Manulife Philippines Celebrates 118 Years of Financial Security

Marking its 118th year in the Philippines, Manulife Philippines, the local arm of global financial services provider Manulife, continues to strengthen its commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its growing customer base. The company remains focused on enhancing customer satisfaction, financial protection, and community impact.

A Legacy of Customer Commitment and Financial Protection

Manulife Philippines has reached a significant milestone, securing the top position among Philippine life insurance companies in customer recommendation. This achievement is based on the 2024 Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey conducted by global market research firm IPSOS. Over the last five years, the company has also paid PHP 12.9 billion in claims, reinforcing its role as a trusted financial partner.

Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Philippines, emphasized the company’s dedication to providing solutions that align with customer needs:

“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.”

He also expressed gratitude for the trust Filipino customers place in Manulife:

“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.”

Expanding Financial Protection for Filipino Families

With a vision to protect more Filipino families, Manulife Philippines is continuously enhancing its suite of health and life protection products. The company is targeting both household decision-makers and young Filipinos with solutions like Manulife Freedom and Manulife HealthFlex.

• Manulife Freedom provides guaranteed cash payouts and life protection, helping customers fund their children’s education, pursue personal goals, prepare for retirement, or leave a financial legacy.
• Manulife HealthFlex offers comprehensive coverage for over 100 critical illnesses, from early diagnosis to recovery, with flexible payment plans suited to various lifestyles and budgets.

Promoting Financial Literacy and Security for the Next Generation

To encourage early financial planning, Manulife Philippines is actively engaging Millennials and Gen Z customers. A 2024 study by the company revealed that 41% of Filipinos rely on out-of-pocket spending for medical emergencies, with young Filipinos (ages 18-29) saving an average of PHP 38,000 for future medical needs—far less than the PHP 62,000 national average.

Recognizing this gap, Manulife is working to provide young customers with financial solutions tailored to their evolving needs. The company is also recruiting younger financial advisors to offer guidance to this demographic.

Hora highlighted the importance of early financial planning:

“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.”

Strengthening Brand Advocacy Through Influencer Partnerships

Manulife Philippines has partnered with content creator and creative director Erwan Heussaff and his daughter Dahlia to promote financial protection. They join actress, wife, and mother Anne Curtis in advocating for family financial security.

Hora shared the inspiration behind this partnership:

“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.”

Commitment to Community Investment and Sustainability

Beyond financial protection, Manulife Philippines is dedicated to driving social impact through its Impact Agenda, a global community investment program.

• Peso Smart, its award-winning financial literacy program, supports the Department of Education’s K-12 curriculum and has benefited nearly 2,500 Filipino learners. The program has also expanded to include PesoSmart x RecoveREADS, currently implemented in 10 public schools and three community centers across nine cities.
• Through Forests for Life, a collaboration with the Haribon Foundation, Manulife has planted over 21,000 native tree seedlings across 17 hectares in Quezon, Zambales, and Rizal, enhancing forest cover in Southern Luzon.
• The company has also launched 20 Community Food Farms in Gawad Kalinga villages, helping local communities cultivate and earn from their own produce.

In 2024, Manulife employees from Asia and North America visited the Philippines for the five-day Impact Agenda Adventure, engaging directly with partner communities to understand their needs and witness the positive effects of Manulife’s programs.

Hora reaffirmed the company’s dedication to social responsibility:

“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.”

Looking Ahead: Securing a Better Future for Filipinos

Since its establishment in 1907, Manulife Philippines has consistently evolved to meet the needs of Filipino families. The company’s parent firm, Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC), has been listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange since 1999 and, as of January 2025, holds the largest market capitalization among PSE-listed companies at PHP 2.95 trillion.

Manulife Philippines continues to drive health, longevity, and financial security through innovative products, sustainable business growth, and impactful community initiatives—solidifying its legacy as a trusted financial partner in the country.