It Starts With HuE: Makati Life Medical Center Launched its #HumanFirst Movement

April 28, 2025 | Makati City — Fresh from the successful inauguration of Makati Life Medical Center last April 24, the organization continued its momentum with its first townhall meeting of the year, gathering over 200 employees at the newly opened Experience Center. Organized through the collaboration of Human Resources and Marketing, the townhall officially launched Makati Life’s #HumanFirstmovement — a defining pillar of its brand and culture.

The highlight of the gathering was the internal premiere of the empathy video entitled “A Ripple of Care.” The video presented interwoven stories set within the hospital’s walls, capturing how simple acts of kindness between individuals— patients, doctors, staff — create an echo that can last a lifetime. Featuring the talents of Makati Life’s own people, the film served as a powerful reminder that every small gesture has the potential to inspire lasting impact.

The townhall began with an opening prayer led by Ms. Michaela C. Canlas, Senior Vice President for Support Services.

Dr. Dennis L. Sta. Ana, President and CEO of Makati Life, set the tone of the event by emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to humanizing healthcare. “Beyond the walls, beyond the machines, beyond the protocols — what truly sets us apart is our human experience,” Dr. Sta. Ana said. “Our real power lies not just in the treatments we provide, but in how we make people feel. And that begins with empathy.”

Dr. Sta. Ana underscored that Makati Life’s Human Experience (HuE) program differentiates it from traditional healthcare models. In this approach, it is not only the patients who are placed at the heart of care, but also the caregivers themselves.

“Empathy is not just for our patients — it is for each other,” Dr. Sta. Ana added. “At Makati Life, we take care of our teammates the same way we care for our patients.”

Further reinforcing the organization’s commitment to nurturing its people, Ms. Karina “Kay” Hernandez, Chief Human Resources Officer, introduced upcoming initiatives designed to enhance personal and professional growth. Among these is the hospital’s adaptation of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People program customized for the Makati Life environment. She emphasized that the #HumanFirstmovement extends internally, ensuring employees receive the same attention, care, and support they are expected to give to patients.

Capping the event, Dr. Ross Ona, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, spoke about the future of Makati Life and the collective journey the organization is embarking on.

“We are not just building a hospital; we are building a community. We don’t just take care of them [our patients]; we take care of each other,” Dr. Ona concluded.

The successful townhall marks the beginning of a new chapter at Makati Life Medical Center —one where empathy, human connection, and compassion take center stage, setting a new standard in how healthcare is delivered and experienced.