CanCham GMM Pushes United Action to Strengthen Cancer Care in the Philippines
Passions of a SAHM
February 18, 2026
Government, private sector, and healthcare leaders convened in Manila to advance a whole-of-society approach to cancer care—one that spans prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship—during the recent General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CanCham). Held on February 11 at Ayala North Exchange in the Makati Central Business District, the gathering carried the timely and urgent theme, “Strengthening the Philippines’ Cancer Care Ecosystem.”
As one of the longest-serving Canadian companies in the country, Manulife Philippines supported the event as official partner, underscoring its commitment to improving health outcomes and financial resilience for Filipinos. The GMM brought together policymakers, business leaders, insurers, and healthcare stakeholders to confront one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges: cancer.
Cancer continues to exact a heavy toll on Filipino families. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that cancer ranked among the top three causes of death in the Philippines during the first eight months of 2024. Meanwhile, Manulife’s Asia Care Survey reveals that cancer remains one of the most feared diseases among Filipinos—reflecting not only its health impact but also its profound financial and emotional consequences.
These fears are rooted in systemic barriers that persist across the healthcare system. Financial limitations and restricted access to screening services mean that many patients are diagnosed only at advanced stages of the disease, when treatment options are more complex, invasive, and costly. Geographic inequities further deepen the challenge, as Filipinos living outside Metro Manila often have fewer choices for timely diagnosis and specialized care. As a result, out-of-pocket expenses remain high, placing immense pressure on families already grappling with the realities of a cancer diagnosis.
Addressing these challenges head-on, Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of the Department of Health, delivered a compelling message of change and hope. He emphasized that the country is moving away from viewing cancer as an inevitable financial catastrophe toward building a system that prioritizes preparedness, equity, and timely care under Universal Health Care and the government’s 8-Point Action Agenda.
The discussions during the GMM focused on key pillars essential to a stronger cancer care ecosystem. These included reinforcing prevention and awareness programs, expanding early detection through screening, leveraging digital health solutions to improve patient pathways, developing sustainable financing models, and scaling human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations alongside other proven interventions. Speakers also examined the Department of Health’s strategic priorities and highlighted how private sector partners can help bridge gaps in access and affordability.
Manulife’s participation reflected its growing focus on longevity, prevention, and financial protection. In 2025, the company launched its global Longevity Institute—a platform dedicated to research, innovation, advocacy, and partnerships—supported by a CA$350 million investment through 2030. Locally, Manulife Philippines has strengthened its efforts through partnerships with AC Health on cancer prevention and care initiatives, reinforcing its mission to help Filipinos prepare for the risks of critical illness. These efforts come amid sobering statistics showing that 41% of medical spending in the Philippines is paid out of pocket, while 33% of Filipinos feel their health insurance coverage is insufficient.
For Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Philippines, collaboration is key to transforming the cancer care landscape. By working closely with CanCham, fellow businesses, healthcare providers, and government partners, he stressed that a future is possible where Filipinos face a cancer diagnosis not with fear and financial uncertainty, but with access to care, protection, and hope.
With 119 years of service to Filipinos, Manulife Philippines continues to advocate for a whole-of-society approach—one that recognizes the patient journey as more than a medical experience. It encompasses awareness, early detection, access to treatment, financial security, emotional and psychological support, and continuity of care through survivorship.
Echoing this sentiment, Christopher Ilagan, President and CEO of CanCham, highlighted the organization’s role in mobilizing its network to align employers, insurers, and innovators around shared solutions. The collaboration between Canada and the Philippines, he noted, demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing one of the country’s most urgent healthcare needs—ensuring that no Filipino faces cancer alone, or unprepared.
Government, private sector, and healthcare leaders convened in Manila to advance a whole-of-society approach to cancer care—one that spans p...As one of the longest-serving Canadian companies in the country, Manulife Philippines supported the event as official partner, underscoring its commitment to improving health outcomes and financial resilience for Filipinos. The GMM brought together policymakers, business leaders, insurers, and healthcare stakeholders to confront one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges: cancer.
Cancer continues to exact a heavy toll on Filipino families. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that cancer ranked among the top three causes of death in the Philippines during the first eight months of 2024. Meanwhile, Manulife’s Asia Care Survey reveals that cancer remains one of the most feared diseases among Filipinos—reflecting not only its health impact but also its profound financial and emotional consequences.
These fears are rooted in systemic barriers that persist across the healthcare system. Financial limitations and restricted access to screening services mean that many patients are diagnosed only at advanced stages of the disease, when treatment options are more complex, invasive, and costly. Geographic inequities further deepen the challenge, as Filipinos living outside Metro Manila often have fewer choices for timely diagnosis and specialized care. As a result, out-of-pocket expenses remain high, placing immense pressure on families already grappling with the realities of a cancer diagnosis.
Addressing these challenges head-on, Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of the Department of Health, delivered a compelling message of change and hope. He emphasized that the country is moving away from viewing cancer as an inevitable financial catastrophe toward building a system that prioritizes preparedness, equity, and timely care under Universal Health Care and the government’s 8-Point Action Agenda.
The discussions during the GMM focused on key pillars essential to a stronger cancer care ecosystem. These included reinforcing prevention and awareness programs, expanding early detection through screening, leveraging digital health solutions to improve patient pathways, developing sustainable financing models, and scaling human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations alongside other proven interventions. Speakers also examined the Department of Health’s strategic priorities and highlighted how private sector partners can help bridge gaps in access and affordability.
Manulife’s participation reflected its growing focus on longevity, prevention, and financial protection. In 2025, the company launched its global Longevity Institute—a platform dedicated to research, innovation, advocacy, and partnerships—supported by a CA$350 million investment through 2030. Locally, Manulife Philippines has strengthened its efforts through partnerships with AC Health on cancer prevention and care initiatives, reinforcing its mission to help Filipinos prepare for the risks of critical illness. These efforts come amid sobering statistics showing that 41% of medical spending in the Philippines is paid out of pocket, while 33% of Filipinos feel their health insurance coverage is insufficient.
For Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Philippines, collaboration is key to transforming the cancer care landscape. By working closely with CanCham, fellow businesses, healthcare providers, and government partners, he stressed that a future is possible where Filipinos face a cancer diagnosis not with fear and financial uncertainty, but with access to care, protection, and hope.
With 119 years of service to Filipinos, Manulife Philippines continues to advocate for a whole-of-society approach—one that recognizes the patient journey as more than a medical experience. It encompasses awareness, early detection, access to treatment, financial security, emotional and psychological support, and continuity of care through survivorship.
Echoing this sentiment, Christopher Ilagan, President and CEO of CanCham, highlighted the organization’s role in mobilizing its network to align employers, insurers, and innovators around shared solutions. The collaboration between Canada and the Philippines, he noted, demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing one of the country’s most urgent healthcare needs—ensuring that no Filipino faces cancer alone, or unprepared.
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