, their current savings and investment behaviors do not necessarily reflect this awareness. The gap between what they have saved and what they will need could compromise their ability to live independently and with dignity in later years.”

Retirement planning: A shift in priorities, but gaps remain

When it comes to preparing for retirement, cash remains king for many Filipinos. The survey found that 66% view keeping their money in cash or fixed deposits as one of their top 2 priorities, while 51% express they want to invest in property. However, more than half (54%) also expressed a desire for steady income streams during retirement—something that cash-heavy portfolios may not be able to provide, especially in the face of inflation and rising healthcare costs.

“We are seeing a shift in how Filipinos think about retirement,” Gaspar noted. “While they are starting to realize that relying solely on property or savings may not be enough, many still hold excessive cash, which raises their longevity risk or the risk that they might outlive their savings, particularly in the face of potential longer life expectancy.

Gaspar added, “At Manulife Investments, we empower Filipinos to create more holistic wealth portfolios by giving them diverse and affordable investment choices, which they can use as building blocks to mobilize their savings, receive recurring income streams and achieve financial independence throughout their lifetime. Today, Filipinos can choose from our suite of 22 unit investment trust funds (UITFs), including six income-paying UITFs, spanning multi-asset, fixed income, equity and real estate investment trusts (REITs) asset classes that can be accessed for as little as Php1,000.”

The value of professional financial advice is also evident in the data: 70% of those who work with financial planners believe they will have enough funds for retirement, compared to only 38% of those without such guidance.

Supporting Filipinos’ fresh definition of Longevity

As Philippine life expectancy continues to increase in the coming years, the need for comprehensive health and wealth planning becomes critical.

"The message from Filipinos is clear—they want to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and have the financial freedom to do what matters to them," Hora concluded. "At Manulife, we are committed to evolving our products and services to support this vision. That means offering solutions that go beyond medical and critical illness coverage to address health protection needs and offering investment options that can provide reliable income streams for a better, more fulfilling life.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resources:

●     Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 - https://www.manulife.com.ph/about-us/manulife-studies/asia-care-survey/2025/top-wish-of-filipinos-in-golden-years.html

●     National life expectancy - https://population.un.org/wpp/

Pru Life UK tops the life insurance industry in 2024

Tweet

The insurer achieved Php 9.8 billion in new business premiums, ahead of its closest competitor by 8.87%

Pru Life UK continues to lead the Philippine life insurance industry, achieving the highest New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) of Php 9.8 billion in full year 2024 according to the latest Insurance Commission report. The company stayed strong with its 33% quarter-on-quarter growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, widening the gap to 8.87% compared to its nearest competitor. In particular, Pru Life UK is strong in Premium Income from Variable Life Insurance with a total of Php 46.1 billion and Renewal Premium Income from Variable Life Insurance reaching Php 36.2 billion.

This performance demonstrates Pru Life UK's commitment to protecting more Filipino families through innovative insurance solutions that cater to their evolving needs and the high level of trust customers place in the company. Recently, Pru Life UK introduced PRUMillion Flex, a limited-offer investment-linked insurance plan with a short two-year payment period, and PRUFlexi Income Fund, which provides potential monthly payouts from global investments. These new offerings address the growing demand for wealth-building options, giving Filipinos more ways to secure their financial future.

Francis Ortega, Pru Life UK's Chief Finance Officer shares, “Being the industry leader in new business premiums underscores our commitment to being Filipinos’ partner for every life and protector for every future. We are grateful to our nearly 1 million policyholders for their trust and to our dedicated agency force—the largest in the country with over 39,000 agents allowing us to expand our market reach. With their support, we will continue providing innovative and accessible insurance solutions to protect more Filipino families.”

A testament to Pru Life UK’s commitment is its Takaful journey aiming to protect a huge unserved Muslim Filipino population. It was recently granted the country’s first Takaful (Islamic insurance) operator license by the Insurance Commission. This milestone addresses a long-standing gap for Shari’ah-compliant insurance in the Philippines1, ensuring that over seven million Muslim Filipinos have access to financial protection that aligns with their faith. Pru Life UK's Takaful product will be available soon.

As Pru Life UK celebrates its 29th year in the Philippines in 2025, the company commits to introducing innovative insurance solutions that cater to the unique and evolving needs of Filipinos, helping them achieve their life, health, and wealth goals.

