Diabetes is a lifelong condition impacting a significant portion of the global population.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 589 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, with 215 million of them in the Western Pacific region, a number projected to rise to 254 million by 2050. The Philippines, one of the 38 countries in this region, is facing a growing diabetes burden. As of 2024, out of a total adult population of over 71 million, approximately 7.5% are living with diabetes, amounting to around 4.7 million Filipinos affected by the condition.
In response to the growing number of diabetes cases in the country and the need for more proactive health interventions, Watsons Philippines, the country’s leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, has partnered with Diabetes Philippines, Inc. (DPI) to amplify efforts in awareness, early detection, and chronic disease management. The partnership aims to make credible health information and professional care more accessible, especially at the community level.
This meaningful collaboration was officially launched during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, with key executives and leaders from both organizations in attendance. Representing Watsons were Joeweeh B. Liao, Director of Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development; Maria Adelfa T. De Ramos, Sales Operations Director; and Ma. Corina M. Marte, Director for People and Organization Development. From Diabetes Philippines, Dr. Fatma Tiu, President, led the signing alongside Dr. Reynaldo Rosales, Treasurer, Dr. Luinio Tongson and Ms. Leyden Florido members of the board.
Joeweeh Liao, Director for Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development of Watsons Philippines, highlights Watsons Philippines’ commitment to making diabetes care more accessible across the country.
“This collaboration with Diabetes Philippines brings us one step closer to making quality healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, more accessible to every Filipino. We’re not only investing in education and early detection. While doing so, we are also strengthening our stores by beefing up our stocks and expanding our range of diabetes medicines and health essentials. We want every Watsons store to be a reliable source of support for people living with or at risk of diabetes,” shared Joeweeh Liao.
Under this joint initiative, Watsons Pharmacists will undergo specialized training led by Diabetes Philippines, expanding their roles from conventional pharmacy practice to consultative, proactive care in managing diabetes and its complications. The program focuses on disease prevention, improving medication adherence, and achieving optimal treatment outcomes.
“Diabetes Philippines is deeply committed to improving the lives of Filipinos living with diabetes,” said Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of DPI. “We believe that education and early intervention can go a long way in preventing complications. This collaboration with Watsons allows us to bring that message closer to the public by equipping pharmacists, often the first point of contact, with the right tools and knowledge to help.”
This initiative supports Watsons Philippines’ broader mission to be the go-to destination for health and wellness by providing expert pharmacist advice, ensuring sufficient and readily available stocks, and promoting sustainable health practices. It also forms as part of Watsons’ “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great” brand promise, now brought to life through meaningful tie-ups.
“Our goal has always been to give back to the community. Through this initiative, we’re helping our pharmacy teams gain a deeper sense of purpose. They’re not just dispensing medicine, they’re helping people live longer, healthier lives through confident, consultative care,” added Ma. Corina Marte, Watsons Philippines’ People and Organization Development Director.
Ma. Corina Marte, Director for People and Organization Development at Watsons Philippines, underscores the meaningful role of pharmacists in community health.
“When people walk into our stores, we want them to feel that Watsons is more than just a place to shop, it’s where good health begins. We are turning everyday visits into opportunities for health empowerment,” emphasized Maria Adelfa De Ramos, Watsons Philippines’ Sales Operations Director.
Launched just in time for National Diabetes Awareness Month this July, the Watsons and Diabetes Philippines partnership is a firm step toward creating a healthier, better-informed Philippines, one customer and one community at a time.
Download and shop through the Watsons App, available on the App Store or Google Play. Enjoy other exciting health and wellness deals, with exclusive offers and discounts available on the app as well. Whether you need health essentials, pharmacy services, or expert advice, Watsons—your trusted health and pharmacy retail partner- has everything you need to stay on top of your health, beauty, and wellness goals.
