13 Mar Celebrating the Quiet Strength of Women: iCare Supports The Medical City’s Babayanihan 2026 Women’s Health Conference

Inside our homes and communities, care has always been expressed with the face of a woman leading the way, making sure that healthy meals are prepared, homely matters are handled, and establishing a grounded routine holding everyone together.   

There is no greater pillar of quiet strength and care than a woman’s spirit.  

In light of Women’s Month, iCare HMO, a trusted HMO in the Philippines, partners with The Medical City Iloilo for “Babayanihan 2026,” a women’s health conference held at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo in Iloilo City.  

iCare HMO is one of the major sponsors of “Babayanihan 2026” along with leading global hospitality company Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo. 

Prominent Ilongga voices were present in the multi-generational panel discussion, with Miss Paraw Binibini 2026 Patricia Beerda; Owner of Healthy Kitchen, Mikka Ella Perlas; Zonta Club Iloilo member, Rose Candaza, and actress and entrepreneur Kaye Abad-Castillo, sharing their tips on women’s wellness.  

“Make time for yourself. Mag-enjoy at makalimot sa problema kahit for a while,” Ms. Kaye Abad-Castillo noted.  

To offer a professional perspective on the important aspects of women’s health, reproductive care, and childcare, Dr. Jaydee Anne Dela Fuente (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) and Dr. Maria Janette Jasmine De Ramos (Pediatrician joined the panel discussion.   

“It’s important to have a checkup with a doctor, not necessarily an internal medicine, but also for women, have a checkup with an OBGYN,” Dr. Jaydee Anne Dela Fuente said.  

Dr. Dela Fuente noted that the most common cause of death for women is heart disease, adding that it is important to check your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and sugar levels.  

Women and Their Health Statistics  

The World Health Organization listed the top issues when it comes to women’s health, such as cancer, reproductive health, maternal health, human immunodeficiency viruses, and sexually transmitted infections.   

Heart disease remains the top cause of death for women, followed by cancer.  

The Philippines remains one of the countries to be underinsured despite the rising rates of health issues, particularly for women, with Filipinos lacking the necessary financial safety net, according to Insurance Asia.  

Many factors contribute to the Philippines being underinsured, including high poverty rates, lack of disposable income, and a mismatch between market offerings and consumer needs.  

For employers, HR leaders, and top employer brands across industries such as IT-BPM, BPO, FMCG, hospitality, retail, real estate, and professional services, there is great importance for an HMO not to be just a provider but also a strategic workplace partner that raises awareness and empowers.  

 Atty. Gideon V. Pena, iCare’s Chief Commercial Officer, believes that women’s health is not a conversation that men should step aside from. 

“It’s a conversation that men should step up because every man is a son, a brother, or someone who has a relationship with a very important woman in his life,” Mr. Pena noted.  

iCare Opening the Discussion for Women’s Health  

With iCare’s blended identity of Singaporean discipline and efficiency, rooted in the Filipino tender loving care, we ensure that healthcare is delivered with structure and heart.  

As one of the most trusted HMOs in the Philippines, iCare continues to create a healthcare system that works for SMEs, large employers, and individuals, particularly women.  

iCare HMO Prepaid Plans created a sachet-type or “tingi” healthcare solution for specific needs such as emergency care coverage, medical consultations, diagnostic and laboratory procedures, and coverage for specific illnesses.   

ICare HMO recognizes the need for a comprehensive, affordable, and accessible healthcare solution, especially for women and their health needs at every stage of their lives.  

iCare She’s Well is a prepaid health plan that offers diagnostics and laboratory procedures for women in every stage of their lives. It can cover women aged 18 years old and below, up to women aged 46 years old and above.   

Know more about iCare She’s Well here https://shop.icare.com.ph/shes-well.