Know more about the leading life insurer at www.prulifeuk.com.ph

[1] Filipino Muslims seek more Shari’ah-compliant options

Pru Life UK partners with Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines for Islamic financial promotion and education

Tweet

Following its receipt of Takaful operator license, Pru Life UK is partnering with Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP) to promote Islamic finance and Takaful through financial education and capacity-building initiatives and help expand reach of financial inclusion to more Filipino communities, primarily in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

(L-R) Maricel Estavillo,Vice President for Government Relations & Sustainability; Hon. Amilbahar P. Amilasan, Jr. Chairman and CEO, Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP); Undersecretary Renato Reside, Department of Finance; Dean Jukipli Wadi, Pru Life UK Shariah Committee Chairman; Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations & Sustainability Officer; and Imelda Tarhata F. Macarambon, Chief Operating Officer, Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP)

Takaful, a Shariah-compliant form of insurance, means joint guarantee. It is founded on cooperative arrangement and aligns with the principles of mutuality and solidarity.

“Pru Life UK’s Takaful journey is driven by our commitment to social inclusion, aiming to provide financial protection to more Filipino families. We are excited to collaborate with AAIIBP on financial education and capacity-building to help address the need to fill in the gap in financial education especially for Muslim communities, shares Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK’s Chief Legal, Government Relations and Sustainability.

Pru Life UK is preparing to introduce an insurance product, subject to regulatory approval that is compliant with Shariah rules and principles, in support of the Philippine government’s financial inclusion thrust, and help Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos achieve financial security.

AAIIBP is the first Islamic bank in the country with the mandate to promote and accelerate socio-economic development through banking, financing and participating in agricultural, commercial and industrial ventures based on the concept of Islamic banking.

“As the country’s first Islamic bank, AAIIBP is committed to advancing financial inclusion through Shariah-compliant solutions. The partnership with Pru Life UK on financial education and capacity building is a significant milestone in our efforts to uplift Muslim communities and empower them to become key contributors to the nation’s progress. We are eager to witness the positive impact this collaboration will bring,” said AAIIBP’s Chairman & CEO Amilbahar Amilasan, Jr.

This collaboration between Pru Life UK and AAIIBP is a promising step towards a more inclusive and financially resilient Philippines.

Part of Pru Life UK’s Takaful journey is the roll out of community investment and engagement initiatives. In October 2024, the insurer launched the “Adopt-a-Madrasah Programme, covering over 450 students and teachers from three community madrasahs in Bangkal, Davao City. Pru Life UK targets to expand the reach of this programme and launch financial education sessions in key sites across the country especially in Mindanao this year.

For updates on Takaful initiatives, please visit https://www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/Takaful.

Policymate offers dengue insurance amidst rising cases

Tweet

Lessen worries during the rainy seasons and have dengue symptoms all covered

The rainy season has begun in the Philippines, which means Filipinos need to be more mindful of dengue symptoms that might arise. There has been a boost in dengue cases this 2024, with a 68% increase in comparison to 2023. Given the uptrend, it has become more crucial to be mindful of possible dengue symptoms, such as high fevers, severe migraines, and body pain.

Advanced Abilities’ online insurance platform, Policymate, is offering Dengue Insurance with Select DengueGuard Medical Insurance by Pacific Cross. This provides PHP 10,000 worth of coverage for in-patient and out-patient treatments.

“With the rising dengue cases, it’s very pressing now to be prepared for whatever symptoms you may experience. We’re pleased to share this opportunity and support Filipinos in their times of need with our dengue insurance coverage on Policymate. Sudden illness can be alarming, and with our offerings, we hope to ease our clients’ worries,” says Angelo Antonio “AA” Buendia, CEO and President of Advanced Abilities.

Aside from Dengue Insurance, Policymate also offers a holistic array of Medical Insurance options from Pacific Cross to suit a variety of emergencies. Users may opt to avail of more than one type of policy in order to gain more coverage, which may vary from emergency medical conditions, COVID treatment, and even post-hospitalization medication coverage.

For instance, a client confined for dengue may purchase the Select DengueGuard policy, then on top of that, they may also purchase Select Assist in order to boost coverage for their final hospital bill. This way, clients may also maximize different benefits from the two products.

With Policymate’s user-friendly platform and interface, users are able to browse and select their preferred Medical Insurance policy as needed. This hassle-free process makes filing for claims and tracking updates as easy as possible, with insurance coverage being made accessible for all Filipinos.

