Planning for Longer Lives

Living longer brings new opportunities, but it also makes early health action and sound financial planning increasingly important. This message took center stage at The Art of Longevity, an event hosted by Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCBL) on August 11, 2026.

More than 100 MCBL customers, financial sales associates, bank partners, and health and wealth experts gathered to discuss practical ways Filipinos can prepare for longer and healthier lives. The conversations focused on two connected priorities: protecting health through prevention and early detection, and building financial resilience to meet future needs.

“Living longer is a gift, but it also requires more intentional planning so people can make the most of every stage of life,” said Amy Gochuico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife China Bank Life. She emphasized that health, protection, and financial confidence should work together in helping people prepare for the future.

One of the event’s major discussions centered on cancer and the importance of early detection. A recent Manulife Philippines study identified cancer as one of the diseases Filipinos fear most, yet many people continue to delay regular screenings.

A 2023 Philippine Institute for Development Studies report noted that only 1% of Filipino women undergo cancer screening. Breast cancer also remains a concern, with 65% of cases in the Philippines reportedly diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Healthcare experts and representatives from Ayala Health Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, and Guardant Health discussed how cancer risks can develop over time and why preventive action and early diagnosis can improve health outcomes. They also explored developments in testing and coordinated care that may help individuals make informed health decisions sooner.

MCBL also highlighted its recently launched partnership with Guardant Health, providing eligible customers access to the Shield™ Multi-Cancer Detection laboratory-developed test. The initiative complements broader efforts to encourage individuals to pay closer attention to their health before serious conditions emerge.

Beyond healthcare, The Art of Longevity emphasized the financial realities associated with longer lifespans. As people live longer and economic conditions continue to change, preparing adequate savings, insurance protection, and investments becomes increasingly important.

Through its bancassurance model, MCBL combines Manulife’s insurance and protection expertise with Chinabank’s banking and wealth-building capabilities. The approach is designed to help customers connect their protection, savings, and long-term financial goals within a more comprehensive plan.

The event supports ManulifeMOVE, the company’s holistic health program, while reflecting MCBL’s goal of helping Filipinos manage both health and financial well-being throughout different stages of life.

It also aligns with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform focused on research, innovation, advocacy, and partnerships aimed at helping people achieve longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.

Ultimately, The Art of Longevity delivered a clear message: preparing for a longer life should begin early, with informed health choices and financial decisions that can provide greater security for the years ahead.