Manulife Philippines attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines General Membership Meeting held at Ayala North Exchange in Makati CBD last February 11. This year's theme- Strengthening the Philippines' Cancer Care Ecosystem, aims to address one of the country's most pressing health challenges. Also present at the meeting are representatives from the government, private sector and healthcare leaders.
Cancer remains a significant challenge for Filipino families. According to PSA, cancer was among the top three causes of death among Filipinos for the first eight months of 2024, while 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 accesses to screening mean many patients are diagnoses 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 of 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 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."
"Caner is a formidable foe, but it is not invincible. We are building a healthcare system that is inclusive, proactive and above all- deeply human," added Herbosa.
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 align with GMM's theme, Manulife is strengthening its focus on longevity, prevention and financial protection. In 2025, Manulife launched its global Longevity Institute, 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 CEO of Manulife Philippines. "By working with likeminded collaborators such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, fellow businesses and organizations, and with the support from DOH, 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."
"CanCam 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 CEO of the 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."
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