Manila ― Global financial services provider Manulife reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing and reinforcing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its products, services, and employee programs to help create an inclusive work environment and safe spaces for all.
Since 2020, Manulife’s global investments of over US$3.5 million promote DEI across markets where it operates. In the Philippines, employee resource groups like Professionals Reaching Out for Unity and Diversity (PROUD) promotes an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees to encourage their full and unencumbered contributions at work. Recently, Manulife PROUD held a flag-raising event at the company’s head office branch in NEX Tower, Makati to mark the start of the Pride Month. Manulife employees in the Philippines also joined the Metro Manila Pride March and Festival at the Quezon City Memorial Circle to celebrate LGBTQ+ acceptance, achievements, and rights. This participation is in line with Manulife’s Impact Agenda to drive inclusive economic opportunities for all and empower sustained health and well-being through the launch of its Manulife MOVE for Staff mobile app.
To uphold its commitment of inclusivity among its customers, all of Manulife’s insurance products allow LGBTQ+ customers to name their domestic partners as beneficiaries.
“In Manulife, we recognize the diversity of relationships that exist in our society, so we remain committed to create inclusive spaces for our employees, customers, and the communities we serve. By offering relevant, affordable, and customizable products that protect Filipinos and their loved ones, regardless of their background, sexual orientation or gender, we not only recognize that DEI is a key driver of our business success, but we also propel ourselves forward to foster a culture of belonging where everyone feels included and respected,” said Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. Henson is also the Philippine lead of Manulife’s DEI thrust
Manulife advocates for an inclusive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their careers. Continuous learning courses include supporting LGBTQ+ talent in the workplace through upskilling initiatives and expert learning sessions that stir greater awareness of gender equality and active allyship. Through Pursuit, Manulife’s online platform for continuous learning, all employees can also take expert-led courses that enhance their business, communication, technology, and other field-focused skills, which help in their career progression. DEI-specific learning resources are also available to promote inclusive leadership, anti-racism and anti-discrimination practices, gender equality and allyship, and the impact of heteronormativity on mental wellness, among others.
Across the global organization, in celebration of the Pride Month, Manulife will also host special virtual sessions as part of its Global Afternoon of Reflection and Learning, where Manulife employees around the world can learn more about topics like The Business of Inclusion, Trans-inclusive Healthcare Coverage, and The Role of Games in Learning & Inclusion.
“Diversity in the workplace drives innovation. By embracing DEI, our employees feel seen and heard to share their creative ideas, which helps us strategize better so we can develop more meaningful products and services that best serve our customers,” added Henson.
In 2020, the United Nations (UN) Women 2020 Asia-Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards honored Manulife as one of the Philippines' most gender-inclusive workplaces and was the only insurance brand to have been recognized in the awards.
About Manulife Philippines
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company opened its doors for business in the Philippines in 1907. Since then, Manulife’s Philippine Branch and later The Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. (Phils.), Inc. (Manulife Philippines) has grown to become one of the country’s leading life insurance companies. Manulife Philippines is a wholly owned domestic subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation, among the world’s largest life insurance companies by market capitalization. Learn more about Manulife Philippines by visiting their website manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).
About Manulife
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, we serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2022, we had more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 34 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.
Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.
About Manulife China Bank Life
Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation is a strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation (China Bank). It provides a wide range of innovative insurance products and services to customers of China Bank as well as the bank’s thrift arm, China Bank Savings (CBS). MCBL aims to ensure that every client receives holistic life, health, and wealth solutions to address his or her individual needs.
Since opening in October 2007, the company has grown into a business of significance for both Manulife and China Bank. The two strengthened their partnership further in 2014 when China Bank raised its equity stake in MCBL to 40%. MCBL is setting its sights on its next growth phase and reaffirming its mission to be the biggest, most professional bancassurance company in the industry that delivers extraordinary customer experience.
About China Bank
Founded in 1920, China Banking Corporation (China Bank) is a leading private universal bank in the Philippines with a strong presence in the entrepreneur, middle market, and corporate segments. We offer a full range of financial products and services, also serving the retail banking, investment banking, and insurance needs of our diverse customers through our subsidiaries China Bank Savings, China Bank Capital, China Bank Securities, Resurgent Capital, CBC Assets One, China Bank Insurance Brokers, and affiliate Manulife China Bank Life Assurance.
For over 100 years, we have made the success of the people and businesses who bank with us our business. Leveraging our network, expertise, and resources—vast distribution network, robust technological infrastructure, team of highly qualified banking professionals, strong balance sheet, we build long-term relationships with today’s generation and shape China Bank as a responsive, reliable, and responsible banking partner for the next generation.
China Bank is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CHIB” and a member of the SM Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines.
640 branches. 10,238 employees. 1,044 ATMs. 2.6M customers.