Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services firm Manulife, and Manulife Global Solutions (MGS), the company’s global solutions hub serving customers and colleagues across international markets, are advancing their commitment to supporting financial resilience and prioritizing health and well-being through expanded community investment initiatives focused on financial literacy and access to safe water.

The latest initiatives include the expansion of Peso Smart, Manulife Philippines’ flagship financial literacy program for public school students, and the launch of MGS’ three-year partnership with Waves for Water Philippines, which aims to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in underserved communities.

Supporting financial resilience at an early age with Manulife Peso Smart

For School Year 2026-2027, Peso Smart has expanded to 26 public schools nationwide, broadening the program’s reach with a target of educating 2,700 learners within the school communities. Designed to help Filipinos build practical money management skills, the program introduces concepts such as budgeting, saving, responsible spending, and goal setting through engaging and age-appropriate learning activities.

“Financial resilience is one of the foundations of a longer and more secure life,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Through Peso Smart, we’re helping young Filipinos build the knowledge, confidence, and habits to make informed financial decisions early. As we expand to more public schools and farm schools in Negros Occidental, bringing practical life skills to more learners in ways that can shape their opportunities and well-being for years to come.”

Beginning August 2026, Peso Smart was also introduced in three farm schools in Negros Occidental through a partnership among Manulife Philippines, the Schools Division Office of Negros Occidental, and the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAMF). The pilot schools are Cansilayan Farm School in Murcia, Manghanoy Farm School in La Castellana, and Eva J. Montilla Farm School in Cauayan, extending the program’s reach to learners in agricultural communities and helping make financial education more accessible to diverse student populations.

Building on the program’s growing momentum, Manulife Philippines used this year’s launch to recognize its top-performing Peso Smart schools from School Year 2025-2026: Ilugin Elementary School in Pasig City, Guadalupe Elementary School in Cebu City, and Cabantian Elementary School in Davao City—each awarded with laptop computers for advancing financial literacy among students and teachers.

Prioritizing health and well-being with access to clean water and sanitation

MGS’ (formerly known as Manulife Business Processing Services), newly launched partnership with Waves for Water Philippines kicked off in July through a series of community activities in Barangays San Rafael in Rodriguez, Rizal, Maly in San Mateo, Rizal, and Bankal in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. 

The partnership launches a three-year Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) program to improve access to safe water and promote healthier living in vulnerable communities. Over three years, Manulife and Waves for Water Philippines aim to deliver at least 450 water filtration kits, six rainwater catchment facilities, 26 water-efficient toilets with septic tanks, 60 standalone handwashing stations, along with hygiene promotion, river rehabilitation, and environmental stewardship initiatives—collectively benefiting more than 20,000 Filipinos.

“Good health starts with access to life’s essentials, and clean water is among the most fundamental,” said Mark Woolfrey, Head of Global Shared Services, Manulife Global Solutions. “Through our partnership with Waves for Water Philippines, we’re helping communities address critical water challenges while supporting healthier and more resilient futures. This collaboration reflects Manulife’s commitment to advancing health and wellbeing through practical, community-based solutions that create lasting impact.”

The program’s initial phase has delivered 184 water filtration kits and three rainwater catchment facilities to more than 1,400 households—including the Dumagat indigenous community in Rizal, families in Cebu, and those relying on improvised water systems in vulnerable areas.

The launch events also gave communities practical training to support long-term use of the systems. Beneficiaries joined sanitation and hygiene orientations, filtration demonstrations, and hands-on assembly with Manulife colleague-volunteers, learning how to operate and maintain the systems while reinforcing the importance of safe water.

Patrick Manuel, Country Director, Waves for Water Philippines shared: “Manulife has been an invaluable partner in helping us push Waves for Water’s mission forward. Our work also aligns closely with Manulife’s vision of longevity: helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.”

The initiatives support the objectives of the Manulife Longevity Institute, which brings together research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community partnerships, to drive action to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. 

Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation (Manulife Investments Philippines), the local asset management arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, topped the latest Philippine unit investment trust fund (UITF) rankings across growth-oriented equity and equity feeder funds and steadier fixed income funds for the period January 1 to June 30, 2026.

Manulife Investments Philippines delivered its strongest showing in the equity feeder fund category, where three of its funds secured the top three spots based on year-to-date returns:

• Introduced in November 2025, Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund delivered a 105.71% return, investing in leading semiconductor companies that power artificial intelligence, data centers, and everyday devices.
• Manulife Global Clean Energy Equity Feeder Fund posted a 40.67% return, investing across renewable power, electric vehicles, and the technology and infrastructure supporting the clean energy transition. This fund ranked no. 5 in the second half of 2025 with 20.53% year-to-date returns.
• Manulife Global Technology Equity Feeder Fund recorded a 37.06% return, investing in diverse technology subsectors positioned to benefit from the continued growth and everyday use of technology. This fund ranked no. 12 in the second half of 2025 with 15.49% year-to-date returns.

