The future of healthcare lies in innovations that empower every individual caregiving professional. It all depends on what role business leadership plays in the technovation space. Particularly when we look at some of the fastest developing countries like the Philippines, a league led by some extraordinary healthtech leaders of Frank Vibar’s kind, showcases the possibility of a tomorrow where healthcare innovations will become a norm rather than a rarity.
A highly experienced IT leader, Frank holds a successful record of more than 25 years. A certified business transformation catalyst, he has led mission-critical programs that have brought quantifiable improvements in operational effectiveness and customer experience to top brands such as Starbucks Philippines and Jollibee Foods Corporation.
Currently, as Chief Information Technology Officer, aka CIO of Asian Hospital and Medical Center, and formerly as Group CIO of Metro Pacific Health—Philippines’ largest private network of hospitals—Frank is utilizing his experience to transform healthcare. His efforts have centered on creating an end-to-end IT Strategic Roadmap and harmonizing technology, data, and processes for the network of hospitals across the country.
Ranging from TOGAF Enterprise Architecture, PMP, CISM, and Certified Scrum Master, an extensive portfolio of international qualifications reflects Frank’s profound specialist knowledge covering anything from security and project management to agile delivery. An ardent believer in lifelong learning, he is dedicated to employing technology as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and inspiring teams to deliver with excellence and purpose.
Gaining a Crystalized Vision
When he reflects on his career, one pivotal moment that shaped his vision as a leader comes to mind. It was during his time leading Metro Pacific Health’s digital transformation across more than 25 hospitals nationwide. He had already worked with world-class organizations like IBM, Sun Microsystems, Unilab, Jollibee, and Starbucks Philippines. However, the MPH experience was different—it was a mission that went beyond technology.
Frank recalls, “We were tasked with building a unified digital roadmap for a rapidly expanding hospital network, each with its own systems, culture, and challenges. The complexity was enormous: we needed to integrate Electronic Medical Records, ERP systems, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and patient-facing solutions, all while navigating varied levels of digital maturity.”
The turning point came when he realized that the real transformation wasn’t about rolling out systems—it was about aligning people. Frank and his team traveled to each hospital, listened to their challenges, and co-created solutions. This hands-on approach taught him that the most sustainable digital strategies are those built on trust, collaboration, and inclusivity.
That experience crystallized Frank’s vision: technology leadership is not about imposing solutions from the top down—it’s about empowering people to embrace change as their own.
Humanizing Technology
Frank believes that digital transformation is as much about people as it is about technology. He argues that technology is only as effective as the individuals who use it. In every role, from leading Starbucks Philippines’ technology overhaul to his current position at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, he prioritizes open communication, empathy, and listening. He ensures that clinicians, frontline staff, and executives understand the “why” behind an initiative, not just the “how.”
At Asian Hospital, Frank’s focus is on how new systems will make life better for both patients and staff. “Will it shorten waiting times? Will it help doctors make faster, more accurate diagnoses? Will it remove redundant tasks so nurses can spend more time with patients?” he asks. For him, the key is to humanize technology—aligning innovations with the values and workflows of the people who use them. Hence, transformation is something they drive together rather than something they feel is being done to them.
A Leadership Anchored in Care
When asked about the values that anchor his leadership, Frank’s answer is simple and profound: genuine care. This care extends to his people, the mission of the organization, and the impact he creates. He has found that while technical skills are essential, they are not enough. Teams truly rally behind leaders who are genuinely invested in their success, growth, and well-being.
“When your team feels that you’re invested in them—not just in the bottom line—they will go above and beyond,” he states. This philosophy has shaped every career decision he has made, from implementing technology at Starbucks to creating inclusive and accessible systems in healthcare, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital shift.
A Leader to Follow
For Frank, being a “leader to follow” is about being a role model, not just a decision-maker. It means setting a high standard in both vision and behavior. In Southeast Asia, with its diverse markets and rapid growth, he believes leaders must combine a global perspective with local sensitivity.
“A leader to follow understands the nuances of the region while pushing for innovation that meets world-class standards,” he states. He insists on showing consistency between words and actions. If he advocates for agility, he must be agile himself. If he talks about innovation, he must be willing to take calculated risks and learn from failures. For him, true leadership is about integrity and inclusivity—ensuring that transformation benefits not only the business but also employees, customers, and the community at large.
