Young Filipinos turning to AI self-help tools amid rising mental health struggles

 

AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Report highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by young Filipinos and the importance of digital tools and proactive support in fostering safer, healthier mental well-being for the community.

In an era defined by economic uncertainty, digital fatigue, and growing social isolation, young Filipinos are emerging at the forefront of a vital conversation: mental health. According to AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Report, Filipinos, aged 18 to 34, are experiencing significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than their global peers. Yet, they are also among the most proactive in seeking support through digital and AI-powered mental wellness tools.

This year’s study offers deep insights into how Filipinos—especially the younger generation—are coping, adapting, and innovating in response to mental health challenges.

Gen Z and Millennials Lead the Shift to Digital Mental Health

The AXA Mind Health Index, a key component of the report, categorizes individuals into four distinct mental well-being states:

A significant portion of Filipino youth identify as languishing or struggling—highlighting the urgent need for accessible, relevant, and proactive mental health solutions.

This year’s AXA Mind Health Report provides valuable insights into how Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, are coping, adapting, and finding innovative ways to address mental health challenges.

According to the report, Filipinos aged 18 to 34 are more likely than older generations to suffer from severe mental health symptoms and are diagnosed with conditions at higher rates than their global peers. Despite these challenges, this age group shows strong resilience and initiative—39% turn to AI-powered mental health tools, well above the global average of 28%. In fact, half of all Filipinos now rely on digital platforms like websites, blogs, forums, and social media for mental health support.

Stress Levels Among Working-Class Filipinos Among Highest Globally

The report also reveals that nearly seven in ten Filipinos experience at least mild forms of anxiety, stress, or depression—among the highest rates globally. Key drivers include financial instability and job insecurity (76% vs 53% globally), uncertainty about the future (70% vs 53%), loneliness and social isolation (58% vs 42%), climate change anxiety (57% vs 38%), and exposure to negative news (55% vs 45%).

Workplaces play a significant role in both stress and support. The data points to an opportunity for organizations to be part of the solution—by fostering psychologically safe environments, supporting mental health literacy, and encouraging open conversations.

Local employers must encourage proactive conversations and collaborations among young Filipinos to support mental health and promote holistic well-being across communities.

Building a Culture of Early Support

As more young Filipinos turn to self-guided tools and digital channels for help, the availability of accessible resources for early mental health awareness and care becomes increasingly important.

Simple, non-diagnostic tools – such as AXA’s

Mind Health Self-Check—are helping individuals reflect on their mental state and take proactive steps when needed. Some

health plans in the market have also begun to include free mental health consultations as part of their coverage, recognizing the importance of holistic care. Additionally, a growing number of protection solutions now acknowledge the reality of mental health conditions, with some beginning to incorporate coverage for select mental health conditions.

“Because mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a public one. And tackling it requires shared understanding, accessible tools, and sustained support,” said AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil. “And while we still have a long way to address the gaps,know you cando something now and thrive with the right support.”

The annual AXA Mind Health Report, now in its fifth year, explores global and local attitudes toward mental health and tracks emerging trends and behaviors that influence mental wellness across life stages and cultures. As one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, AXA Philippines aims to amplify the conversation around mind health and uncover opportunities for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take action for a better global mind health.

For more information about AXA Philippines' commitment to holistic well-being for all, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.

Emma by AXA PH Bags the 2025 Outstanding Digital Customer Experience Award – Bancassurance at the Digital CX Awards

 

Kathleen Villegas-Driz, Chief Operations Officer of AXA Philippines, receives the 2025 Outstanding Digital Customer Experience Award – Bancassurance for Emma by AXA PH app at the Digital CX Awards

AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, clinched the 2025 Outstanding Digital Customer Experience Award – Bancassurance for its Emma by AXA PH app at the Digital CX Awards. The innovative platform is designed to empower customers in managing their policies conveniently, and was recognized for its seamless self-service features, real-time claims tracking, and personalized wellness and financial tools.With a nearly 70% adoption rate and a customer satisfaction score of close to 90% in 2024, Emma continues to redefine digital innovation in insurance—helping customers believe in a future where they know they can take control of their protection and well-being.

