Manulife Launches Global Longevity Institute Committing $350M by 2030 to Accelerate Progress on Lifelong Health and Financial Resilience

Today, Manulife announced the launch of the Longevity Institute, a global platform that will seek to drive action to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. Backed by a $350 million commitment, the Longevity Institute will work to champion research, innovation, and partnerships that will help people thrive at every age.

As a global leader in life insurance, asset management, and retirement planning, Manulife is deeply invested in the health and well-being of its customers. However, the gap between how long people live (lifespan) and their quality of life (healthspan) is widening — with many spending up to 20% of their lives in poor health, and nearly 40% facing financial insecurity as they age. The Longevity Institute aims to close this gap by reimagining how people live, work, learn, and contribute throughout their lives.

“Empowering health, wealth, and longevity is central to Manulife’s bold new ambition. It aligns with our values and our commitment to the communities we operate in, and we are uniquely placed to help individuals and families navigate the growing gap between lifespan and healthspan,” said Phil Witherington, President and CEO of Manulife. “For generations now, Manulife has supported customers at every stage of life, and we see a powerful opportunity to scale our expertise and help even more people live longer, healthier, better lives. Through the Longevity Institute, we will partner with organizations that share our purpose, unlock new insights, drive innovation, and create a future where everyone can thrive—at any age.”  

The Longevity Institute will focus on igniting global research and thought leadership to better understand how people can flourish as they live longer; accelerating innovation and advocacy through initiatives that promote health, wellness, and financial readiness; and investing in community partnerships that advance knowledge, promote equity, and drive action around longevity. 

Steve Finch, President & CEO, Manulife Asia said, “With the demographic shifts in Asia, where one in four people will be over the age of 60 by 2050, it's crucial to rethink traditional approaches to financial planning, health care, and workforce participation. At Manulife, we are committed to driving innovation that promotes long-term financial resilience, equitable healthy aging, and lifelong fulfillment. By supporting early-stage innovations and providing comprehensive solutions, we aim to help people live better for longer and secure their financial futures.” 

Initiatives 

Manulife has a long history of driving impact through programs, products, services, and community investments dating back to 1888, when Manulife gifted an ambulance to the City of Toronto—its first act of public service to help people live longer, healthier lives. 

To mark the launch of the Institute and build on our long history of impact, Manulife is pleased to share new and ongoing initiatives that reflect our commitment to advancing longevity through meaningful action: 

• Partnering with the National Institute of Ageing: Manulife is supporting the National Institute on Ageing’s annual Ageing in Canada Survey, conducted in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University. This important research explores the lived experiences of Canadians aged 50+ to inform policies that promote healthy aging. 

• Partnering with the Milken Institute: Manulife has supported the Milken Institute to advance thought leadership and research on some of the most critical issues shaping longevity and the future of health. Feeding Change's work and recent policy brief highlight opportunities for strengthening resilient fruit and vegetable production and integrating food into health interventions. The Future of Aging initiative and new report, Longevity Ready: A Systems Approach to Aging Well at Home, elevates solutions enabling current and future generations to prepare for longer, healthier lives in their homes and communities.

• Longevity Symposiums: The Manulife and John Hancock Longevity Symposiums began in Boston two years ago and are now expanding globally. Recently, Manulife Singapore and Manulife Philippines hosted inaugural events in Asia, bringing together healthcare experts, industry leaders, financial consultants, customers, and partners—to explore how people can live not just longer, but better. John Hancock will host its third Longer. Healthier. Better. Longevity Symposium in the U.S. in April 2026. 

The launch of the Longevity Institute quickly follows John Hancock’s inaugural Longevity Preparedness Index — developed with MIT AgeLab, which measures how ready U.S. adults are to thrive as they age. This index will expand to cover Canada in future years and provides insights that support the need for continued longevity advancements and innovations. 

Outcomes 

The Longevity Institute will build upon Manulife’s existing efforts to help more than 36 million customers improve their health and wealth. This work aims to drive the following outcomes: 

• Health: Help people make everyday choices that support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being—through better nutrition, early detection, movement, and mental health support that fits into real life.

