BY ALEX ALAGON
THE HEALTHCARE outsourcing market is expanding rapidly worldwide, and the Philippines, with over 200,000 remote professionals, is playing a key role in areas like clinical documentation, medical billing, and telehealth. Supporting this growth is the ability to manage global payments efficiently, a gap that fintech company Payoneer helps fill.
The Department of Trade and Industry reports that the Philippines is shifting away from traditional BPO services. The country is focusing more on high-value knowledge industries, such as Healthcare Information Management Services (HIMS). In 2024, the HIMS sector generated USD 4.2 billion in revenue. Analysts expect it to grow by 9% annually through 2028.
“The Philippines is becoming a global health technology outsourcing powerhouse, thanks to its skilled workforce, strong compliance standards, and cost-effective operations,” said Monique Avila, senior director of customer success for Asia-Pacific at Payoneer.
.Much of this demand comes from North America, which accounts for 75–80% of the Philippine HIMS market. Globally, the medical billing outsourcing segment alone is projected to reach USD 30.2 billion by 2030, while the telehealth market is expected to hit USD 455 billion by 2030. This creates a major opportunity for the Philippines to capture a larger share of the global market.
However, this growth also brings operational challenges. Healthcare BPOs need to keep up with global demand while managing workforce quality, compliance, and cost efficiency. Among the companies that have experienced this firsthand is Global Medical Virtual Assistants (GMVA).
GMVA is a company that connects U.S.-based healthcare providers with Filipino remote professionals, offering support for both administrative and clinical tasks to help deliver quality healthcare services across borders. Prior to working with Payoneer, GMVA faced hurdles in cross-border transaction fees and high maintaining balance requirements, which created unnecessary strain on both the business and its remote professionals.
For a business that supports clinics, hospitals, and sensitive patient care in the U.S., delayed pay risked morale, trust, and overall service quality. “You shouldn’t have to work to get your money when you’re working. Our people need to focus on their patients, not on whether they’ll receive their money on time,” said Michelle DiClemente, Accounting Manager at GMVA.
Payoneer’s multi-currency accounts help remote professionals receive payments from clients and companies around the world into a single, secure account. They can get paid in major currencies, manage their funds flexibly, and withdraw to their local bank. This ensures faster and more reliable access to earnings, regardless of where the worker is based.
Preston Strada, Marketing Manager at GMVA, said the pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual healthcare and sparked rapid growth in demand for their services. “We’re growing significantly and will continue to grow, so it’s important that we invest in tools that support our scalability,” added Mary Grace Avelino, General Manager at GMVA.
As the Philippines strengthens its role in the global cross-border services industry, companies like GMVA turn to Payoneer to ensure fast, secure, and reliable payments to their remote teams. By offering flexible solutions, Payoneer empowers teams to scale efficiently and support talent wherever they are located.
Alongside healthcare, Payoneer supports a broad range of industries across 190+ countries and territories, helping businesses grow and transact globally with confidence.
ROBINSONS Malls inaugurated a new Muslim prayer room at Robinsons Iligan, marking the first time a shopping mall in the city has dedicated a sacred space for the Muslim community. The new facility was formally opened to the public on August 15, 2025, underscoring Robinsons Land Corporation’s commitment to inclusivity, mutual respect, and community well-being.
Located at the third level of Robinsons Iligan, the prayer room offers a dedicated and accessible space for members of the Muslim faith, welcoming tenant-partner employees and mall customers.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Iligan Mayor Frederick W. Siao, Princess Almerah D. Lucman, provincial director of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Satellite Office-Iligan, Sagar Pagiorongan, president of Bangon Marawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Atty. Naima Sanggacala, chief of the Legal Affairs Division of NCMF Region XII-B Lanao, Alem Alibsar Abdullah Salih, a missionary from Saudi Arabia, and Imam Ismail Ibrahim. Representing Robinsons Malls were Danny Camat, regional operations manager, and Jazzie Margaja, senior mall operations manager.
“We are here to show our full support for the opening of this prayer room. This is the first time here in Iligan that a major establishment, especially a mall, has opened and accommodated this important need. It is not only the City Government that is open to participation for inclusivity, but also Robinsons Malls. I am happy to see this happening in our city,” said Siao in his speech.
