More than half of Filipinos surveyed are concerned inflation will cause more mental health challenges versus post-pandemic adjustments.

Philippines—A recent global survey conducted by FWD Group Holdings
Limited revealed that the ongoing economic challenges are among the top causes of mental
health among Filipinos. The FWD Group survey in collaboration with Blackbox, an independent
research company interviewed more than 10,000 respondents across sixteen international
markets and was one of the largest completed in Southeast Asia.

As the prices of common goods continue to rise, 56% of Filipino respondents are concerned
that inflation will contribute to more mental health issues compared to post-pandemic
adjustments. About a third of respondents are also worried about their jobs and family related
concerns, including the future of their children/family (38%) and increasing family
responsibilities (26%).

The survey also revealed that 63% of respondents believe that mental health will be a critical
issue, but only a third of them (39%) are open to seeking external support, citing the cost of
treatment as the biggest barrier. However, 82% of respondents are interested in directly
addressing their anxiety through insurance.

Read the summary of the report below:

“Our survey shows that the stigma remains strong and treatment costs remain prohibitive to
many when it comes to mental health. The struggle with rising prices, unstable finances, and
health concerns lead to an uncertain future that is beyond the control of many,” shares Antonio
“Jumbing” De Rosas, FWD Life Insurance President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is to
address the anxiety that comes from this uncertainty through accessible and affordable
insurance products.”

FWD Life Insurance empowers Filipinos, especially future generations, to #Celebrateliving now
and build their best future—a future where everyone lives fully, freely, and with financial savvy.

“Supporting our customers’ health and wellbeing, including physical, emotional, mental, social,
and financial health, are among our top priorities at FWD,” shares Roche Vandenberghe, FWD

Life Insurance Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer. “We believe a holistic approach to
building financial freedom starts with mental strength, and we are building that approach from
within and working on extending it to our customers in a way that is meaningful, inclusive, and
accessible for Filipinos.”

While FWD Life Insurance ensures their customers get the best and most holistic value for the
insurance plans they avail, they also provide comprehensive benefits to their internal
stakeholders’ mental health.

FWD employees and their dependents are now equipped with seamless access to ThoughtFull, a
a subscription-based online platform that provides mental healthcare tools and 1-on-1 daily bite-
sized coaching with certified mental health professionals through a 24/7 wellness hotline.

Furthering innovation, inclusivity, and human centricity as its core values, FWD Life Insurance
continues to hold other programs aside from ThoughtFull to help its employees celebrate living.
These include:

• LinkedIn Learning partnership which includes helpful courses to alleviate mental health,
  covering topics such as meditation and stress management.
• Community Care Time-Off where FWD employees receive two additional days off from
  work to provide time to do volunteer work and invest in their communities or with their
  preferred organization.
• LiveLife Wellbeing Strategy provides a fresh outlook for their employees through
  interactive workshops, cross-pillar activities, and a new support system that allows
  them to share their daily intentions and participate in physical challenges.

With these programs, FWD Life Insurance actively maintains to incorporate its core values to
provide opportunities for more Filipinos not just through their insurance programs, but also in a
a corporate ecosystem that champions mental well-being and better financial planning.

FWD Life Insurance also provides resources to help with physical, emotional, mental, social,
and financial health available for all. Learn more at fwd.com.ph/health-and-wellbeing.

Follow FWD on LinkedIn or visit their website for job postings and opportunities.
For more information and updates on FWD Life Insurance’s products, programs, and
advocacies, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.