• Wealth: Empower people to feel confident about their financial future, with tools, education, and support that help them weather life’s ups and downs and build lasting financial security.

A comprehensive list of the Institute’s work and partnerships to date can be found in this fact sheet. The Institute will be known as the John Hancock Longevity Institute in the United States. For more information on the Longevity Institute, and to stay up to date on the Institute’s actions, insights, and events through 2030, visit Manulife.com/Longevity.  

Manulife Brings Personalized Gut Health Insights to the Philippines

 

Manulife is introducing a new health initiative in the Philippines that offers personalized gut microbiome screening through its collaboration with AMILI, Southeast Asia’s first microbiome insights company. 

In the Philippines, this partnership is especially timely. According to the 2025 Asia Care Survey, 82% of Filipinos cite rising healthcare costs as their top concern, and many feel uncertain about their ability to maintain physical and financial well-being in the future. The screening provided by AMILI helps address these anxieties by offering science-backed, preventive care that supports better health outcomes and reduces long-term medical risks.

"At Manulife Philippines, we are focused on delivering innovative solutions that support the evolving health needs of Filipinos," said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. "This collaboration with AMILI allows us to offer a unique health experience that goes beyond traditional insurance, empowering our customers to take a proactive approach to their health."

Manulife customers in the Philippines will now be able to access a personalized gut health screening designed specifically for Asian populations. The service includes tailored nutrition recommendations and teleconsultation to help interpret results. This empowers customers to better understand their health and take preventive steps to improve immunity, brain function, heart health and overall longevity. The service also provides a meaningful way to address rising health concerns in the Philippines by showing how Manulife delivers on its promise to support longer, healthier lives—through early detection, personalized care, and preventive action that can help reduce long-term healthcare costs for individuals and the system

"Our goal is to be a true partner in our customers' health journey—not just by helping them prepare financially, but also by giving them access to tools, services, and support for prevention, care, and overall well-being," said Grace Mallabo, Chief Health and Product Officer, Manulife Philippines. "By integrating personalized health insights into our offerings, we are helping Filipinos make informed decisions and improve their quality of life."

AMILI’s screening leverages the region’s largest multi-ethnic gut microbiome database, delivering insights that support digestive health, immunity, mental well-being, and chronic disease prevention.

"We’re proud to support Manulife’s customers in the Philippines with actionable, science-backed health insights," said Dr. Jeremy Lim, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, AMILI. "This partnership is a step forward in making predictive, preventive care more accessible across Southeast Asia."

This initiative in the Philippines is an expansion of the First-in-Asia Gut Microbiome Screening collaboration between Manulife and AMILI, launched in 2024 in Singapore. It is part of Manulife’s broader strategy to support health and longevity through value-added offerings across Asia, helping customers take control of their health in meaningful ways.

Details on the collaboration between Manulife Philippines and AMILI can be accessed at https://www.manulife.com.ph/services/manulife-move.html. 

Manulife Philippines Advances Health and Longevity with Inaugural "Time to MOVE" Symposium

Manulife Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora opens 'Time to MOVE: The Manulife Longevity Symposium,' reinforcing the company's dedication to helping Filipinos embrace healthier, longer lives through holistic wellness programs.

Manulife Philippines today hosted its inaugural "Time to MOVE – Manulife Longevity Symposium" at Grand Hyatt Manila, bringing together over 500 healthcare experts, industry thought leaders, financial advisors, customers, colleagues, and partners to address one of the nation's most pressing challenges: how to live not just longer, but better. 

This milestone reflects Manulife’s deepening commitment to advancing the longevity movement in the country, building on similar initiatives across Asia. The symposium served as a platform to share insights, foster collaboration, and inspire action toward healthier, more purposeful living. The event also marked the launch of Manulife MOVE, a holistic health program designed to encourage healthier habits through everyday movement and proactive lifestyle choices. 

Central to the symposium were key findings from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which explored Filipinos’ perspectives, readiness, and concerns about aging and longevity. The survey revealed a shift in mindset: Filipinos are increasingly focused on the quality of life they want to experience as they age, rather than simply extending their lifespan. 

Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines, and Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Asia, explore the evolving definition of longevity, shifting from merely living longer to living with purpose, independence, and joy.

Manulife Philippines also launched the "#FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys - Examining Longevity Perspectives, Sentiments, and Aspirations of Millennials and Gen Zs," study, the findings of which highlight how younger generations of Filipinos are prioritizing purpose and financial independence rather than living a longer life.  

“As Filipinos redefine what it means to live longer and better, we at Manulife are committed to helping them achieve this vision with trusted guidance and financial tools to help them make informed decisions about their future,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “This Longevity Symposium underscores our dedication to equipping Filipinos with relevant expert insights, comprehensive solutions and financial strategies that empower them to gain confidence and enjoy a healthier, more rewarding life as they grow older.”

Bridging health, finance, and purpose: Cross-sector collaboration in action

The symposium featured keynote sessions, interactive showcases, and expert panels exploring how individuals, industries, and communities can work together to extend health span, strengthen financial readiness, and enhance quality of life across all life stages.

Key symposium highlights included:

Preventive Health Innovation: Leading experts Dr. Jeremy Lim (CEO & Co-founder, AMILI), Dr. Natha Kumar (Head of Medical Affairs, Guardant Health), and Dr. Beverly Ho (Chief Health Officer, Ayala Health) showcased cutting-edge health solutions, including methods for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and management of pressing health challenges.

Future of Retirement: In line with Manulife's mission of delivering exceptional financial solutions and services, Aira Gaspar (President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines) and Elvin Tharm (Head of Retirement, Manulife Asia) gave a fast-paced presentation focused on busting the most common myths about retirement readiness.  

(L-R) Host Shawn Yao moderates a compelling conversation between Manulife Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance Managing Director Ariel Kangasniemi and Manulife Brand Ambassador Erwan Heussaff on how sustainable nutrition practices can enhance community health and longevity.

Living Better for Longer: Manulife Global Head of Sustainability and Climate Performance Management and Managing Director, Head of ESG – General Account Ariel Kangasniemi joined Manulife Philippines brand ambassador Erwan Heussaff in exploring how sustainability, equity, and health intersect to support longer, better lives. They highlighted Manulife’s nature-based investments—from forest restoration to carbon sequestration—as key drivers of climate resilience and community longevity. 

"Our choices now impact our future. It does not take extreme efforts, sometimes, even the smallest steps such as choosing to eat healthy, getting enough sleep, learning from expert advice, when done consistently, help us to achieve our desired future," shared Kangasniemi during the panel discussion.

Generational insights meet actionable solutions: From research to real change

A key highlight of the symposium was the launch of ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health program bringing together the right proposition, products, platforms, and partners to improve customer’s well-being at every stage. 

    • Health Empowerment – With relevant insights, ManulifeMOVE aims to empower customers with the knowledge to understand the importance of preventive care and integrate these into my everyday life for improved overall wellness.

    • Partnership-driven Health Proposition – Linking up with industry partners, ManulifeMOVE will give customers access to discounted and exclusive offers on preventive services, quick diagnosis, effective treatments, and comprehensive support for recovery and ongoing health management.

    • Digital Health Experience – The MOVE section in the Manulife app will be a consolidated entry point for health solutions and journeys.

    • Health Solutions – Manulife's comprehensive suite of health plans offers critical illness and life coverage from early diagnosis to recovery, supplementing Filipinos’ state-provided health insurance.

The launch was marked with interactive breakout sessions designed to translate insights into action. Participants engaged in four themed experiences—Live, Flex, Breathe, and Think— each offering practical guidance on nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and brain health. These sessions highlighted sustainable eating practices, physical exercises that help people stay strong as they age, stress management, and cognitive health tips, providing attendees with actionable advice that they could immediately incorporate into their daily routines.

Manulife Brand Ambassador Anne Curtis joins President and CEO Rahul Hora and CMO Sonali Verma to unveil Manulife MOVE, a groundbreaking health engagement program positioning Manulife as a true life partner across nutrition, wellness, medical care, and beyond, supporting Filipinos in achieving quality longevity.