The initiative was warmly welcomed by the Muslim community, who expressed deep gratitude for the facility. Following the inauguration, Muslim leaders requested the local government to pass an ordinance requiring major commercial establishments and schools with ample space to provide prayer rooms, citing Robinsons Iligan as a model.
“At Robinsons Malls, we believe that malls are more than just spaces to shop, they are community spaces where everyone should feel welcome, valued, and respected. The prayer room stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing spaces that honor and embrace our diverse community,” said Camat.
This is the second Muslim prayer room opened by Robinsons Malls, following the first one in Robinsons General Santos, which was inaugurated in 2023.
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Multiply-Ed Philippines stands firm in demanding a more transparent, genuine participation, and stronger accountability in the budget process, particularly in including the youth and CSOs in the budget discussions, and not just mere observers.
‘Participatory budgeting’ does not stop at being informed
Multiply-Ed Philippines, through its Amplify Education Budget (Amplify-Ed) Campaign, participated in the three key budget events conducted by the House of Representatives, particularly the civil society organization (CSO) turnover of the budget, orientation on the CSO guidelines on participation, and DBCC Briefing on sources of financing.
Given the education gaps and the worsening education crisis, the call is not just for youth and CSOs to become sideline observers, but for a more profound participation. While the House Resolution No. 94 offered to institutionalize the presence of budget watchdogs, it offers an additional burden of bureaucracy, through the accreditation process, for a level of engagement that can be done as actively as before.
CSOs and youth are not decorations. CSO participation should not be lip service. Deepening CSO integration should include an expansive space for input, and consideration of the people’s feedback on the proposed budget.
Fix the gaps, fund the margins
Drawing from the Multiply-Ed grassroots monitoring of 90 public senior high schools nationwide, Multiply-Ed estimates that fully addressing basic education input gaps for all public senior high schools alone would require ₱437,429,061,584.19. When applied across all public schools, this amount could reach ₱1.702 trillion—much closer to the recommended 6% allocation. These findings highlight persistent shortages in classrooms, textbooks, teachers, laptops, and learner support programs, with ₱1.6 billion needed immediately for urgent needs in X-Ed–covered schools all over the country.
In line with the 2026 Inclusive Education Budget Agenda, Multiply-Ed is pushing for increased funding for underfunded and undersupported programs that serve marginalized learners, including Indigenous Peoples’ Education (IPEd), the Madrasah Education Program, Special Education (SPED), and Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives. If we want a truly inclusive education system, we must fix the gaps and fund the margins.
Genuine Transparency, Participation, and Accountability (TPA)
For three years, X-Ed, through its Amplify-Ed campaign, has remained one of the few youth-led organizations engaging in advocacy as technical as budgeting. The worsening education landscape has continuously renewed our call for greater transparency, participation, and accountability in the budget process. While we recognize the bigger education budget this year, there is a need to ensure that every peso reaches the farthest classrooms and learners who need it most.
This year, our call is stronger than ever. Genuine transparency, participation, and accountability (TPA) in the budget process, open bicam, fix the gaps, and fund the margins! 𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘯𝘪 𝘑𝘶𝘢𝘯, 𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯!
Filipino emo fans, get ready to scream, sing, and celebrate like never before! Almost two decades after their last show in the Philippines in 2008, the legendary rock band My Chemical Romance is making its long-awaited return at the My Chemical Romance Southeast Asia 2026 Tour in Bulacan, set to take over the Philippine Arena on April 25, 2026.
The excitement began early in July 2025, when PULP Live World dropped a mysterious teaser on social media, instantly sparking speculation among fans. The frenzy reached a fever pitch when the official My Chemical Romance Southeast Asia 2026 Tour in Bulacan poster was released shortly after, creating a massive buzz across the country.
From heartfelt reactions to viral memes, Filipino fans demonstrated why the Philippines is celebrated globally as one of the most passionate emo communities in the world. The response was so overwhelming that it felt like the entire nation came together to celebrate this long-awaited comeback.
Tickets are expected to sell out fast, as other Southeast Asian stops have already reached full capacity. PULP Live World is giving fans months to prepare, save, and plan to make sure they don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime comeback in the Philippines. Ticket prices range from PHP 2,120 to PHP 21,200, offering a variety of experiences for all fans eager to witness the legends live.
