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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Health and Wellness devider Watsons and Diabetes Philippines join forces to fight the country's growing diabetes challenge

Watsons and Diabetes Philippines join forces to fight the country's growing diabetes challenge

Published Jul 9, 2025 02:29 pm
Watsons Philippines and the Diabetes Philippines Inc. executives pose for a photo following the ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement aimed at advancing diabetes awareness and health access across the country. From left to right: Watsons PH Director for Sales Operation Maria Adelfa De Ramos; Watsons PH Director for Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development Joweeh Liao; Watsons PH Director for People and Organization Development Ma Corina Marte; Diabetes Philippines Inc. President Dr. Fatma I. Tiu and Diabetes Philippines Inc. Treasurer Dr. Reynaldo Rosales
Watsons Philippines and the Diabetes Philippines Inc. executives pose for a photo following the ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement aimed at advancing diabetes awareness and health access across the country. From left to right: Watsons PH Director for Sales Operation Maria Adelfa De Ramos; Watsons PH Director for Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development Joweeh Liao; Watsons PH Director for People and Organization Development Ma Corina Marte; Diabetes Philippines Inc. President Dr. Fatma I. Tiu and Diabetes Philippines Inc. Treasurer Dr. Reynaldo Rosales
At a time when nearly 4.7 million Filipino adults are living with diabetes, health and wellness leader Watsons Philippines has partnered with Diabetes Philippines Inc. (DPI) to deliver stronger, more accessible, and more credible diabetes care across the country. The collaboration was formalized during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, signaling a united front against the disease that continues to impact the lives of millions of Filipinos.
Ma. Corina Marte, Director for People and Organization Development at Watsons Philippines, underscores the meaningful role of pharmacists in community health.
Ma. Corina Marte, Director for People and Organization Development at Watsons Philippines, underscores the meaningful role of pharmacists in community health.
The partnership aims to redefine what a pharmacy can offer, transforming it into a center not only for medicine but also for proactive, professional support. Watsons, known for its extensive footprint and trusted presence in communities, will boost its medicine supply for diabetes management while providing its pharmacists with specialized training from DPI.
Why the partnership matters
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the Western Pacific Region, which includes the Philippines, is seeing a rapid increase in diabetes cases. As of 2024, about 7.5% of the adult Filipino population is affected. That is over 4.7 million individuals navigating a lifelong condition that demands consistent care and understanding.
It is a challenge that calls for more than just availability of medication. Watsons recognizes that this demands accessible education, reliable pharmacist support, and a community that recognizes diabetes management as a shared responsibility. This is where the Watsons-DPI partnership steps in.
“This collaboration aligns with our mission to be the Filipinos’ trusted health partner,” said Maria Adelfa T. Ramos, sales operations director at Watsons Philippines. “We want every Watsons store to serve as a starting point for better healthcare.”
Pharmacists on the front lines of care
A central part of the initiative involves upskilling Watsons pharmacists through DPI-led training. These sessions go beyond basic dispensing protocols. The goal is to empower pharmacists to act as diabetes care advocates educating customers, identifying early warning signs, promoting treatment adherence, and offering consistent, compassionate advice.
Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of Diabetes Philippines Inc.
Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of Diabetes Philippines Inc.
Dr. Fatma Tiu, president of Diabetes Philippines, emphasized the crucial role pharmacists play in patient outcomes. “Your daily interactions with customers give you a unique position in early risk identification and patient education,” she said. “This partnership is about building lifelong relationships with people living with diabetes and giving them the tools to take control of their health.”
This holistic model of care aligns with recent research that underscores the impact of early intervention. A 2023 study by Zhang et al. emphasized the importance of precise, personalized care strategies in slowing down the rise of type 2 diabetes worldwide. Similarly, prior studies have shown that better education on diabetes management significantly reduces the risk of complications, hospitalizations, and even mortality (Nazar et al., 2015).
By investing in this type of care model, Watsons is signaling a strategic shift: not just offering products on the shelf but partnering with patients throughout their health journey.
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.
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.
A long-term commitment to prevention and support
Joeweeh Liao, director of Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development at Watsons, views this partnership as a cornerstone of a broader vision.
“We invest in diabetes care not just through our product range but through education and long-term support,” she said. “We partner with organizations because our commitment goes beyond retail; we offer a wide range of products and services, and we build strategic partnerships with trusted organizations to strengthen our role in patient education and care.”
This sentiment reflects Watsons’ brand promise: “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great.” Now, that promise is made tangible through purposeful tie-ups like this, grounded in public health impact and patient empowerment.
What comes next
Training modules and community-based events are already in the works, with rollouts expected in the coming months. Through these efforts, Watsons and DPI hope to increase awareness, promote lifestyle changes, and reduce the stigma often associated with diabetes.
As the country marks Diabetes Awareness Month, the Watsons-DPI collaboration stands as a timely reminder that accessible care, when paired with the right education and the right people, can transform lives.
For updates on the program and upcoming events, visit www.watsons.com.ph.

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