For Manulife brand ambassador Anne Curtis, the message resonates personally: "While many Filipinos are aware of the importance of good health, there remains a gap between awareness and action. As a mom, I've realized how important it is to stay strong and healthy for myself and my family. Manulife’s Time to MOVE is such a meaningful reminder that caring for our bodies and minds is an investment in a longer, better future."

Shaping better tomorrows: Strategic partnerships for national longevity

Manulife Brand Ambassadors Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff join Rahul Hora and Sonali Verma to discuss insights from the #FYP: Future-proofing Young Pinoys study and the newly launched Manulife MOVE program, shining a spotlight on how the next generation views longevity and how Manulife can empower them to overcome life's challenges.

The symposium also served as a springboard for broader conversations about the role of private-public partnerships in shaping a healthier future for Filipinos. Discussions emphasized how strategic investments and institutional support can significantly contribute to helping individuals and communities prepare for the realities of longer lifespans. 

"Filipinos are beginning to view their future through a new lens, with our survey revealing a rising emphasis on living well—prioritizing independence, financial stability, and overall quality of life," Hora added. “There’s a clear opportunity to bridge the gap between aspiration and action through practical, preventive solutions that empower our kababayans to maintain their well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling future. At Manulife, we’re committed to turning these insights into action by offering solutions that support Filipinos in planning confidently, living meaningfully, and securing the future they envision.” 

Fitness Expert Jose Villablanca led insightful talks in the “Flex” experiential booth —one of the four interactive wellness zones at the Longevity Symposium. Attendees learn about helpful health habits and remaining consistent in their fitness journey, resulting in a longer, fulfilling life

Manulife's "Time to MOVE" symposium marks a pivotal moment in the company's efforts to champion healthier and more confident living in an aging Philippines. By bringing together diverse voices and actionable insights, Manulife Philippines reinforces its commitment to supporting Filipinos at every stage of life and encouraging them to live longer and better, with health, purpose, and financial security at the core.

To know more about ManulifeMOVE, visit manulife.com.ph. 

Manulife Philippines, Erwan Heussaff Partner for Video on the Importance of Healthy Eating mo

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, and its brand ambassadors, food content creator Erwan Heussaff and daughter Dahlia, premiered their third collaborative video, which emphasizes the importance of healthy eating. 

The video, now live on Heussaff’s social media pages, shows the father-daughter tandem bonding at home on a rainy day and cooking tomato soup, highlighting that even small steps and simple recipes can make an impact on our overall health. 

“Teaching kids to eat right at an early age is just as critical as instilling values like honesty or kindness. It sets the foundation for their life-long health, discipline, and relationship with food,” Heussaff said. “Obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases once seen in adults, are now affecting kids. Healthy eating early can help prevent these long-term issues.” 

A recent Manulife Philippines study found that 33% of Filipinos consider their current lifestyle as unhealthy, while 24% of respondents say they do not really know what is considered a healthy diet. Further, this year’s Manulife Asia Care Survey revealed that while people in the Philippines view physical health as the most important factor to living their desired lifespan, only 5 of 17 preventive actions are being taken by more than half of the respondents to stay healthy. With his collaboration with Manulife, Heussaff aims to show how small everyday habits can lead to a healthier lifestyle. 

“Insights from our recent studies reveal Filipinos are aware of the importance of their physical health to living a better life. Despite the high level of awareness, there are still gaps in their action to fully attain a healthy lifestyle,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.  

Verma added, “At Manulife, we remain committed to empowering Filipinos to take charge of their health, wellness, and financial security through our products and solutions. Additionally, our partnerships with trusted public figures like the Heussaffs help us communicate this message—making decisions easier and lives better for more Filipino families.”

Since joining wife Anne Curtis as a Manulife brand ambassador, Erwan has collaborated with the insurer to produce a video series, which supports Manulife’s commitment to enable Filipinos to live healthier and better lives. The first two featured healthy cooking tips and the company’s Impact Agenda initiatives with Haribon Foundation in Quezon Province. The Heussaffs also recently starred in Manulife Philippines’ latest brand campaign, “M Knows Better.” 

