Makati City, Philippines — HEAL Venture Lab partnered with Makati Life Medical Center to convene healthcare leaders, policymakers, innovators, and emerging health professionals for the forum “Next Generation of Philippine Health: Bottlenecks, Blindspots and Breakthroughs,” held at Makati Life’s Experiential Gallery last March 7, 2026.
The gathering created a platform for meaningful dialogue on the most pressing healthcare challenges facing the Philippines today by bringing together experienced healthcare stewards and the next generation of leaders to exchange perspectives, ideas, and solutions that could help shape the future of the country’s healthcare system.
The forum was honored by the presence of Department of Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, who shared insights on national health priorities and ongoing reforms under the Universal Health Care Act, emphasizing the importance of engaging emerging leaders in shaping the country’s health agenda.
“There are many reforms and changes happening today, and there are still many areas to address under the Universal Health Care Act,” Sec. Herbosa said. “It is important that young people engage, understand, and envision the future of our healthcare system, as they will ultimately help shape it.”
Also joining the conversation was Dr. Minguita Padilla, who underscored the important role of the youth in driving meaningful change in healthcare.
“We are speaking to many future health leaders today. The future is yours,” Dr. Padilla shared. “We are here to guide and support your vision for a better healthcare system in the Philippines. When experienced leaders and young innovators come together, our experiences and their ideas can help build a better future for all of us.”
Adding further perspective, Dr. Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go, Senior Research Fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center of the Ateneo School of Government, highlighted the importance of understanding the complexities of the healthcare landscape in designing effective and sustainable solutions.
“Understanding the complexities of the healthcare system allows us to be innovative and not be constrained in our thinking,” he said. “When individuals from different sectors come together, it broadens perspectives and enables solutions that are truly fit for purpose.”
The forum also featured participation from respected healthcare leaders including Dr. Jaemin Park and Ms. Jo Aguilar, whose contributions enriched the discussion on innovation, policy, and the evolving healthcare ecosystem.
By supporting initiatives such as this forum, Makati Life Medical Center continues to engage with partners across the healthcare ecosystem to foster dialogue and encourage collaboration among healthcare leaders, innovators, and policymakers.
The partnership with HEAL Venture Lab reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces where ideas can be exchanged, perspectives can be challenged, and new solutions can emerge.
As the forum underscored, the future of Philippine healthcare will be shaped not only by innovation, but by collaboration across generations of leadership, working together toward a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for Filipino communities.
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