“One of our goals has always been to bring modern services to Filipinos all over the country,” shares Buendia. “With Policymate, anyone can easily purchase the insurance policy they need and treat their illnesses as immediately as possible.”

Policymate also provides options for Travel Insurance, Accident Insurance, Property Insurance, Automobile Insurance, and Pet Insurance. For more information, visit Policymate’s official website at https://mypolicymate.com, as well as Policymate on Facebook. For more information on Advanced Abilities and further updates, check out https://advabilities.com/ and follow their Facebook Page.

Pru Life UK wins Four Golden Arrow award for corporate governance excellence

Tweet

Strengthening leadership in the insurance sector by upholding regulatory standards

Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance, Pru Life UK received the coveted Four Golden Arrow award from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) at the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) Golden Arrow Awards recognition ceremony held on 19 September in Pasay City. The leading life insurer earned 119 points in the 2023 ACGS assessment, a marked improvement from the company’s scores in previous years.

In photo: Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK Senior Vice President & Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer (1st from right), together with independent board member Ida Tiongson (3rd from left), received the four Golden Arrows recognition from the Institute of Corporate Directors during the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard Golden Arrow Awards.

To encourage companies to exceed local regulatory requirements and adopt higher standards of corporate governance, the ACGS evaluates companies on key governance aspects, including shareholder rights, fair treatment, stakeholder engagement, transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of the board, while benchmarking against international best practices.

Accepting the award for the company is Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer, Atty. Paul Mandal, who called the recognition “a proud moment” for Pru Life UK.

“[This recognition] reflects our unwavering commitment to corporate governance,” Atty. Mandal explained. “As we continue to align with regulatory standards, we are excited to lead the way in promoting transparency and inclusivity in the Philippine insurance sector, ensuring we deliver the best possible service to our customers,” he added.

Additionally, Pru Life UK strives to make insurance more inclusive by constantly innovating and developing new products to serve the financial protection needs of all Filipinos. A new area that the company is currently exploring is Takaful or Islamic insurance, which is aligned with the priorities of the Insurance Commission (IC) and the national government. Pru Life UK targets to become the first insurer to launch Takaful in the country, reinforcing its commitment to address the diverse needs of Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos alike.

Pru Life UK has been a consistent Golden Arrow awardee for eight consecutive years. This achievement underscores the company’s proactive response to evolving regulatory standards set by the IC.

As Pru Life UK celebrates this recognition, the company reaffirms its pledge to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and regulatory compliance, ensuring it remains a trusted and responsible partner for its policyholders, shareholders, and the communities it serves.

Building Filipino resilience through health and financial security

Tweet

In a country often impacted by natural disasters, resilience has become a way of life. These days, however, having a resilient mindset is not enough as having the right mitigation and adaptation tools can spell a difference in one’s ability to bounce back from adversity.

Health protection ensures access to essential medical treatments without financial stress, which is crucial after natural disasters when health risks, like infectious diseases, often arise.

Financial security provides the necessary support to manage unexpected expenses, allowing families to focus on recovery.

“Building resilience involves more than having a resilient mindset; it’s about being prepared and equipped with sufficient instruments to overcome life’s difficulties, including health and financial challenges. Having a proactive mindset can help families cope better with setbacks,” shares Maricel Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Vice President for Government Relations & Sustainability.

In support of this advocacy to adopt a proactive approach, Pru Life UK has been growing its pool of affordable and accessible life insurance products designed to reduce financial burden and enhance health protection during times of crisis and more so during natural disasters or disease outbreaks:

●        PRUDengue MedCare and PRUDengue MedCare Pro provide financial assistance upon dengue diagnosis.

●        PRUMedCare – Select Infectious Diseases offers broader coverage, including protection against a range of infectious diseases namely Dengue, Typhoid, Measles, and Malaria.

●        PRUWellness and PRUShield both provide hospitalisation coverage. PRUWellness covers dread diseases, surgical expenses, and death of the life insured. On the other hand, PRUShield covers injuries, illnesses, and death.  

●        PRUPersonal Accident, a yearly renewable insurance, provides financial support in the event of injury or death due to unforeseen events.

“Shaping a fully prepared society that embraces a new approach to resilience requires collective effort. Pru Life UK contributes through simple and accessible insurance solutions to provide financial protection for many Filipino families,” shared Garen Dee, Pru Life UK’s Chief Product Officer. 

Championing community-based financial education 

Beyond making affordable health and life insurance products available, Pru Life UK educates communities on the importance of financial preparedness and security. 

