Held at the PhilSports Arena in early April, Unilab’s milestone celebration gathered over 4,000 employees and partners from across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
While the event paid tribute to the company’s humble beginnings and decades of achievement, its core message looked firmly ahead. As Unilab sets its sights on its centennial milestone, it unveiled a bold and future-focused vision—one anchored in inclusivity, innovation, and an enduring commitment to social responsibility.
From corner drugstore to healthcare giant
Unilab's story began in 1945, amid the post-war recovery era. The company was founded by Jose Y. Campos and Mariano K. Tan as a humble drugstore on Sto. Cristo Street in Binondo. With borrowed space and limited resources, they laid the foundation for what would become one of Southeast Asia’s leading healthcare companies.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of Filipino healthcare needs, Unilab steadily expanded beyond its humble beginnings. Its growth was fueled not only by effective pharmaceutical distribution, but also by strategic investments in local manufacturing capabilities.
This commitment to accessibility, quality, and self-reliance enabled Unilab to evolve into a full-fledged healthcare conglomerate—offering a broad portfolio that spans branded and generic medicines, personal care products, health services, and even animal health solutions.
New chair, renewed mission
Clinton Campos Hess formally assumed the role of group chair during the event, succeeding his mother, Jocelyn Campos Hess, who now serves as chair emeritus. Under her leadership, Unilab diversified its operations and strengthened its philanthropic footprint through the Unilab Foundation.
Clinton Campos Hess laid out the company’s roadmap for the coming decades. At the heart of Unilab’s strategy are three core pillars: Product solutions, health services, and education. These are expected to shape new business models, extend healthcare access to underserved populations, and fulfill broader societal goals.
“We must ensure that in pursuing our mission, no one gets left behind,” he emphasized, reiterating the importance of aligning growth with community well-being.
Infrastructure, innovation, and impact
Supporting Unilab’s ambitions are its investments in state-of-the-art facilities. Over the past decade, the company has launched major infrastructure projects, including the Amherst and Belmont plants, Beaute Et Sante Laboratories Inc. (BESLI), the South-Unilab Material Management Office (SUMMO), and the Second Pioneer Distribution Inc. (FPDI II).
These facilities are key to the company’s ability to produce high-quality, specialized therapies such as vaccines and treatments for oncology and central nervous system conditions.
Yet, innovation at Unilab goes beyond technology. The company, in a statement, said it continues to nurture a culture of bayanihan through initiatives like the 8,000 Hours of Bayanihan campaign.
The campaign encourages employees to collectively contribute volunteer hours toward nationwide health and wellness efforts—further emphasizing Unilab’s belief that true success is measured by lives improved, not just profits earned.
Championing healthcare policy, research
Unilab also reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the national healthcare agenda through the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP).
Launched in 2023, the center serves as a platform for research, dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders to address structural issues in the Philippine healthcare system.
Balancing growth with purpose
As it charts the path toward its 100th year, Unilab faces increased competition in both domestic and regional markets. Still, the organization remains confident in its direction. With a firm grounding in its core values—husay (excellence), malasakit (compassion), and bayanihan (community spirit)—Unilab aims to scale operations while preserving the principles that have guided it for eight decades.
From a single shelf in a Binondo drugstore to a regional healthcare powerhouse, Unilab’s journey is a testament to resilience, foresight, and service.
As it steps boldly into the future, Unilab is not just preparing for the next chapter—it’s redefining what it means to be a Filipino healthcare leader. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
