Manulife Philippines, CanCham Convene Leaders to Strengthen the Country’s Care Ecosystem

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●        Government, private sector, and healthcare leaders gathered to pursue a whole-of-society approach and chart actions from screening to survivorship at CanCham’s General Membership Meeting.

●        Focus areas included prevention, early detection, digital health solutions, sustainable financing, and scaling HPV vaccinations and other interventions.

(L-R) Atty. JV Salud (Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Manulife Philippines), Dr. Ramy Roxas (Chief Operating Officer, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital), and Rahul Hora (President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines)

At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ General Membership Meeting, held in cooperation with Manulife, leaders aligned on integrating cancer care systems and adopting a whole-of-society approach to help Filipinos live healthier lives and secure stronger financial futures.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CanCham) held its General Membership Meeting (GMM) at Ayala North Exchange in Makati Central Business District on February 11, with the theme “Strengthening the Philippines’ Cancer Care Ecosystem.”  As one of the longest-serving Canadian businesses in the country, Manulife Philippines supported the gathering as the official event partner, bringing together government, private sector, and healthcare leaders to address one of the Philippines’ most pressing health challenges.

Cancer remains a significant challenge for Filipino families. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, cancer was among the three leading causes of death among Filipinos for the first eight months of 2024, while the Manulife’s Asia Care Survey shows it remains one of the most feared diseases among Filipinos. These concerns are compounded by systemic barriers to care: financial constraints and limited access to screening mean many patients are diagnosed only at later stages, when treatment is more complex and costly.

Geographic disparities further exacerbate the problem, with Filipinos outside Metro Manila facing fewer options for timely and specialized care. As a result, the heavy burden of out-of-pocket expenses places tremendous strain on families already navigating the emotional and physical toll of a cancer diagnosis.

"For too long, a cancer diagnosis in this country was whispered like a death sentence, not just biologically, but financially. It was a 'catastrophic' illness in every sense of the word, capable of wiping out a lifetime of savings in a single treatment cycle," said Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary, Department of Health. "But (today), I am here to tell you that the narrative is changing. Under the banner of Universal Health Care and our 8-Point Action Agenda, we are moving from a position of fear to a position of 'readiness.' A Cancer-Ready Philippines is a nation where the quality of your care is determined by the urgency of your need, not the weight of your wallet."

"Cancer is a formidable foe, but it is not invincible. We are building a healthcare system that is inclusive, proactive, and, above all, deeply human," Herbosa added.

The GMM focused on several critical areas, including strengthening prevention programs, advancing digital health solutions for early detection, developing financing models that make cancer care more accessible, and scaling human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations and other interventions. The event featured talks examining the DOH’s priorities and the role of private sector partners in expanding cancer care access.

To help address the growing impact of cancer, Manulife is strengthening its focus on longevity, prevention, and financial protection.  In 2025, Manulife launched its global Longevity Institute, a platform for research, innovation, thought leadership, advocacy, and partnerships. The Institute is backed by a CA$350 million investment through 2030 to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. Here in the country, Manulife Philippines also recently partnered with AC Health on cancer prevention and care programs, reinforcing its commitment to help Filipinos prepare for the risks of critical illness. This commitment is underscored by a recent study showing that 41% of medical spending is out of pocket and 33% of Filipinos feel their health insurance coverage is insufficient.

“We at Manulife are on a mission to make decisions easier, and lives better for our customers, and we know that cancer and other diseases are a challenge to these. That’s why we remain deeply committed to respond with urgency and compassion,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By working with likeminded collaborators such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, fellow businesses and organizations, and with the support from the Department of Health, we can build a future where our kababayans do not face a cancer diagnosis with fear and financial uncertainty, but with hope, support, and access to the right care.”

With a history of 119 years of serving Filipino customers’ evolving health and protection needs, Manulife Philippines supports a whole-of-society approach to understanding the patient journey in cancer care. This means recognizing the different dimensions of their condition and the support that they need: from awareness and early detection to access to healthcare and treatment, strong financial protection, emotional and psychological care, and continuity of care across all stages.

“CanCham is mobilizing our network and convening our member-organizations to align employers, insurers, and health innovators around early detection, digital pathways, and sustainable financing, so patients are guided from diagnosis to survivorship,” said Christopher Ilagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. “The collaboration between Canada and the Philippines, with private sector leadership from companies like Manulife, demonstrates our shared commitment to addressing one of the country’s most urgent healthcare needs.”