In 2023, Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation partnered with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation for Project Padayon Bantayan Island, Cebu. The project aimed to help uplift lives through training and development programmes focused on health, employment, and disaster preparedness. 

Pru Life UK employees and agent volunteers helped conduct community education sessions on financial management, empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises, employment, family health and nutrition, women's health, disaster risk preparedness and management, and climate change resilience. 

Community-based climate and financial education sessions were also conducted in Lian, Batangas for women farmers during the Wais sa Pera si Juana financial literacy session; Taytay, Palawan for mothers; and Mandaluyong city for the beneficiaries of its Solo Parent programme. 

"These learning sessions are part of our commitment to being the most trusted partner and protector of Filipino families. We especially want to help families from disadvantaged backgrounds better manage their finances to build long-term resilience,” Estavillo further shares.

As communities across the Philippines continue to face and recover from various challenges, resilience is not just about having the mindset to endure hardships but also about being able to recover fast and move forward. This strength is built through preparation, education, health protection, and financial security that can empower Filipinos to better navigate adversity and emerge stronger.

For more information about Pru Life UK, visit https://www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/.

Unlock business opportunities with Pru Life UK’s BYB sessions

Tweet

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK amplifies its recruitment efforts with continued Build Your Business (BYB) sessions this June. Online and in-person gatherings led by Pru Life UK invites like-minded and ambitious individuals to join and start their journey with the trusted industry leader.

Designed to explore the essentials of starting and growing a business with Pru Life UK, these BYB sessions aim to empower and support aspiring financial advisors. Participants will learn from seasoned financial advisors who will share success stories and tips on building a long-lasting and financially stable business.

Through these, Pru Life UK seeks to expand its 38,000-strong agency force and enjoin more individuals in its mission to protect the financial well-being of Filipinos and their families.

 Build Your Business (BYB) schedules and locations for the month of June

This June, BYB sessions will be held in Metro Manila (Makati, Ortigas, QC), South (Alabang, Lipa), North (Baguio, Bulacan), and VisMin (Cebu, CDO, Davao, Tacloban). Additionally, virtual sessions are accessible and open to all.

Pru Life UK will also hold weekly Facebook Live Q&A sessions every Thursday in June (13th, 20th and 27th) at 7:00 p.m., where invited speakers can address more specific concerns and curiosities and offer a glimpse into the world of financial advisors.

Through these interactive initiatives, Pru Life UK reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next wave of financial advisors. A frontrunner in the industry, Pru Life UK recorded the highest New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) as of 31 March 2024, according to the Insurance Commission.

Seeking a meaningful and rewarding business opportunity? Visit bit.ly/JoinPRU2024 to join Pru Life UK's BYB sessions.

Pru Life UK employees continue to take part in life-saving initiative

Tweet

Pru Life UK’s commitment to supporting communities goes beyond financial education and inclusion. The leading life insurer also advocates health and safety protection, especially for families in need. In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, Pru Life UK employees are engaged in blood donation drives, contributing to a safe and quality blood supply for the Filipino community.

Pru Life UK employees at the blood donation drive with the Philippine Red Cross

The blood donation drive has been an integral part of Pru Life UK's community investment programs since 2016. To date, close to 500 [MFA1] bags of life-saving blood have been donated by PRU employees and agents. Sustainability Changemakers, Pru Life UK’s volunteerism program, engages its people to take part in supporting communities in need.

Pru Life UK Employee Blood Drive Jonel Yulas

“My younger brother needed to get immediate surgery during pandemic. Imagine the feeling of being helpless with hospitals saying no to my brother's surgery. People experience this most of the time, so I want to help even with the simple gesture of donating blood. Since then, I've donated four times through Pru Life UK's employee blood donation initiative. More than just donating, bloodletting reminds me of how fragile life is and that we should take care of our health in any way we can.” PRULifer Jonel Yulas shared following the company’s recent blood donation drive.

The activity is the first of three[HDLA2] [MFA3] [HA4] [HDLA5] planned legs for the blood donation drive this 2024. Know more about Pru Life UK’s community investment initiatives at www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/corporate-social-responsibility/

[MFA1]471 exact number per Hannah

[HDLA2]Confirmed for this year.

[MFA3]Changed the last sentence to be a CTA to website @Hannah Desiree L. Aman

[HA4]@Maria Feliza Agodon website page still needs to be updated, reco to remove

[HDLA5]This is a local program. PF was not directly involved.