Cancer continues to be one of the most urgent health challenges facing Filipino families today. Beyond the emotional toll, it often brings overwhelming financial pressure that can disrupt entire households. That is why the recent gathering led by Manulife Philippines and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines is more than just a corporate event. It signals a coordinated effort to reshape how the country approaches cancer care from prevention to survivorship.
Held during CanCham’s General Membership Meeting in Makati, the forum gathered leaders from government, healthcare, and the private sector to align on one goal: building a stronger, more inclusive cancer care ecosystem for Filipinos.
Why Strengthening the Cancer Care Ecosystem Matters
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, cancer ranked among the top three causes of death in the country during the first eight months of 2024. At the same time, findings from Manulife’s Asia Care Survey show that cancer remains one of the most feared diseases among Filipinos.
The fear is not unfounded. Many patients face financial constraints and limited access to screening, resulting in diagnoses at later stages when treatment becomes more complex and significantly more expensive. Outside Metro Manila, geographic disparities make timely and specialized care even harder to access.
The result is a heavy reliance on out-of-pocket spending, placing additional strain on families already coping with the physical and emotional impact of a diagnosis.
A Shift Toward a “Cancer-Ready” Philippines
During the event, Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of the Department of Health, addressed how the country is moving toward a more prepared healthcare system.
He emphasized that in the past, a cancer diagnosis often felt catastrophic both medically and financially. However, he noted that under Universal Health Care and the government’s 8-Point Action Agenda, the narrative is changing. A Cancer-Ready Philippines, he explained, is one where access to quality care is based on urgency of need rather than financial capacity.
Herbosa added that while cancer remains a formidable opponent, it is not unbeatable. The goal is to create a healthcare system that is proactive, inclusive, and centered on human needs.
Key Focus Areas: Prevention, Early Detection, and Financing
The General Membership Meeting centered on practical action points, including:
- Expanding prevention programs
- Advancing digital health solutions for earlier detection
- Developing sustainable financing models
- Scaling human papillomavirus vaccinations and other critical interventions
Discussions also highlighted how private sector partners can work alongside public institutions to widen access to cancer care services nationwide.
Manulife’s Long-Term Commitment to Longevity and Financial Protection
For Manulife Philippines, supporting this initiative aligns with its broader strategy on health and financial resilience. In 2025, its global parent company, Manulife, launched the Longevity Institute. Backed by a CA$350 million investment through 2030, the platform focuses on research, innovation, advocacy, and partnerships that help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
Locally, Manulife Philippines recently partnered with AC Health to strengthen cancer prevention and care programs. This move responds to ongoing challenges, including findings that 41 percent of medical spending in the country remains out of pocket and 33 percent of Filipinos feel their insurance coverage is insufficient.
Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Philippines, shared that the company remains committed to responding with urgency and compassion. By collaborating with CanCham, fellow businesses, and the Department of Health, he said the goal is to ensure that Filipinos face a cancer diagnosis with hope and access to proper care rather than fear and financial uncertainty.
A Whole-of-Society Approach to Cancer Care
With 119 years of service in the Philippines, Manulife continues to advocate for a whole-of-society approach to cancer care. This means addressing every stage of the patient journey, from awareness and screening to treatment, emotional support, financial protection, and survivorship.
Christopher Ilagan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, explained that CanCham is mobilizing its network to align employers, insurers, and health innovators. The aim is to guide patients from diagnosis through survivorship using early detection, digital pathways, and sustainable financing.
The collaboration between Canada and the Philippines, supported by private sector leadership, underscores a shared commitment to addressing one of the country’s most pressing healthcare concerns.
Cancer care is not just a medical issue. It is a financial, emotional, and social challenge. Initiatives like this show that meaningful progress requires alignment across sectors.
As conversations around prevention, digital health, and sustainable financing continue, Filipinos are encouraged to prioritize regular screenings, explore insurance protection options, and stay informed about vaccination programs such as HPV.
A Cancer-Ready Philippines will not happen overnight. But with coordinated action from government and private partners, there is a clearer path toward a future where families can focus on healing instead of financial survival.