The results underscore the strength of Manulife’s globally diversified, theme-based investment approach, with funds focused on long-term structural trends such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and technology adoption.

Manulife Investments Philippines also led the equity fund category. Manulife Asia Best Select Equity Fund secured the top spot, with its PHP Unhedged Class A ranking second with a 37.31% return.

Manulife’s strong performance extended to fixed income. In the fixed income feeder fund category, which is designed for investors seeking steadier returns and lower risk, the Manulife Asia Short Duration Bond Feeder Fund took the top spot, with two more Manulife funds also ranking among the category leaders.

These categories serve different investor needs. Equity funds, such as Manulife’s Global Semiconductor, Global Clean Energy, Global Technology and Asia Best Select, provide access to fast-moving global sectors with higher growth potential. Fixed income funds are designed for investors who prefer greater stability and a smoother investment journey. Together, these funds give Filipinos more choices aligned with their goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon.

“Investing is not one-size fits all.  Some investors seek long-term growth, while others prioritize income or stability.That is why we offer a diverse range of UITFs designed to help investors pursue their financial goals based on their unique objectives and risk preferences. As Filipinos live longer, disciplined investing becomes even more important. According to the United Nations World Population Prospects, life expectancy at birth in the Philippines is projected to rise to around 73 years by 2050, making long-term financial planning and investing essential for building lasting financial security,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines.

Gaspar added, “Through our UITFs, investors gain convenient access to powerful long-term themes shaping the future, includingartificial intelligence, technology, and clean energy. These strong results reflect the strength of our research-driven investment approach, global investment capabilities, and local market expertise, helping investors navigate changing markets with confidence and achieve better financial outcomes.”

These funds are part of Manulife’s growing suite of UITFs, designed to match different goals and levels of risk tolerance.  Investors can open an account online through Manulife iFUNDS, a secure digital platform for managing UITF investments.

For more information, contact a Manulife Wealth Specialist or visit manulife.com/ph.

Filipinos are shifting how they view legacy, prioritizing independence, financial freedom, and self-reliance as they plan for longer lifespans.

This is according to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026: Independence as the New Legacy, which gathered insights from more than 9,000 respondents across Asia, including 1,000 in the Philippines. The study explores shifting attitudes toward longevity, health, caregiving, retirement preparedness, and overall financial well-being.

It was found out in the survey that independence and financial freedom are viewed as the inheritance they want to leave their families, according to 88% of respondents. It rises to 95% among Filipinos aged 25 to 34, highlighting a growing shift toward self-sufficiency and long-term financial planning. 

It was also revealed in the survey that Filipinos are increasingly associating independence with maintaining good health to avoid becoming a burden to loved ones, and having access to quality healthcare. Fifty six percent of those who prioritize independence as a legacy cited health and quality of life as their key concerns, while 53% identified unexpected expenses later in life as a major challenge.

To stay independent as you age, you need good physical and mental health, as 92% of respondents agree that preventive care and self-care habits can help extend years of self-reliance. Popular wellness practices include spending time with family and friends (52%), maintaining a balanced diet (50%), and exercising regularly (48%). However, fewer Filipinos are taking proactive steps such as preventive health screenings (26%) or building social networks to combat isolation (29%).

Pressures faced by the country’s “sandwich generation,” or individuals supporting both parents and children, were also highlighted in the survey results. Sixty seven percent of respondents provide care to a family member, averaging 32 hours per week, while 68% offer financial support to relatives, allocating nearly half of their monthly income to these responsibilities.

These caregiving and financial commitments are affecting long-term planning. Among respondents, 74% said family obligations hinder their ability to build self-reliance, while 71% reported delaying their own medical care due to caregiving and financial pressures.

With increasing spending remains a concern, 82% of Filipinos are worried about the cost of future care, significantly higher than the regional average of 66%. It was estimated that respondents would need approximately PhP34,485 per month to cover future care-related expenses. Most plan to rely on personal savings (87%) and investments (59%), while only 21% expect financial support from their children.

The survey relayed that Fiipinos are becoming more proactive in preparing for longevity, with many planning to shift toward income-generating investments, diversify their portfolios, and seek professional financial advice to strengthen retirement readiness and long-term financial security.