Optum Philippines proudly celebrated the first anniversary of its Davao Hub—marking a year of innovation, growth, and the strong contributions of Davaoeño talent to its mission of transforming healthcare.
Founded in 2011, Optum Philippines has grown into the country's largest healthcare global capability center. By focusing on integrated healthcare solutions that span preventive care, treatment, and payment services, the company supports the international healthcare ecosystem through impactful, high-value work, empowering individuals to live healthier lives.
Optum’s decision to expand into Davao was backed by research that revealed a rich pool of healthcare and IT professionals in the region. In 2021, the company began forming its first team—500 employees working from home during the pandemic recovery phase. Its excellent performance prompted the official establishment of the Davao Hub in the heart of the city, which has since grown into a diverse team across key services, including contact center operations, clinical services, and payment integrity solutions.
“The success of our Davao pilot team reinforced our belief in the potential of the region. Today, Optum is the only global capability center in the city, bringing complex and meaningful healthcare work closer to home for local professionals,” shared Ivic Mueco, Optum Philippines Managing Director.
Optum Davao’s first year was filled with meaningful milestones. Among these was a 94 percent satisfaction rate in the company’s Employee Experience Survey, a testament to Optum’s commitment to cultivating a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and growth.
One notable achievement is the recognition of Elaine Artuz, a Davao-based employee who was awarded the title of “Optum Super Hero”—a global recognition for exemplifying the company’s core values. Her story shows the heart of Optum’s vision: fostering talent and leadership at all levels. She joins other notable Optum talents from around the world who exemplify what it means to be part of the organization.
Optum’s presence has significantly influenced the professional landscape for healthcare and IT professionals in the region. Through strong collaborations with local universities and training institutions, the company is helping raise industry standards. More than half of its Davao workforce was hired through employee referrals, demonstrating a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
The organization also launched the Optum Health Education Global program in the Philippines to further support its workforce. The initiative offers no-cost professional development courses for employees and healthcare professionals. These opportunities allow local talent to continue learning and evolving alongside global standards.
The road ahead looks bright for Optum Davao. Plans are already in motion to further cultivate the team’s capabilities, deepen ties with academic institutions, and create more pathways for career advancement. With a strong foundation built in just one year, Optum remains steadfast in its mission of empowering Davaoeños to become key players in global healthcare transformation.
“We are optimistic that we can empower even more Davaoeños to become leaders in transforming the industry,” Mueco emphasized.
With its unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence and community-driven innovation, Optum Philippines is not only shaping the future of healthcare but doing so with Davaoeños among its top talents. (SPONSORED CONTENT)