Insider Spotlight
The collaboration centers on the STOP (Screen, Treat, Optimize, Promote) Diabetes Program, which provides free diabetes screening, health assessments, and medical consultations at selected Watsons stores.
The initiative aims to identify health risks earlier while improving access to education and preventive healthcare services for more Filipinos.
The big picture
The partnership has evolved beyond awareness campaigns into a broader community healthcare program that combines screening services, patient education, and professional healthcare support.
A key component was the Diabetes Educator Program, which trained Watsons pharmacists to provide reliable guidance on diabetes prevention and disease management.
From April to May 2026, the program screened nearly 5,000 individuals for diabetes, hypertension, and overweight or obesity.
Almost 70 percent of participants were found to have at least one health risk factor or condition, highlighting the continued need for accessible screening and early intervention across communities.
Why it matters
Diabetes remains one of the Philippines' most pressing health concerns, with millions of Filipinos affected and many cases remaining undiagnosed until complications emerge.
Expanding community-based screening programs could help improve early diagnosis and encourage preventive care before conditions worsen.
"Through our partnership with Diabetes Philippines, we have been able to bring free clinic services closer to communities, making diabetes screening, medical consultations, and health support more accessible to Filipinos.
At Watsons, we believe healthcare should be convenient and accessible for everyone, and this collaboration is helping turn that vision into reality by empowering more people to take proactive steps toward better health,” Watsons Philippines managing director Danilo Chiong said in a press statement.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to expanding our impact in more communities across the country," Chiong said."This collaboration has helped expand access to screening, education, and preventive healthcare services, enabling more Filipinos to take proactive steps toward better health,” Diabetes Philippines president Dr. Fatma Tiu said.
“We are grateful to Watsons Philippines, our healthcare workers, volunteers, and Diabetes Philippines chapters for their unwavering support. Together, we remain committed to stopping diabetes before it starts and building healthier communities nationwide," Tiu said.
What’s next
Watsons recently received recognition from Diabetes Philippines for supporting the STOP Diabetes Program and plans to expand preventive healthcare services to more communities nationwide as it continues promoting early detection and informed health decisions. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