The Digital CX Awards honors the world’s leading and groundbreaking financial service institutions for their exceptional contributions to digital-based customer experiences and innovation. It is organized by The Digital Banker, a globally renowned trusted news, business intelligence, and research provider for the worldwide financial services sector. This milestone for AXA Philippines celebrates not only the success of Emma but also the collaborative efforts of the cross-functional support teams and dedicated distributors to the customers who continuously inspire innovation.

AXA PH Wins 3 Prestigious Awards at the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2025

AXA Philippines wins Platinum Award in the Travel Insurance category at the 2025 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards. From Left to Right: AXA Philippines Senior Business Manager Dave Catorce, Retail and Sales Advertising Director of Reader’s Digest for Asia Pacific Sheron White, and AXA Philippines General Insurance (GI) Propositions and Product Development Director Othello Monzon.

AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, has once again proven its leadership in the insurance industry by winning multiple prestigious honors at the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2025. For the second consecutive year, AXA Philippines secured the Platinum Award in the Travel Insurance category. The company also earned Gold Awards for the Health and Life Insurance categories, marking a remarkable third consecutive year for the Health Insurance Gold Award and the second consecutive year for Life Insurance.

The recognition highlights AXA Philippines' award-winning products across multiple insurance categories. AXA Philippines received the Platinum Award in the Travel Insurance category for its AXA Smart Traveller plan, offering 24/7 travel and medical assistance and with the highest emergency coverage of up to PHP 3.5 million in case of sickness, and another PHP 3.5 million in case of accident. In the Health Insurance category, AXA Philippines earned a Gold Award for its comprehensive health protection portfolio that provides coverage for healthcare and critical illness. With a Gold Award in the Life Insurance category, AXA delivers all-around coverage plans—combining life, accident, and critical illness protection with built-in savings and investment features.

AXA Philippines wins Gold Awards for the Health and Life Insurance categories, marking a remarkable third consecutive year for the Health Insurance Gold Award and the second consecutive year for Life Insurance.
From Left to Right: (Photo 1) AXA Philippines Senior Product Manager Angel Rodriguez, AXA Philippines Chief Proposition and Products Officer Abel Vergara,  Reader’s Digest Retail and Sales Advertising Director for Asia Pacific Sheron White, and AXA Philippines Senior Product Manager Jenny Clemente; (Photo 2) AXA Philippines Chief Proposition and Products Officer Abel Vergara,  Reader’s Digest Retail and Sales Advertising Director for Asia Pacific Sheron White, and AXA Philippines Senior Product Manager Paulo Sulit. 

 

Now in its 27th year in Asia, The Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards celebrated brands that have earned the highest levels of consumer trust through unwavering reliability, quality, and integrity, and AXA Philippines stood out among these esteemed brands. The annual Most Trusted Brands survey, conducted by Reader’s Digest, highlights the critical role trust plays in consumer decision-making, especially as AI and technology continue to shape the market. As consumers become more informed and discerning, brands that demonstrate transparency, authenticity, and responsible practices rise to the top.

“We’re proud to be recognized once again by Filipino consumers as one of the most trusted insurance providers in the country,” said AXA Philippines Chief Proposition and Products Officer Abel Vergara. “This recognition shows our commitment to protecting what matters to our customers—from their health and well-being to their life journeys and travel experiences. Their continued trust inspires us to keep improving, build stronger partnerships, and offer smarter, more reliable solutions that address the changing needs of Filipinos.”

AXA Philippines’ continued success in these prestigious awards highlights the trust Filipinos place in the brand. More than just offering reliable insurance solutions, AXA is committed to being a true partner to every Filipino—empowering them to take charge of their future with confidence. With AXA, Know You Can be financially secure, protected, and ready for life’s biggest moments.

More information about AXA Philippines’ insurance solutions is available on its website www.axa.com.ph and its partner platforms.

AXA Philippines Strengthens Protection for Underserved Workforce

[from left to right] Gio Tingson, Grab Philippines Head of Public Affairs; Wayne Jacinto, Move It General Manager; EJ Dela Vega, Grab Philippines Director for Mobility; Sally O’Hara, AXA Southeast Asia and Korea CEO; Ayman Kandil, AXA Philippines CEO; Roxanne Agustin, Philinsure Vice President for Client Servicing

The gig economy in the Philippines is rapidly expanding, with freelancers, ride-hailing drivers, and delivery riders making substantial contributions to the workforce. However, unlike traditional employees, many gig workers lack employment security, health benefits, and insurance coverage, exposing them to financial risks in times of medical emergencies or accidents.