 

  

Resources:

●     Philippine Statistics Authority - https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/heartbreaking-numbers-understanding-the-philippines-leading-causes-of-death

●     Manulife’s Asia Care Survey - https://www.manulife.com.ph/about-us/thought-leadership/asia-care-survey/2024/physical-and-mental-well-being.html

●     Manulife Longevity Institute - https://www.manulife.com/ca/en/about-us/longevity-institute

●     In Wellness and In Health study - https://www.manulife.com.ph/about-us/manulife-studies/in-wellness-and-in-health.html

Manulife Philippines Continues to Advance Impact Agenda with Sustainability and Community Efforts

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   ●      In 2025, Manulife Philippines planted more than 10,000 native trees and reached nearly 2,000 new Peso Smart learners through community‑led partnerships.

● Sustained coastal and terrestrial restoration programs, in collaboration with Haribon Foundation, strengthened local ecosystems and supported livelihoods in Luzon island.

●    Manulife’s Season of Giving mobilized colleagues across the country to donate and volunteer for the causes that matter most to them, with the company matching individual colleague donations dollar‑for‑dollar up to CA$1,000.

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading financial services provider Manulife, continues to advance its Impact Agenda, the company’s global commitment to drive better outcomes for its customers, communities, and the planet, with various volunteering and community efforts spread throughout the past year.

To cap 2025’s initiatives, Manulife executives, volunteers, and beneficiaries came together for sustained reforestation efforts, advancing environmental restoration and financial education across communities. Manulife’s annual Season of Giving campaign also empowered its colleagues to support causes meaningful to them through personal donations and volunteerism.

A Year of Environmental and Community Impact

In 2025, Manulife Philippines further advanced its contributions to a healthier planet and community development by planting more than 10,000 native trees covering four hectares of terrestrial and coastal areas. To date, it has planted 31,250 trees across terrestrial and coastal reforestation projects in partnership with Haribon Foundation, local communities, and through the efforts of colleague-volunteers.

 Manulife Philippines colleague volunteers participate in a seedling preparation activity in Rizal province.

Seedling Preparation: 

Through the Seedling Nursery Activity, Manulife Philippines colleague volunteers prepared 1,000 native tree seedlings at a nursery site in Sto. Niño, Rizal in February. The activity was conducted in partnership with Haribon Foundation alongside KAT-MAGAT Tourism and Farmers Association and Sto. Niño Integrated School, supporting reforestation efforts that benefit more than 200 households in the community. Planting these prepared seedlings will commence in 2026, covering eight hectares of forest in the Sierra Madre mountain range.

In 2025, Manulife Philippines expanded its partnership with Haribon Foundation to include planting mangroves in Quezon province.

Mangrove Planting: 

To support coastal restoration efforts that protect shorelines and local fishing communities, Manulife partnered with Haribon Foundation and the community of Alitas Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (AFFA). These mangrove planting efforts will benefit more than 200 households in Infanta, Quezon. The program has established a dedicated mangrove seedling nursery that aims to produce a total of 15,000 seedlings by the end of 2027.

Terrestrial Planting: 

Manulife’s flagship terrestrial restoration site in Real, Quezon, has planted 10 hectares in partnership with Haribon Foundation with the support of the communities in Brgy. Tanuan Farmer’s Association (BATAFA) and Samahan ng Katutubong Dumagat ng Real, Quezon Inc. The restoration efforts benefit nearly 10,000 households in Brgy. Maragondon in Real.

To date, more than 4,900 Filipino learners have completed the Peso Smart program.

Financial Literacy: 

In collaboration with the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation, Manulife's Peso Smart program reached s new learners across 18 public elementary schools nationwide in 2025. The award-winning financial literacy program equips young Filipinos with essential financial skills such as saving, budgeting, and investing, while connecting financial literacy. To date, more than 4,900 Filipino learners have completed the Peso Smart program, which Manulife Philippines pioneered in 2017.

 Volunteers from Manulife Business Processing Service participate in a volunteering activity.

