As a sponsor of the PMAP Conference, iCare demonstrated its commitment to supporting HR leaders from large enterprises and SMEs across industries such as banking, financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, logistics, FMCG, hospitality, healthcare, education, retail, real estate, energy, construction, and professional services. The company underscored its belief that health benefits should remain both accessible and sustainable for employers and employees alike.

Among the other sponsors of the conference was John Clements Consultants, Inc., a leading executive search and talent management firm. Its CEO, Maria Carolina V. Dominguez, moderated the insightful panel discussion “Is HR Ready for its AI Moment.” Carol sits on the Board of iCare and is the sister of the late Leo V. Dominguez, a respected talent manager. She was instrumental in iCare’s decision to choose Janine Gutierrez as its official brand ambassador, a collaboration that marked a bold step in the company’s health advocacy. The partnership was first featured in iCare’s article, Janine Gutierrez Joins iCare as HMO Brand Ambassador, Marking a Bold Step in Health Advocacy.

Full-House Session on “Balancing Care and Cost”

One of the most well-attended sessions of the conference was “Balancing Care and Cost: Disruptions that Redefine Workplace Health,” led by Atty. Gideon Peña, iCare’s Chief Commercial Officer. The session reached full capacity, highlighting the keen interest of HR leaders in managing medical inflation while safeguarding employee well-being.

The discussion was moderated by Eric del Castillo, MIR,FPM, Senior General Manager and Vice President for Human Resources at Nissan Philippines, Inc., and 2024 People Manager of the Year for NCR. Del Castillo guided the exchange with thoughtful insights.

Peña discussed how organizations can deliver high-quality healthcare while ensuring financial sustainability. He emphasized that care and cost are not opposing goals but complementary objectives that can be achieved through data-driven decisions, responsible utilization, and digital innovation.

“Quality healthcare and financial responsibility are not competing goals,” Peña said. “With evidence, empathy, and efficiency, both can thrive. This is what iCare stands for, helping employers and employees say yes to better health.”

Data-Driven Health Insights Shaping Corporate Wellness

Peña’s presentation featured insights from iCare’s internal data analysis, revealing an increase in animal bite cases linked to higher pet ownership during and after the pandemic, as well as the continued prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease among Filipino employees.

These findings underscore the need for employers and healthcare providers to adapt wellness strategies to evolving health trends. iCare’s utilization management programs have led to measurable improvements in both outpatient and inpatient cost performance, resulting in better medical loss ratios for corporate clients. The data prove that preventive care and intelligent healthcare design deliver tangible benefits.

A Blend of Singaporean Expertise and Filipino Care

What sets iCare apart from other HMOs in the Philippines is its distinctive DNA, a blend of Singaporean efficiency and discipline with genuine Filipino Tender Loving Care. This unique combination brings world-class health insurance management, analytics, and operational precision to the local market while remaining sensitive to the cultural and emotional needs of Filipino families and workplaces.

Through partnerships with leading companies, iCare continues to redefine what a trusted HMO can be, offering affordable, accessible, and sustainable healthcare for organizations of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises employing thousands.

iCare Leaders Share Success Stories

Atty. Peña was later joined by Geronimo Francisco, iCare’s President and CEO, who shared real-world success stories of client companies that, through iCare’s programs, managed to overcome the pressures of medical inflation. Francisco highlighted how these organizations benefited from iCare’s Singaporean-inspired discipline, strong customer service, and data-driven insights that promote cost efficiency and better outcomes.

A Memorable Presence at PMAP

Beyond the conference halls, iCare energized participants with its engaging presence as a principal sponsor. The highlight came during the grand raffle, where delegates joined a lively contest to win an iPhone 17 Pro Max, among other prizes. Contestants were asked to enthusiastically recite iCare’s tagline, “Say Yes to Better Health.” Amid laughter and applause, a delegate from Philippine Airlines emerged as the winner, capturing the spirit of positivity and wellness that iCare champions.

United in Support: The iCare Delegation

Demonstrating the strength of its leadership and its deep support for the HR community, iCare sent a strong contingent of executives and leaders to Cebu. Representing the company’s dedication to partnership and presence were the following members of the Management Committee and key teams:

• Geronimo Francisco, President and CEO
• Dr. Mark Roland Malanay, Chief Operating Officer
• Atty. Gideon Peña, Chief Commercial Officer
• Chriselle Ines, Chief Customer Officer
• Welhelm T. Castroverde, Deputy Head of Sales
• Maricel Botin, Head of General Brokers Channel
• John Paul Cayanan, Head of Multinational Brokers Channel 1
• Clark Jade B. Afortunado, CSSYB, Head of Multinational Brokers Channel 2
• Efberg C. Gener, Account Management Group
• Patrick Fermo Gelido, Account Executive
• Jeanette Caritos, Account Executive
• Alia Paulyn Dalusung, Head of Marketing
• Anne Rosales, Marketing Associate

Their active participation reflected iCare’s united leadership and its strong commitment to being present where HR leaders gather, listening, learning, and partnering for a healthier and more sustainable workplace future.

Empowering HR Through Sustainable Healthcare

For HR professionals and business leaders, iCare’s presence at PMAP 2025 underscored one message: managing healthcare costs effectively requires smarter, evidence-based strategies and collaboration with a trusted HMO partner.

As one of the best HMOs in the Philippines, iCare continues to distinguish itself through a wide network of hospitals and clinics, strong customer service and the ability to design healthcare programs for both large corporations and SMEs. By combining Singaporean expertise with Filipino compassion, iCare helps employers across industries protect their most valuable asset, their people, while ensuring financial sustainability.

Through its nationwide reach and proven results, iCare remains the healthcare partner of choice for organizations committed to saying yes to better health.

For more information about iCare HMO’s products, services, and wellness initiatives, visit www.icare.com.ph or follow iCare on official social media pages @yestoicare.