SAMSUNG Philippines, building on its recent successful runs in key areas in the country, elevated its partnership with RUNRIO through the Galaxy Manila Marathon, a landmark celebration of health, wellness, and the vibrant spirit of Manila on August 10, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex.
Drawing 19,000 runners, the event stands as one of the country’s largest and most anticipated fitness gatherings this year. Samsung continues to champion a lifestyle of movement and discovery, encouraging participants to rise higher in their fitness journeys while appreciating iconic local landmarks in Manila passing through the storied grounds of Rizal Park, the enduring walls of Intramuros, the sweeping views along Roxas Boulevard, and the cultural landmarks of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex.
Powered by the latest Galaxy Watch innovations, Samsung continues to inspire wellness journeys through its Galaxy Watch series. The newly launched Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic serve as powerful companions for anyone striving to stay on top of their health.
“The Galaxy Manila Marathon shows how AI and innovation can take wellness to the next level. With features like the Running Coach and the power of the Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch8 series helps users run smarter and push further,” Samsung Electronics Philippines Ecosystem Product Marketing Manager Michelle Tee shared.
“Our aim is to continue inspiring Filipinos to live healthier, more active lives. The event shows how technology and wellness can move together, empowering runners to push limits, stay connected, and achieve their personal best,” Tee emphasized.
Redesigned to help you reach for Ultimate Wellness
The Galaxy Watch8 series offers a smarter, more connected way to stay motivated, whether you are training for your next marathon or simply embracing a more active lifestyle. Its sleek design meets rugged functionality, with a 50% brighter display and 3,000 nits peak brightness, runners can easily track stats even under the harshest daylight.
Whether you are training for your first 5K or chasing a personal best, the Galaxy Watch8’s Running Coach delivers personalized plans and real-time guidance based on your fitness level. Stay motivated with the updated Together feature that now supports running—challenge friends, track progress, and make every mile count.
The Galaxy Watch8 series is also built for those who want more than just distance tracking—it is your smart wellness coach on the go. It is the first smartwatch to introduce an Antioxidant Index, letting you measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds to support healthy aging. Equipped with the advanced BioActive Sensor, it provides runners with in-depth health insights, empowering them to train smarter, recover better, and push further.
To help you stay balanced, High Stress Alert notifies you when it is time to slow down, while the Mindfulness Tracker logs your mood and guides you through calming breathwork. Not only that! With the AI-powered Energy Score, you will get a quick read on your physical and mental energy so you can plan your day—and your next run—smarter.
Created together with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch to launch with Gemini, Google’s powerful AI assistant and run on Wear OS 6, bringing next-level intelligence to your wrist. Go hands-free and stay in stride with natural voice commands that let you manage apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock effortlessly.
Optimized with the new One UI8 Watch, the interface is sleek, intuitive, and tailored to the Watch face. Multi-info Tiles let you view key metrics like weather, events, and health stats at a glance, while the Now Bar and depthless notifications keep your most important updates front and center, so you can focus on your pace, not your screen.
Crafted for endurance and everyday elegance, the Galaxy Watch8 is made for the long run. With a fully reengineered structure and 30% more efficient component layout, it is now 11% thinner for a lighter, sleeker fit. Designed for all-day comfort, it will not weigh you down whether you are racing, training, or cooling off, available in 44mm or 40mm, in Graphite or Silver.
For a more refined look, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic adds timeless sophistication with a rotating bezel and handy quick button, available in 46mm Black or White. Plus, both models can be customized with stylish bands to suit every runner’s lifestyle—on and off the race course.
For those pushing boundaries outdoors, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the toughest and most advanced Galaxy Watch yet. With up to the longest battery life in the lineup and a durable titanium build—now available in the bold new Titanium Blue—it is made for endurance, performance, and adventure.
As a proud homegrown developer rooted in Davao, Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) continues to live out its vision of elevating fellow homegrown brands and bringing them to the rest of the world.
In celebration of the 40th Kadayawan Festival, DLI invited and gathered some of Davao’s finest, along with its developments, all in one venue for Discover Davao: DLI Kadayawan Sales Pavilion 2025.
This month-long showcase is held at one of the city’s premier vantage points–the Roofdeck of Damosa Diamond Tower, Lanang–offering guests both a world-class exhibit with a panoramic view of the Davao skyline.
The pavilion opened to the public on Aug. 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DLI President Ricardo F. Lagdameo, joined by other principals of partner merchants.
A total of 21 companies ranging from all-time favorite durian and cacao treats to handwoven abaca textiles, artisan crafts, and DLI’s locally rooted developments–celebrating Davao’s rich heritage and vibrant creative industries in a carefully curated, showroom-style kind of exhibit.
“Bringing together Davao’s finest homegrown brands during this time is a celebration of our roots, our identity, and the true essence of the Kadayawan Festival. It is also an opportunity to showcase to the rest of the world the remarkable progress and economic development happening here in Davao,” DLI president Ricardo F. Lagdameo said.
Damosa Land is showcasing its flagship residential developments–Kahi Estates, Agriya Gardens, and Bridgeport Park, along with its other projects such as Anflo Industrial Estate, Regus, Microtel by Wyndham (Davao and GenSan)–through comprehensive open-house presentations. These are featured alongside its affiliated companies, including TADECO Homes and Pearl Farm Beach Resort, while the Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon Samal will also have its own booth for registration.
Collectively, the pavilion underscores the company’s diversified portfolio and integrated approach to development.
Complementing DLI’s initiative for Discover Davao are leading homegrown brands such as T’nalak Home and Amakan Designs, NIñOFRANCO, Malagos Chocolates, Cacao de Davao, Café Gervacio’s Coffee & Bakery, Nabo Café & Restaurant, Soul Kitchen Co., KVI’s Meat Locker, De’Xpresso Lounge, Café Sikwate, Bamba C. Limon, and BOTANICS–representing Davao’s dynamic retail, food, and creative sectors.
Beyond the exhibits, guests can look forward to mini-events throughout the month, such as Sunset Cocktail, Yoga Friday Sessions, knowledge seminars on various topics, and many more.
Exciting raffle prizes also await, including gift certificates from Pearl Farm Beach Resort and even a chance to win a condominium unit at Seawind when making a reservation for any Damosa Land residential project.
With its breathtaking venue and curated showcase, Discover Davao is more than an exhibit–it’s a celebration of Kadayawan’s 40th year and a reinforcement of the message that the best of Davao are proudly homegrown.
Lights, camera, K-film! The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) proudly presents the 2025 Korean Film Festival: Scenes on Screen, a multi-layered celebration of Korean cinema unfolding across screenings, exhibits, talks, and competitions.
This year marks KCC’s most extravagant edition yet—bridging cultures, igniting imaginations, and spotlighting the creative forces behind Korea’s cinematic masterpieces.
Whether you’re a casual viewer, an aspiring filmmaker, or a full-fledged cinephile, there’s something for everyone in this exciting line-up of free and open-to-the-public events.
Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds
Exhibit runs from August 27 to November 21 at KCC | Free Admission
Co-hosted by the Korean Film Archive and the KCC, this special exhibit delves into the fascinating world of production design, shining a spotlight on the visual architects behind some of Korea’s most iconic films.
Get an up-close look at the creative processes and stunning visual concepts by leading production designers: Ryu Seong-hee (Decision to Leave, The Handmaiden), Cho Hwa-sung (Hansan: Rising Dragon) and Han Ah rum (Kill Boksoon, Kingmaker).
This immersive exhibit showcases how words on a page evolve into living, breathing cinematic worlds through design, construction, and storytelling.
Talkback Session: Conversations Between Philippine and Korean Film Experts
August 27 at Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center, University of the Philippines Diliman
Join us for a cross-cultural dialogue exploring the creative process behind film production design, storytelling, and the evolving film industries of Korea and the Philippines.
From Korea, we’ll be joined by acclaimed production designer Han Ah rum (Kill Boksoon, Kingmaker) with producer RuBi (team manager of ‘ARTCOMPANY HAN’), along with Park Hee Seong, senior researcher from the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).
Representative from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Filipino film makers will also take part in the discussion, with full panel details to be announced soon.
