Watsons Champions Accessible Health Care for Filipino Communities

Insider Spotlight Watsons spotlights access and affordability as core to community health Sinulog-timed wellness festival lowers barriers to preventive care Digital and in-store services extend reach beyond the mall Wellness takes a community-first turn this Sinulog season as Watsons centers its latest initiative on making health care more accessible for Filipinos. The Watsons Great Health Fest 2026, staged at SM Seaside City Cebu, reframes health as an everyday priority by pairing festive activations with affordable essentials, expert advice, and omnichannel access. Why it matters Access remains a persistent gap in Philippine health care, especially for preventive services and basic medicines. By anchoring wellness to a major cultural moment and placing services in a high-traffic mall, Watsons aims to meet consumers where they already are while reducing cost and convenience barriers. What’s happening The weeklong festival gathers pharmacy, health, and personal care brands in a single destination, with discounts of up to 85 percent and free health consultations delivered in an approachable, festive setting. A dedicated pharmacy zone and expert-led activities are designed to demystify care and encourage informed choices. Zoom in Affordability is reinforced through Watsons Generics and exclusive Watsons Club offers, alongside brand promotions and prizes reaching up to P1 million across the run. The mix underscores a value-led approach that positions quality medicines and supplements within reach of more households. What they’re saying “At Watsons, our purpose goes beyond retail; it’s about uplifting the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Our promise to look good, do good, and feel great guides everything we do,” Danilo Chiong, managing director of Watsons Philippines, said in a press release. “Through the Watsons Great Health Fest 2026, we bring that promise to life by creating meaningful experiences that help communities feel supported, confident, and empowered to live healthier lives together,” Chiong said. “Health is most effective when it feels accessible and relevant to everyday life. By bringing the Watsons Great Health Fest 2026 to Cebu during Sinulog season, we’re reinforcing our role as a trusted health and wellness partner, one that supports preventive care, informed choices, and a more empowered approach to health within the community,” said Joweeh Liao, director for health business unit, finance, and property development of Watsons Philippines. The bigger picture Access extends beyond the venue. With a nationwide store network, extended hours including more 24/7 outlets, and app-enabled ordering with pickup or rapid delivery, Watsons is scaling access across physical and digital touchpoints. Club features such as refill reminders and medicine discounts aim to sustain adherence and continuity of care. What’s next Following Cebu, the Great Health Fest continues nationwide and online via the Watsons App, signaling a long-term push to normalize preventive care and make health support easier to reach—wherever Filipinos are. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma