With healthcare costs rising and hospitalizations becoming increasingly burdensome for many Filipinos, leading health, beauty, and wellness retailer Watsons is doubling down on its advocacy for proactive wellness by empowering its customers to take charge of their health before illness strikes.
“We want to equip Filipinos to make smarter health choices. It’s all about accessibility, affordability, and convenience, so when they need us, we’re there,” said Sharon Decapia, senior AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability at Watsons Philippines.
That message was front and center at the second annual “Watsons HealthFest,” which kicked off this week at the SM Mall of Asia. The event features over 40 health brands, offers up to 80 percent discounts on select products, and includes health talks and free wellness consultations, bringing the brand’s “beyond the shelf” commitment to life.
The roadshow is scheduled to travel to Fairview, Pampanga, and Cebu, with the finale slated for late June.
Watsons’ drive toward becoming the “authority in health” is more than a marketing line. The company is expanding its pharmaceutical services, offering free in-store consultations and even everyday vaccination programs—now available in over 200 branches nationwide, making health more accessible for all.
The retailer is also piloting 24/7 branches, currently concentrated in Metro Manila, with stores in Guadalupe, Buendia, and Bonifacio Global City.
“We’re already assessing sites in Visayas and Mindanao. The goal is to be there when our customers need us, whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m.,” said Joweeh Liao, Health Business Unit, Finance, Property and Store Development director.
Expanded prescription fulfillment is another top priority for Watsons as it has aggressively grown its SKU count to ensure customers can get complete prescriptions in one trip.
“We benchmark constantly. If our competitors have it, we need to have it too—or better,” Liao added.
Watsons is also balancing its international muscle with hyperlocal insight.
“All of our management team here is Filipino. We understand what Filipino families need, and we adapt quickly,” Decapia stated.
This duality allows Watsons to offer competitive pricing through economies of scale, while maintaining international standards in quality and service.
Products under its Watsons Generics brand undergo a 60-step regional quality check, offering customers reliable alternatives that are easier on the wallet.
“Filipinos often deprioritize healthcare. We want to shift that mindset. Health should never be the last priority,” she continued.
To address those financial constraints, Watsons pharmacists are trained to work with customers based on budget limitations, recommending generic alternatives or partial purchases when needed.
What sets Watsons apart, executives say, is a focus on preventive wellness over reactive treatment.
“Being healthy means being empowered. When you’re well, you can support your family, pursue your dreams, and contribute to your community. When you’re sick, it can be a heavy burden,” added Decapia.
The company’s increasing sales in vitamins and supplements reflect this shift in consumer behavior.
Watsons also serves as a key launchpad for emerging wellness brands, reinforcing its role in driving the country’s health-conscious movement.
“Building healthy communities uplifts the nation. That’s the bigger picture,” Liao said.