Manulife Philippines and MCBL Bring Back Limited-Offer Wealth Management Product Wealth Guarantee

Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life announce the limited-time return of Wealth Guarantee, a single-payment insurance plan that helps Filipino customers grow their wealth in seven years through a guaranteed savings plan.

Wealth Guarantee is a medium-term wealth management product that grants policyholders yearly payouts of up to 4.5%1 over six years. Wealth Guarantee also provides 125% life protection coverage, giving policyholders adequate protection during the plan’s seven-year term plus 100% capital return.

"At Manulife, we are committed to offering our customers financial products and services tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. With its guaranteed annual returns and valuable life protection, Wealth Guarantee is designed to help Filipino customers secure their future through stable returns, helping them achieve financial growth amidst uncertainty and volatility," said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

"Through the Wealth Guarantee plan, we aim to be Filipinos' reliable and trusted partner in wealth management—enabling their journey toward financial independence," Hora added.

"Financial security should be a year-round priority," said Amy Gochuico, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife China Bank Life. "Wealth Guarantee delivers competitive guaranteed annual returns, full capital return at maturity, and life protection coverage so customers can feel confident with their finances while enjoying their lives today."

Wealth Guarantee requires a minimum single premium of PHP 500,000. It will be available for a limited time beginning April 21, 2025, through Manulife financial advisors. It can also be availed through Manulife’s financial sales associates based in China Bank and China Bank Savings branches nationwide.

1 For a single premium of at least PHP3,000,000; 4.1% payout rate applies to policies with single premium below PHP3,000,000; Subject to market risk factors.

Manulife Philippines Appoints Amy Gochuico as Manulife China Bank Life President and CEO

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, and Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL), the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation, announce the appointment of Amy Gochuico as MCBL’s President and CEO, effective 01 April 2025.

Gochuico joins Manulife Philippines with over 30 years of insurance and leadership experience across various Asian markets and organizations, specializing in bancassurance for two decades. Before her appointment, she served as Manulife Indonesia’s Chief Bancassurance Officer from 2021, where she was responsible for the Bancassurance channel’s overall growth and profitability.

“We’re excited to welcome Amy back to the Philippines as part of Manulife’s executive committee. During her time at Manulife Indonesia, she ensured sustainable and consistent growth for the Company’s Bancassurance business to meet its long-term commitments,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Hora added, “As MCBL President and CEO, she will lead overall partnership management, deliver growth, develop our distribution team and bench strength, manage key business risks, and ensure quality outcomes that can help Manulife become the number one choice for our customers.”

Manulife China Bank Life is the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation.

GenAI Capabilities rolled out to 100% of Manulife’s Workforce with 75% Engagement Rate

Manulife announced that over 75 percent of its global workforce are engaged with GenAI through learning, immersive experiences and tools, including ChatMFC, its proprietary GenAI assistant introduced in 2024. Manulife has been actively investing in AI tools to embed across its workforce since the AI practice was introduced nearly ten years ago.

By democratizing access to AI-enabled solutions, the Company is empowering colleagues to harness its potential in their daily workflows, enhancing efficiency and driving innovation. AI is not a stand-alone function at Manulife, it is an integral part of how the company operates across teams, geographies, and business units.

A Culture of AI Democratization and Innovation

“AI is transformative, and it is creating efficiencies for how we work, create, and interact with one another,” said Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer, Manulife. “By equipping our teams with GenAI tools, we’re enabling them to work smarter, move faster, and make a bigger impact. We’ve doubled our AI-driven impact by diversifying and expanding solutions, strengthening data and AI platforms, and practicing responsible AI governance, proving that our teams see real value.”

Manulife has made a multi-billion-dollar investment in its’ digital transformation including a cloud-based data and AI platform and scaled AI solutions. Today, the Company has deployed:

● ChatMFC, available across Manulife’s global workforce, this GenAI tool can be used to automate routine tasks and allow employees to focus on higher-value, strategic work.

● A skills-building program that empowers colleagues at all levels to understand, experiment with, and apply AI effectively.

