Toward a Cancer-Ready Philippines

Leaders from government, business, and healthcare institutions gathered in Makati with a shared resolve: to confront cancer not only as a medical condition, but as a national systems challenge. Organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, the General Membership Meeting placed the spotlight on strengthening the country’s cancer care ecosystem—an urgent priority as cases continue to rise and financial pressures deepen.

Serving as official event partner, Manulife Philippines reaffirmed its long-standing presence in the country by helping convene cross-sector voices committed to reform. The forum underscored a sobering reality: cancer remains among the leading causes of death in the Philippines, and for many families, the diagnosis triggers not only fear but also severe financial strain.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that the narrative is beginning to shift. Anchored on Universal Health Care and the Department of Health’s reform agenda, the government is working toward what he described as a “Cancer-Ready Philippines”—a system where access to quality treatment depends on medical urgency rather than financial capacity. His remarks captured a growing national ambition: to transform cancer care from reactive and fragmented to proactive, coordinated, and equitable.

Discussions during the meeting focused on four pillars—prevention, early detection, financing innovation, and digital integration. Participants highlighted the need to expand human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage, strengthen community-based screening programs, and deploy digital tools that can streamline diagnosis and referrals. Equally critical is addressing the heavy out-of-pocket burden, with studies showing that a significant share of healthcare spending in the country is still shouldered directly by patients.

For Manulife, the conversation aligns with its broader strategy on longevity and financial protection. In 2025, the company launched its global Longevity Institute, backed by a CA$350-million commitment through 2030 to support research, advocacy, and innovation aimed at helping people live longer and healthier lives. Locally, partnerships with healthcare providers are reinforcing efforts in cancer prevention and risk preparedness.

Manulife Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora stressed the importance of collaboration, noting that insurers, employers, innovators, and policymakers must work in unison to ease the patient journey—from awareness and diagnosis to survivorship.

After 119 years in the country, Manulife’s involvement reflects a belief that meaningful healthcare reform requires a whole-of-society approach. By bridging public policy and private sector innovation, the Makati gathering signaled more than dialogue—it marked a collective step toward a future where Filipino families face cancer with readiness, support, and renewed hope rather than financial devastation.