Cultivating Innovation
Frank believes the most powerful way to cultivate innovation and adaptability within a team is to lead by example. When a team sees its leader taking bold steps and adapting quickly, it sets a tone where calculated risk-taking and creativity are not just encouraged, but expected.
At Asian Hospital, Frank champions AI initiatives that deliver a meaningful impact. His approach is disciplined: start with targeted pilots to demonstrate real value before scaling. “This method allowed us to innovate with purpose—maximizing the resources we already had, minimizing unnecessary risk, and creating early wins that built confidence across the organization,” he explains. By demonstrating that change can be both bold and strategic, he has empowered his team to think bigger, act faster, and adapt seamlessly to uncertainty.
Leading Through Crisis
The most challenging period of Frank’s career was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Group CIO of Metro Pacific Health, he was entrusted with building digital systems to support the hospital network’s response. The stakes were monumental, with people’s lives depending on the speed and accuracy of his team’s work.
A standout initiative was the SAFIFY Vaccination Platform. Facing intense time pressure, Frank had to make a critical decision: build the platform rapidly in-house or partner with an external vendor. Trusting in his team’s capabilities, he chose the in-house route, a choice that demanded relentless work and sleepless nights. They succeeded because they stayed united. “That experience reinforced my belief that in crises, clarity, trust, and shared purpose are your most powerful tools,” he notes.
Architecting an Inclusive Future
In the rapidly digitalizing landscape of the Philippines, Frank believes the CIO’s role is to be both a strategic architect and a responsible steward of technology. He emphasizes the need to drive innovation in a way that bridges, rather than widens, the digital divide.
For him, inclusive tech adoption requires a focus on accessibility, affordability, and adaptability. A solution that works in a major city like Metro Manila might need to be re-engineered for rural areas with limited infrastructure. Equally critical is sustainability, which involves selecting scalable and energy-efficient technologies. Ultimately, Frank believes the CIO’s role is to ensure that digital transformation serves a greater purpose—empowering not just shareholders, but also employees, customers, and society at large.
A Philosophy Forged by Experience
Frank’s leadership philosophy is a tapestry woven from a rich mix of mentors, diverse industry experiences, and personal moments. Early in his career at IBM, he was mentored by leaders who instilled in him the values of precision, discipline, and customer focus. At Unilab, he experienced the true meaning of genuine care, or “malasakit,” a value he credits with shaping him into a true leader. Working at Starbucks taught him the real essence of partnership and collaboration in delivering the best customer experience.
However, the most profound influence came from his work in healthcare. “Seeing firsthand how technology can improve or even save lives changed the way I view leadership,” he says. “It’s not just about delivering a project on time—it’s about making a meaningful difference.” He considers the teams he has worked with to be his greatest teachers, as he’s learned from watching them grow and overcome challenges.
The Compass of Purpose
In a high-pressure role, Frank maintains his personal clarity and resilience by intentionally setting aside time for reflection and strategic thinking. He carves out moments—often during his regular walks and runs—to re-evaluate priorities and ensure he is focused on what truly matters. For him, a combination of exercise, proper rest, and mindfulness practices is key to managing stress and maintaining focus.
Most importantly, he keeps his perspective by remembering his “why.” In every industry he’s served, he anchors himself to the ultimate goal. In healthcare, it’s always been about better patient outcomes. In retail, it was about creating memorable customer experiences. This strong sense of purpose serves as his compass, guiding him through every challenge and decision.
A Legacy of Purpose
In a final address to the next generation of Filipino tech leaders, Frank Vibar offers a simple but powerful message: “Lead with purpose, deliver with passion, adapt with courage, and never stop learning.”
He advises them that while technology will continue to evolve at lightning speed, true leadership is about more than keeping up with the latest tools. It’s about understanding people, solving real problems, and creating lasting impact. He encourages them to be curious and to be humble, acknowledging that they don’t have all the answers. Most importantly, he tells them to be guided by their values, as skills can be learned, but integrity, empathy, and resilience are what will set them apart.
As he concludes his saga, Frank reminds us all that the most influential tech leaders are not those who simply chase trends. They are the ones who shape the future while staying rooted in what truly matters.