● More than 35 GenAI use cases across Canada, the U.S., and Asia have been deployed to-date, with an additional 70 GenAI use cases prioritized to be deployed by the end of 2025. These GenAI use cases are sourced from the Company’s pipeline of over 400 GenAI solutions submitted by its workforce.

● A dedicated talent pool of nearly 200 global data scientists and machine learning engineers, embedded across the organization to scale AI capabilities.

Manulife’s Global AI Strategy: Scaling Responsibly

“AI is driving efficiency, fueling growth, and strengthening our bottom line globally,” said Karen Leggett, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife. “By embedding AI at scale, we’re not just optimizing operations – we’re empowering colleagues to deepen customer relationships, improving advisor connections, and unlocking new revenue streams. As a strategic enabler of long-term success, AI will continue to be a cornerstone of Manulife’s responsible and scalable growth.”

Manulife’s commitment to responsible AI ensures that innovations align with ethical, safety, and sustainability standards. The company's Responsible AI Principles guide how solutions are designed, developed, and deployed, reinforcing trust and transparency in AI applications.

Beyond ChatMFC, AI is being embedded in customer interactions, operations, and strategic decision-making. Examples include:

● New Ways of Working: Manulife's new AI-enabled translation tool provides global access to self-serve real-time translations in 9 languages, increasing efficiency and speed.

● Revenue Growth: The Sales Enablement Tool, initially launched in Singapore, provides personalized insights to advisors. Its rapid global expansion, including to wholesalers, has expanded to multiple global markets.

● Customer Experience: GenAI-powered solutions now support over 110 million calls annually, with further expansion planned this year. Deployed across all North America contact centres and being scaled to our Asia operations, the technology enhances response speed, accuracy, and service quality by providing agents with instant, source-backed answers and confidence scores.

Manulife’s AI roadmap for 2025 is designed for impact, deepening AI-driven insights, enhancing personalization for customers and advisors, and expanding investment in scalable, responsible solutions. By ensuring every colleague can leverage AI in their work, Manulife is strengthening its position as a leader in AI adoption across financial services.

Manulife expects their digital capabilities, including AI-enabled enhancements, to generate a threefold return on investment over five years through 2027 with over $600 million of benefits realized in 2024 from our digital initiatives globally .

To learn more about Manulife’s AI progress, visit: https://www.manulife.com/en/about/ai.html 

Manulife Philippines Marks 118 Years with a Focus on Health, Financial Protection, and Community Investment

Kicking off its 118th year in the country, Manulife Philippines, the local arm of the leading international financial services provider Manulife, has reaffirmed its commitment to adapting to rapidly changing needs of its growing customer base.

Manulife Philippines is ushering in its 118th year with important milestones anchored in its continued focus on driving customer satisfaction. It recently captured the top spot among Philippine life insurance companies in customer recommendation, based on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey conducted in the Philippines by the global market research firm IPSOS in 2024. Additionally, over the last five years, the company has also paid claims amounting to PHP 12.9 billion, standing by its promise to be with customers as their trusted financial partner for its customers.

“Customers in the Philippines are becoming more proactive in planning their financial protection against any uncertainties. They seek products and services that enable them and their families to live better lives, and we take pride in partnering with them to get closer to this goal. As we aim to the #1 choice for our customers, we are deeply committed to providing them with better innovative solutions on all fronts,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. 

“I am pleased to see the trust and confidence our customers have given us—particularly based on the end-2024 NPS results, where we ranked #1 in terms of customer recommendation. These results inspire us to delight customers even further and consistently provide them the level of service and customer focus they truly deserve,” Hora added.

Financially securing and empowering Filipino families 

Driven by its goal to protect more families, Manulife Philippines aims to further broaden its customer base to household decision-makers and young Filipinos through its comprehensive suite of health and life protection products including Manulife Freedom and Manulife HealthFlex. 

• Manulife Freedom offers guaranteed cash payouts and life protection and is designed to be a reliable savings plan which can help customers fund their children's education, pursue their passions, prepare for a comfortable retirement, or leave a legacy to their loved ones.

