Do pedias in Manila recommend kangaroo care? What are the biggest benefits of skin-to-skin contact for preemies?

Yes, I believe most do. Not just because they simply want to recommend it, it's also because they're obliged to do so since it's a law here in the Philippines that mothers should do skin-to-skin contact within the first hour of life, fondly called as Unang Yakap protocol, and this should be followed even for struggling preemies at the time of birth. Kangaroo care, then, after the baby has been attended to by the doctors. Skin-to-skin has a lot of benefits and it's not just the warmth. It introduces the baby to her mother's skin flora, which help activates baby's immune system especially if the baby is born via CS. It also regulates baby's heartbeat and breathing. I can still remember our Unang Yakap, one of the most beautiful moments I've had in my entire life! :)