Bayanihan Festival: 

Manulife Business Processing Services (MBPS), the global shared services center of Manulife, held its inaugural Bayanihan Festival in November 2025. Inspired by the Filipino spirit of community and collaboration, MBPS partnered with Rise Against Hunger Philippines, Waves for Water Philippines, and Reach Out and Feed Philippines for initiatives such as Project Baon to address food insecurity and micronutrient deficiency among Filipino children and humanitarian efforts in disaster-hit Cebu province. There, MBPS mobilized colleague-volunteers and dispensed 2,000 relief kits, 5,000 hot meals, and engaged Manulife’s global colleagues to donate to relief efforts, matching donations dollar-for-dollar.

Volunteers from Manulife IT Delivery Center teach young learners about coding.

Code4Future: 

Manulife IT Delivery Center (MITDC), the fintech arm of Manulife, organized two Code4Future learning sessions in 2025. The sessions, which aim to empower children through coding and creativity, drew 73 young learners and more than 80 MITDC colleague-volunteers. The program aimed to spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving skills while showcasing how technology can fuel creativity.

 Manulife Philippines also unveiled in its newly opened agency office at the Ayala North Exchange the mural called “From Trash to Tree-sure.”

From Trash to Tree-sure:

Manulife Philippines also unveiled in its newly opened agency office at the Ayala North Exchange the mural called “From Trash to Tree-sure,” a unique centerpiece embodying the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices and innovation. The mural was crafted from 18.35 kilos of old Manulife t-shirts from past team events, 9.85 kilos of repurposed tarpaulins, and 56.6 kilos of used beverage cartons. It was built by Manulife financial advisors and colleague-volunteers in collaboration with sustainability-focused interior design firm JunkNot, through its Trash Innovation Exchange for Upcycling Project.

Manulife Global Chief Marketing Officer Karen Leggett joins Manulife Philippines colleague volunteers in a seedling preparation activity.

To close Impact Agenda efforts in 2025, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Karen Leggett, joined colleague-volunteers from Manulife Philippines, Manulife China Bank Life, and Manulife Investments Philippines along with Peso Smart Pinay graduates from Quezon City and Peso Smart teachers from the San Miguel Elementary School in Pasig to prepare 200 native tree seedlings for terrestrial planting in Tanay, Rizal in 2026.

"Taking part in volunteer opportunities like this seedling activity underscores our commitment to supporting communities and championing sustainability through hands-on action," said Leggett. "Each seedling we plant is a tangible promise to restore forests, protect vital ecosystems, and unlock new opportunities for Filipino communities to thrive. By coming together with partners and volunteers, we are not only cultivating a safer, more resilient future, but also inspiring lasting change for generations to come. We stand united in our mission to transform intent into impact—a testament to the power of collective action."

Colleague-Driven Impact

  Season of Giving campaign reflect Manulife Philippines' continued commitment to the communities it serves.

In 2025, Manulife colleagues in the Philippines registered more than 13,000 volunteering hours through their participation in different Impact Agenda initiatives. This was further amplified in Manulife’s global Season of Giving campaign, where colleagues are encouraged to donate to charities and volunteer with community organizations of their choice.

Manulife matches colleagues’ donations dollar-for-dollar up to CA$1,000 in Asia during the Season of Giving, which ran from November to December. This matching mechanism transforms individual generosity into a collective, deep impact across markets. The company also recognizes volunteer hours for any of the colleagues’ chosen initiatives, ensuring that colleagues can support causes of personal significance.

"Filipinos entrust us with their financial futures, and that trust comes with a clear responsibility to invest back in meaningful and lasting ways,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. "The Season of Giving puts this belief into action. We know meaningful change starts with personal commitment, so we take pride in empowering our people to champion the causes that matter most to them.”

Initiatives like Peso Smart, reforestation projects, and Season of Giving campaign reflect Manulife Philippines' continued commitment to the communities it serves. By combining hands-on local engagement and colleague-driven charitable giving, the company continues to demonstrate that lasting impact comes from consistent action and collective effort.

In November, Manulife Financial Asia Limited won the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2025 in the category of Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia for its outstanding commitment to sustainability through its Impact Agenda, environmental stewardship, and strategic integration of sustainable investing across its operations. The recently launched Manulife Longevity Institute underscores this commitment by creating a global platform to drive action that helps people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030—in Asia and around the world.

To learn more about Impact Agenda and Manulife’s commitment towards building a better business to better the world, visit manulife.com.ph 

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

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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.