• Manulife HealthFlex, on the other hand, offers comprehensive protection for over 100 critical illnesses from early diagnosis to recovery, with different payment plans tailored to customers’ lifestyle and budget.

Enabling customers to live Better Days

Manulife Philippines also recently introduced renowned content creator and creative director Erwan Heussaff and daughter Dahlia as the brand’s newest ambassadors, joining actress, wife, and mother Anne Curtis to promote better protection for Filipino families.

“Much of what we know about health and wellness starts from what we learn at home from our own family members, so we are delighted to partner with the Heussaffs to inspire more Filipino families to make financial planning a priority,” Hora shared. 

“Particularly following the pandemic, customers have realized that out-of-pocket payments and their emergency savings are not sufficient to pay for future medical costs. They want to be as prepared as possible to ease any financial burden on their children—who can, in turn, learn and adopt the same thinking from their parents,” he added. “That’s why we at Manulife Philippines are constantly looking for ways to boost Filipinos’ level of financial security through products and services that provide protection against uncertainties, empowering customers to live better every day.”

Similarly, Manulife Philippines is focusing on its young Millennial and Gen Z customer base to demonstrate the importance of early preparation to secure their financial futures. The company is enhancing its product offerings and strengthening its health and life protection solutions based on customer insights, as well as recruiting younger advisors who can provide financial advice to help address young Filipino customers’ evolving insurance needs. This is in light of a 2024 Manulife Philippines study, which found that Filipinos remain largely unprepared for medical emergencies, with 41% dipping into out-of-pocket spending. On average, surveyed Filipinos have set aside PHP 62,000 for future medical needs. However, those ages 18-29 only have an average of PHP 38,000 saved.

“While Gen Z customers are starting to build their financial security, they are also highly conscious of how easily factors beyond their control, like medical emergencies, can deplete their savings. In this view, we encourage young customers to start investing in their health and financial future through protection solutions that suit their unique needs and budgets, helping them face the future with confidence,” Hora said. “They can count on us at Manulife to continue developing solutions that provide financial and health protection when it truly matters.” 

Since opening its doors in 1907, Manulife Philippines has expanded its business of providing customers with diverse and innovative health, wealth, and protection solutions through its comprehensive product suite. In 1999, Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC), Manulife Philippines’ parent company, was officially listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange. As of end-January 2025, MFC has the largest market capitalization among companies listed in the PSE with PHP2.95 trillion.

Shaping Filipino communities for the better

As part of its legacy, Manulife Philippines has also committed to investing in the communities it serves through the Impact Agenda, its global community investment program focused on building a better business to better the world.

• Peso Smart is Manulife Philippines’ award-winning financial literacy program that supports the initiatives of the Department of Education to expand and improve the financial literacy aspect of the K-12 curriculum. To date, nearly 2,500 Filipino learners have benefited from the program, with its offshoot PesoSmart x RecoveREADS currently being implemented in 10 public schools and three community centers in 9 cities nationwide.

• Since 2022, Manulife Philippines has engaged colleagues and advisors through its Forests for Life collaboration with Haribon Foundation. This program successfully planted over 21,000 native tree seedlings across 17 hectares in the provinces of Quezon, Zambales, and Rizal, and contributed to a much-needed increase in forest cover across Southern Luzon.

• Manulife Philippines also established and operationalized 20 Community Food Farms in Gawad Kalinga villages to benefit community members and enable them to grow, harvest, and earn from their own produce.

Last year, Manulife colleagues from different countries in Asia and North America visited partner communities in the Philippines during the five-day ‘Impact Agenda Adventure.’ These global colleagues spent time on the ground to understand the communities’ needs and see the real-life impact of Manulife’s programs in collaboration with its NGO partners.

“Through our Impact Agenda, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve to empower sustained health and well-being, drive inclusive economic opportunities, and accelerate a sustainable future with the help of our colleagues and partners,” Hora added.

Manulife Philippines continues driving health and longevity through innovative products, high-quality sustainable growth of its business and distribution channels, and meaningful community initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to securing better futures for Filipinos.