Manulife Philippines marks 119 years of helping Filipinos secure better futures

via GRAPHIC PLUS | MANILA, Philippines As one of the country’s longest-serving global financial services companies, Manulife Philippines marks its 119th anniversary with a renewed focus on customer-led protection, health, and wealth solutions that help Filipinos plan with confidence and financial peace of mind.

In a survey conducted by global research firm IPSOS, Manulife was named the Philippines’ best-performing life insurer based on customer recommendation, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for financial advice and protection.

“To be the most recommended means Filipinos trust us, and trust is something you earn by listening and delivering on your word,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “For 119 years, we’ve listened to what matters most to Filipinos—from protecting their families to securing their health and building their financial future, and we’ve shaped our solutions around those priorities while supporting them through life’s major moments.”

“Our customers’ trust inspires us at Manulife to remain true to our purpose: Decisions made easier. Lives made better. By expanding access to innovative and comprehensive protection, health and wealth solutions, we enable Filipinos to plan with confidence and live better, for longer,” Hora added.

Broadening access to holistic financial and health solutions 

Rising healthcare costs remained a top financial concern among Filipinos in 2025 and many continue to feel a gap between the future they hope for and the one they expect, according to the 2025 Manulife Asia Care Survey. Additionally, the #FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys study, found that while young Filipinos are optimistic about aging, they still feel underprepared for long-term financial planning, with savings falling short of what they expect to need for retirement. The surveys also reveal that many Filipinos recognize the importance of preventive health, few have taken concrete steps toward it. 

To help more Filipinos act on their financial and wellness goals, Manulife Philippines expanded its offerings across wealth, investment, and healthcare through new products and partnerships.

  • Health and protection access: Manulife Medical Secure offers up to PHP 5 million annual coverage and cashless access to over 1,700 hospitals and clinics nationwide, complementing HMO coverage. Manulife HealthFlex covers more than 100 critical illnesses with premium waiver and guaranteed benefits. Through Manulife’s partnership with AC Health, delivered on the flagship holistic health program ManulifeMOVE, Manulife health customers can access early-detection services, discounted cancer-screening packages, and dedicated support from Healthway Cancer Care Hospital. 
  • Long-term savings and wealth building: Manulife GoalReady offers investment-linked coverage to age 99, local and global funds, and early loyalty bonuses, with  premiums starting at PHP 2,000 monthly. Through its partnership with GCash, Manulife Investments Philippines, the asset management business of Manulife Philippines, offers several Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs), including funds that invest in global and Asia-Pacific Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). 

Accelerating reach through bancassurance and strategic agency expansion

Manulife Philippines, Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation, and Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation continued to expand their collective reach—strengthening a shared network that enables more Filipinos to access their life and health protection and wealth-building solutions.

  • In 2025, Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation (Chinabank) renewed their long-standing bancassurance partnership under Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corp. (MCBL) for another 15 years. Since its founding in 2007, MCBL has offered customers comprehensive health and life insurance plans covering common critical illnesses in the Philippines, long-term savings, retirement planning, and a diverse range of fund options tailored to individual financial goals. 
  • Manulife Philippines also recently expanded its physical presence with a new agency office in Makati City. In addition, the company will open six new and relocated branches across key locations nationwide—starting in March with Bacolod and San Fernando, Pampanga—to accommodate its growing agency force of more than 10,000 financial advisors and agency leaders and strengthen its ability to serve more Filipinos.

Turning insights into programs enabling longevity and driving real-world impact

As Filipinos redefine what it means to live longer and better, Manulife champions a view of longevity that encompasses financial security, healthier lives, stronger communities, and a better world for future generations. This belief powers the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform backed by a CA$350 million investment that advances research and thought leadership, innovation and advocacy, and community partnerships to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. 

Key initiatives include Manulife Peso Smart, which has equipped over 4,000 young Filipinos across 18 schools with saving, budgeting, and investing skills, supporting financial resilience. Manulife Impact Forests, in partnership with the Haribon Foundation, has planted over 31,000 native trees across terrestrial and coastal sites nationwide, contributing to a healthier planet. Earlier this year, Manulife Philippines formalized a tripartite agreement with Haribon Foundation and the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAMF) to scale these initiatives and expand their collective reach.

“At Manulife, we believe our responsibility and impact as an insurer go beyond the policies we write,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Our commitment through the Longevity Institute is to drive action on helping people live longer, healthier and more financially secure lives. Aligned to our Impact Agenda, we’re building financial confidence in the next generation, protecting the environment they will inherit, and forging partnerships that enable us to scale our reach, deepen our impact, and proudly contribute to nation-building. When communities are healthier and more financially secure, families thrive and build a more resilient future. That’s what it means to be a trusted lifelong partner to Filipino families.”

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