Government, private sector and healthcare leaders gathered in Makati City on 11 February to strengthen the country’s cancer care ecosystem, with Manulife Philippines serving as official event partner of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CanCham).

Held at Ayala North Exchange, CanCham’s General Membership Meeting carried the theme “Strengthening the Philippines’ Cancer Care Ecosystem,” highlighting a whole-of-society approach to cancer prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among Filipinos. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show it was among the top three causes of death during the first eight months of 2024. Manulife’s Asia Care Survey also found that cancer remains one of the most feared diseases among Filipinos.

Financial constraints and limited access to screening continue to hinder early detection, with many patients diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is more complex and costly. Geographic disparities further limit access to specialized care outside Metro Manila, while out-of-pocket spending continues to burden families.

"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 meeting focused on strengthening prevention programs, expanding digital health solutions for early detection, developing sustainable financing models and scaling human papillomavirus vaccinations and other interventions.

Manulife Philippines underscored its push for longevity, prevention and financial protection. In 2025, the company launched its global Longevity Institute, backed by a CA$350 million investment through 2030 to support research, innovation and partnerships aimed at helping people live longer and healthier lives.

In the Philippines, Manulife recently partnered with AC Health on cancer prevention and care programs. The company cited studies showing that 41% of medical spending in the country is out of pocket, while 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.”

CanCham President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ilagan emphasized the role of employer and industry collaboration.

“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,” Ilagan said. “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.”