TORONTO - Manulife Financial Corporation's 2008 Public Accountability Statement, detailing the Company's philanthropic and sustainability efforts, is now available for download at www.manulife.com. "The financial turmoil that we have seen in the last year has highlighted the importance of giving back to the communities where we work and live," said Dominic D'Alessandro, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Manulife is focused on helping our communities thrive and our employee efforts in this regard are proof of our commitment and passion in this matter."

In 2008, Manulife donated more than $26 million to some 600 non-profit organizations and its employees contributed 74,000 volunteer hours to the communities in which we operate in Canada, the United States and Asia. Manulife aspires to the highest standards of environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices throughout our operations.