The event will also feature the screening and awarding of the winning entries from the “Reel Connections: Student Short Film Competition.” Meet the rising talents behind “Seoul Sight” as they gear up for their upcoming trip to the 2025 Busan International Film Festival.
Sign up here: bit.ly/2025KoreanFilmFestivalTalkBackSession
Korean Film Screening
August 29–31 at SM Mall of Asia, SM City Iloilo, and SM Lanang Premier
Don’t miss this year’s curated lineup of gripping, thought-provoking Korean films driven from the “Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds” exhibit namely I, The Executioner (2024), Concrete Utopia (2023), and Kingmaker (2022).
Get your K-film fix with us—absolutely free—across key cities nationwide!
Tingin Southeast Asian Film Festival: Korea as Guest Country
September 26-27, Gateway Cineplex 18
Korea takes the spotlight as a guest country and the opening film at the Tingin Southeast Asian Film Festival hosted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with the theme, “Women’s Ways of Seeing.”
Stay tuned to NCCA’s official channels for more details.
The “2025 Korean Film Festival: Scenes on Screen” is a proud collaboration among the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, Korean Film Council, Film Development Council of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, University of the Philippines Film Institute, SM Cinema and Gateway Cineplex 18.
For updates and event details, follow @KCCPhil on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://phil.korean-culture.org/en.
Step into the scene. See the screen. Celebrate Korean cinema with us.
A new Power Mac Center (PMC) has opened in Davao, this time in the capital city of Digos. A thriving center of trade and agriculture in Davao del Sur, Digos City now houses a new hub offering the latest Apple devices and premium accessories from partner brands.
Apple fans are invited to drop by the store, located at the second floor of the Gaisano Mall of Digos and open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
“Digos City seamlessly integrates natural beauty with progressive urban development, the perfect backdrop to accelerate digital transformation in everyday life. We offer our technology and expertise to support the community’s passions and professional pursuits, right within the locality,” said PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.
Exclusive deals all opening weekend
PMC in the “Gate City of the South” Digos is welcoming customers to discover their next Apple upgrade with grand opening deals available for a limited time only. Shoppers can enjoy up to ₱24,500 off on select iPad models, up to ₱20,500 off on MacBook Air, up to ₱19,500 off on iPhone, up to ₱9,500 off on Apple Watch, and up to ₱4,000 off on AirPods. Plus, get up to 20% off premium accessories and an additional ₱1,000 trade-in value when you swap your current device. Offers are valid until August 24, 2025, while anniversary deals run until August 31. Terms and conditions apply.
Earn rewards thru 1 Infinite app
Power Mac Center runs a loyalty program called 1 Infinite that allows customers to earn rewards points for their purchases. These points can be used to redeem premium devices, accessories, and select services and training courses (1 point = P1).
To participate, simply download the new 1 Infinite app from the App Store <http://bit.ly/4hljdr2> or Google Play <https://bit.ly/42ovsyK>. Create an account or log in using your registered email address if you are an existing member.
Membership is classified into tiers, where Connected, Lunar, and Stellar tier members earn one (1) point for every P200 spent while Astra and Cosmos tier members earn one (1) point for every P100 spent, allowing them to rack up points faster.
On top of the points-earning power, 1 Infinite members also enjoy as much as 50% off on Apple training courses, as well as other exclusive perks from Basecamp and Mobile Care, PMC’s official training and service arms, respectively. More information on 1 Infinite is available at the website <powermaccenter.com/pages/1-infinite>.
Power Mac Center Gaisano Mall of Digos is the sixth PMC location in the Davao region. It joins the roster made up of PMC SM Lanang Premier, PMC Abreeza Mall, PMC Gaisano Mall of Tagum, PMC Gaisano Mall of Toril, and The Loop by Power Mac Center SM City Davao.
Be updated on the latest celebrations and promotions by following the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube, as well as The Loop Ph Facebook and The Loop Ph Instagram.
MANILA, Philippines — Global science-led biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Philippines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to launch the country’s first multi-stakeholder Health Innovation Hub, aiming to accelerate the adoption and access to new and emerging healthcare solutions nationwide.
