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

MANILA, Philippines – 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.”

Download the press release in PDF