Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL) today announced the launch of Manulife GoalReady for Health, an investment-linked savings plan with comprehensive critical illness and life insurance coverage.

GoalReady for Health combines investment-linked savings with critical illness and life protection—helping customers build their funds while protecting their goals if a serious illness strikes. Designed for Filipinos who want to stay on track with their long-term goals, it helps manage the potential financial disruption caused by health setbacks.

As more Filipinos plan for longer lives, staying on track with their life goals increasingly means being prepared for rising healthcare costs, prolonged illness, and the financial strain health setbacks can place on families. The plan addresses the growing gap in financial preparedness for health emergencies among Filipinos. The recent Manulife Asia Care Study revealed that about four in five Filipinos believe their financial wellbeing has great impact on their health span (both physical and mental) and lifespan.

The financial stakes are steep: A study on the economic impact of cancer in the Philippines found that Filipino patients spend an average of ₱181,789 out-of-pocket within the first year of diagnosis, highlighting the significant financial burden of treatment. Yet Filipinos remain financially underprepared for these possibilities. According to latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Filipinos’ household out-of-pocket for medical expenses stood at 42.7%, while a recent Manulife study found that 33% of Filipinos feel they have insufficient insurance coverage.

GoalReady for Health enables customers to build a dedicated pool of savings for future health needs through professionally managed, investment-linked fund options designed to support long-term goals. At the same time, it provides built-in critical illness protection, helping customers stay on track with their plans even when a serious health event occurs.

“Many Filipinos work hard to build toward their goals, but a serious illness can quickly turn years of progress into an unexpected financial burden. Manulife GoalReady for Health brings together critical illness protection and investment-linked savings for future health needs, helping customers stay financially prepared while protecting what they’ve worked hard to build,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

“With Manulife GoalReady for Health, we want Filipinos to move forward with confidence, knowing that a health shock need not become a financial setback—so they can focus on recovery while keeping their savings and life goals on track, and live better for longer,” Hora added.

Healthcare remains a major challenge for Filipino families, with high out-of-pocket expenses and uneven access, leaving many vulnerable when illness strikes. A study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) shows six out of 10 families cannot cover a Php 10,000 hospital bill without borrowing or relying on an HMO.

This growing financial strain is no longer confined to households; it is increasingly shaping expectations in the workplace.Recent insights shared by career platform Jobstreet by SEEK show that HMO benefits are now among the top factors influencing job decisions. As medical costs continue to rise, employees increasingly value benefits that provide financial protection and peace of mind.

This comes as the Insurance Commission reports continued growth in the HMO sector, recording a 15.95% year on year expansion in total assets to Php 101.44B in Q1 of 2026 and net income climbing by more than 40% to Php 818.7M, driven by stronger fee income growth. The industry also delivered over Php 74 billion in healthcare benefits in 2025 alone, reinforcing the critical role HMOs play in expanding access to quality healthcare and supporting the overall well-being of the Filipino workforce.

Leading HMO Intellicare heeds to this demand with an extensive HMO network, ensuring healthcare is as accessible to more employers, from major cities to more remote regions in the Philippines. By expanding access, the company empowers more employers to create a sense of security among employees, enabling them to stay productive and engaged.

Collective collaboration

While Intellicare continues to expand across two Metro Manila sites (Head Office in Makati and a back office), four regional offices (Calamba, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao), and satellite offices across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—from Angeles and Legazpi, to Iloilo and Dumaguete, and down to Cagayan de Oro, Kidapawan, and General Santos—addressing the gap still calls for collective collaboration to drive meaningful progress. This is reflected in the efforts of its client partners, who champion employee well-being.

“It gives our employees peace of mind—not just for themselves, but for their families. When people feel supported, they’re more engaged and able to focus on their work,” said Apple Ann Morales, Head of Human Resources of Metro Dumaguete Water.

“A strong HMO package is something employees actively look for. It ensures healthcare is accessible and financially manageable, while also improving employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity,” said Maan DC Dela Torre, Manager of Human Resources and Administration and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)  of Melco Factory Automation Philippines Inc.

With nearly 1.2 million members, 3,000 corporate accounts, and a network of 69,000 doctors and specialists who are multi‑affiliated across accredited hospitals and clinics, Intellicare provides comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness programs, and digital tools for easier access to services.

“At Intellicare, we collaborate with our partner clients to deliver holistic and efficient healthcare management, where every touchpoint of care creates a ripple of impact—from empowering individuals to building more resilient organizations and shaping a stronger nation,” said Intellicare President Jeremy Matti. .

To know more about Intellicare, visit their website at intellicare.com.ph, or their social media accounts, @Intellicare on Facebook or @IntellicarePH on Instagram, and linkedin.com/company/intellicare-ph on LinkedIn.

In a country of more than 7,600 islands, Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated in many ways, varying across the regions through traditions that have remained through generations, along with new iterations that reflect the growing diversity among Filipino families.

Today’s Christmas celebrations in Filipino households range from grand gatherings among extended families, along with OFW households, dual-income no kids (DINKs) couples, single parents, and same-gender partners who are marking the season in their own meaningful way. Through it all, the desire to gather, to share, and to connect remains at the heart of each celebration. 

Feast for Filipino families

This holiday season, Purefoods recognizes both the traditions that have been passed down through generations, along with the new meaningful ones that we create along the way. Around the Noche Buena table, families remember the Christmases past, while embracing the present, and celebrating what brings them together.

Whether its recipes that have been handed down through many generations, or new dishes to celebrate the joy of togetherness, Purefoods provides a wide range of products to make every holiday meal more memorable.

As a legacy brand with generations-long trusted consistency in quality and taste, Purefoods products have long been a part of occasions that matter most to Filipino families. The different Purefoods products help make homecooked Noche Buena feasts easier and more enjoyable. What’s more, the products are easily available in supermarkets, groceries, and markets to support different regional traditions and unique family celebrations across the country.

As part of its mission to spread Christmas cheer, Purefoods turned the homecoming of OFWs into a full-blown holiday celebration this December, taking center stage at the newly refreshed Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 just as its new facilities officially opened. Seizing this landmark moment, the “Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods” installation at the Arrival area and a dazzling LED display at the new Mezzanine Food Hall transformed the terminal into a festive gateway home, filling arrivals with warmth, joy, and inspiration to create new Christmas memories with their loved ones through food.

Food that is lovingly prepared and joyfully shared is at the core of every Christmas celebration. No matter how Filipino families celebrate, Purefoods helps bring the joy of the season to every table.