Optum Philippines VP for People Rain Tan, Managing Director Samarth Mathur and Senior Director and Operations Site Lead for Cebu Glenda Banawa-Roco
CEBU, Philippines — Optum Philippines, one of the leading healthcare global capability centers (GCC) in the Philippines, officially inaugurated its new offices in the heart of Cebu IT Park. Part of UnitedHealth Group, the organization demonstrated its strong commitment to recognizing, nurturing, and growing talent, strengthening Cebu’s strategic position as a vital hub for healthcare innovation and professional excellence.
“The new Cebu office marks an exciting chapter for Optum in the Philippines,” said Samarth Mathur, Managing Director of Optum Philippines. “Located in Cebu IT Park, it reflects our confidence in the role of Filipino talent in shaping global healthcare. Through spaces that encourage collaboration and innovation, we look forward to supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.”
Unlocking Cebu’s Potential as a Global Capability Center Hub
As the Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for GCCs, Optum Philippines is expanding its capabilities beyond traditional operational support to deliver specialized healthcare services. This evolution reflects broader shifts in healthcare, where work increasingly centers on analytics, digital health solutions, automation, AI-enabled workflows, and innovation. As a result, new career opportunities are emerging in areas such as healthcare analytics, digital operations, pharmacy account management, and AI-related functions, enabling talent to build specialized skills and contribute to global healthcare outcomes.
Cebu plays a key role in this transformation, supported by a skilled workforce increasingly engaged in higher-value healthcare and technology work with global impact. To support industry collaboration in the region, Optum Philippines, in partnership with the Global Capability Center Council Philippines (GC3) and Toby’s Sports, recently hosted the inaugural Optum GC3 Cup, a one-day pickleball tournament that brought together representatives from GC3 member organizations and promoted connection and wellness through sports and movement across the Cebu GCC community.
Optum Philippines Managing Director Samarth Mathur and GC3 Treasurer Maria Pilar Manzano with the Optum GC3 Cup participants
Empowering Talent Through Upskilling and Innovation
As demand for higher-value GCC roles continues to evolve, Optum Philippines remains focused on developing talent equipped to contribute across increasingly specialized areas of healthcare, technology, and business operations.
The organization also celebrated the completion of the first cohort of its Technology Development Program (TDP). This program is designed to develop high-potential graduates into enterprise technology talent through structured learning, hands-on experience, and global collaboration opportunities. As part of their development journey, TDP associates participated in an Enterprise Early Careers bootcamp alongside peers from the United States, India, and Ireland, providing early exposure to cross-functional teamwork and enterprise-wide learning. The TDP also reflects Optum Philippines’ growing partnerships with academic institutions across the region to help create pathways for graduates to pursue careers in healthcare technology and digital innovation.
Redefining the Workplace Experience
Optum Philippines continues to prioritize belonging through intentionally designed workplace experiences and environments. The new Cebu office features collaborative workspaces, wellness rooms, and recreational areas that encourage connection, productivity, and balance.
“Employee wellbeing is vital to creating a workplace culture where people can thrive,” said Glenda Banawa-Roco, Senior Director for Operations and Cebu Site Lead at Optum Philippines. “As a healthcare organization, care is at the heart of everything we do, and that extends to our workforce, whose contributions help drive our success.”