The signing took place on August 19 at the PEZA Main Office in Pasay City, attended by PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, Secretary Frederick Go from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), area vice president AstraZeneca Asia Sylvia Varela, and AstraZeneca Philippines country president Lotis Ramin.
The event was also attended by Amb. Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, and Deputy Amb. Mike Welch, British Embassy Manila, highlighting the international significance and collaborative spirit of this pioneering healthcare initiative.
Healthcare innovation
“With this signing, we officially launch the Philippines’ first multi-stakeholder Healthcare Innovation Hub, in partnership with PEZA,” Lotis Ramin, country president AstraZeneca Philippines, said. “This bold step positions the Philippines as a future leader and emerging center of healthcare innovation in the region.”
Under the agreement, AstraZeneca Philippines will be a member of PEZA’s Healthcare Innovation and Investment Promotion Program (HIIPP) and help promote the Philippines as a priority investment destination, particularly in healthcare innovation.
AstraZeneca envisions the Healthcare Innovation Hub as a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to advancing medical research. This includes areas such as AI-driven diagnostics, early non-communicable disease (NCD) screening, and digital health technologies. The hub will serve as the central point for AstraZeneca Philippines’ A. Catalyst Network, linking with more than 25 innovation hubs to accelerate the adoption of best practices.
As one of the leading healthcare innovators in the Philippines, AstraZeneca Philippines has driven research and conducted thousands of NCD screenings. AstraZeneca aims to lead the delivery of over 7 billion pesos worth of investments projected from 2026 to 2028 in a multi-stakeholder health ecosystem, signaling its commitment to driving long-term growth and scientific advancement in the Philippines.
“Beyond treatment, our dedication includes investing in early screening. We have screened close to 4 million Filipino patients since 2021, and our commitment continues,” Lotis Ramin, country president AstraZeneca Philippines, said. “Together, across government, industry, advocacy, and international allies, we are building a system that is proactive, resilient, and driven by science. We are pioneering a new approach: detecting diseases earlier, harnessing AI-powered diagnostics, and investing in patient education, so that we can save more lives and provide better care for Filipinos.”
Strategic support
For its part, PEZA will provide guidance and assistance to AstraZeneca regarding regulatory requirements and investment opportunities to ensure the hub’s operational success and sustainability.
“AstraZeneca will bring to our shores its proven global model,” said PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga. “These initiatives will not only attract millions of pesos in investments, but will also generate knowledge-sharing opportunities and, most importantly, save countless Filipino lives.
The Department of Trade and Industry, meanwhile, saw the signing as the result of its campaign in fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and innovate to provide better services for.
“This partnership embodies our core belief: the government creates the enabling environment and the private sector provides the innovation and resources,” said Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Secretary of the DTI. “Together we deliver meaningful impact for Filipino patients, building a healthcare system that is preventive, integrated, and ready for the future.
Future forward healthcare
Area vice president AstraZeneca Asia Sylvia Varela stresses the value of strategic partnerships in advancing early screening and healthcare innovation across Asia, at the Memorandum of Understanding signing of the country’s first multi-stakeholder Health Innovation Hub.
This milestone partnership is expected to drive inclusive growth while helping to build a more future-ready healthcare system for the Philippines.
This strategic alignment between government initiatives and private sector investment was highlighted by Sylvia Varela, area vice president, AstraZeneca Asia, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering medical research and driving future healthcare innovation.
“We have proven that strategic partnerships bring better health outcomes,” said Sylvia Varela. “Through our partnerships with entrepreneurs, start-ups, academic institutions, governments, healthcare providers, and industry leaders, we have administered early screening and diagnostic programs to thousands of patients across Asia, provided comprehensive training to healthcare professionals, and consistently advanced early detection rates of NCDs in our key markets.”
“With the launch of the Health Innovation Hub, we can focus on co-creating solutions for urgent health issues, and serve as an incubator for local healthcare innovation by connecting the Philippines through AstraZeneca’s global A. Catalyst Network, linking more than 25 countries to share expertise and technology. Together, we can unite innovation and expertise to create seamless healthcare solutions.” Varela added.
By integrating global medical knowledge and pioneering technologies, this collaborative effort aims to set a new benchmark for healthcare innovation and accessibility across the Philippines.