Despite a 208% increase in freelance earnings from 2019 to 2020, as noted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the absence of financial protection remains a major challenge. Recognizing this gap, AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest growing life insurance companies in the Philippines, is stepping in to empower gig workers with accessible, relevant, and sustainable protection solutions.

 

Addressing the Protection Gap in the Gig Economy

AXA is committed to making insurance inclusive and accessible, ensuring underserved communities have the financial security they need to thrive. Through AXA EssentiALL, its global inclusive insurance unit, AXA delivers affordable, tailored solutions to those who traditionally lack coverage. Operating in 14 markets with over 14 million customers as of 2023, AXA EssentiALL helps communities build financial resilience against life’s uncertainties.

In the Philippines, this commitment is taking shape through AXA Philippines’ partnership with PhilPacific Insurance Brokers & Managers, Inc. (Philinsure), Grab, and MOVE IT—extending critical protection to gig workers, a sector long excluded from traditional financial safeguards. Through this initiative, thousands of Grab and MOVE IT drivers and riders will receive up to PHP 1 million insurance coverage should anything untoward happen to them, under the companies’ incentive-based program. This ensures these hardworking individuals can work with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they are financially protected.

“Ensuring inclusive protection has always been a core part of our mission. At AXA, we believe that every worker, regardless of employment status, deserves financial security and support. Gig workers demonstrate the same dedication, hard work, and competence as traditional employees, and it’s time they have access to the protection they deserve,” said Ayman Kandil, AXA Philippines President and CEO. “Through this partnership with Grab, MOVE IT, and Philinsure, we are taking concrete steps to close the protection gap for gig workers in the Philippines, especially drivers and riders who are on the road all day and are exposed to so many risks.”

Philinsure, a key partner in the initiative, shares the same vision of financial security for all by combining their microinsurance expertise with AXA’s innovative insurance solutions.

 

Building a Resilient Future for Gig Workers

For Grab Philippines, supporting their driver- and delivery-partners’ well-being goes beyond just providing livelihood opportunities—it’s also about ensuring they have the right protection.

As the workforce continues to evolve, insurance solutions must adapt to new employment models. By breaking barriers to insurance access, AXA reaffirms its commitment to helping gig workers build a stronger, more resilient financial future.

To learn more about AXA Philippines’ workforce protection initiatives, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/.

AXA PH's Chief Marketing Officer Among 2025 Mansmith ‘Marketing Mentor of the Year’ Awardees

Fernando “Nandy” Villar, Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Philippines

AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Fernando "Nandy" Villar has been named one of this year’s Top Marketing Mentors by Mansmith and Fielders, Inc., a leading marketing and entrepreneurship training firm in the country.

The award was given during the annual Mansmith Market Mentors Awards, which celebrates marketing leaders who have not only excelled in their fields but also mentored aspiring marketers, building legacies that foster talent and innovation. Villar joins a distinguished group of visionaries and executives committed to empowering the next generation of marketing professionals.

In his role as CMO, Villar has led transformative marketing strategies. His expertise in brand management, digital transformation, and customer engagement has strengthened AXA's market presence and developed innovative solutions for Filipinos. His leadership style, characterized by its authenticity, collaboration, and continuous learning, has inspired, and guided young professionals in the field and beyond with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to thrive in the industry.

During the awarding ceremony, Villar shared valuable insights on leadership, strategy, and mentorship, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of how successful marketing leaders approach challenges, make data-driven decisions, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. More importantly, he emphasized how mentorship transforms the industry by shaping future leaders.

“I’m honored to be recognized as one of the top marketing mentors by Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. Marketing, to me, goes beyond strategy—it’s about inspiring action and making a real difference. Being in the insurance industry makes this even more meaningful, as our purpose of protecting what matters drives us to empower people with the right protection and support so they can live life with confidence. I’m grateful for the mentors who shaped my journey and proud to pay it forward to the next generation of marketers,” shared Villar.

With leaders like Villar guiding the way, the future of marketing in the Philippines is bright. The award affirms not just his legacy but also AXA Philippines’ continuous commitment to building a resilient future-ready workforce and a robust marketing industry.

More information about AXA Philippines’ insurance solutions is available on its website www.axa.com.ph and its partner platforms.