Insider Spotlight
At the 2025 Marketing Excellence Awards Philippines, the retailer earned Silver for Excellence in Communications/Public Relations. Earlier this year, it secured a Gold Stevie Award for Climate Protection and Sustainability Campaign of the Year and a Bronze Stevie Award for Sustainable Business Models at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.
“These awards are a reflection of the small but meaningful actions taken every day by our customers, partners, and team members,” said Sharon Decapia, senior AVP for marketing, PR & sustainability.
“Our commitment to the planet, our people, and the products we offer has always been part of who we are. Sustainability is not just a campaign for us, it’s a shared journey.”
Planet-first initiatives
Under its Planet, People, and Products framework, Watsons is reducing its footprint by rolling out LED lighting, inverter appliances, and solar panels.
About 90 percent of its stores now use paper instead of plastic bags, while programs like Recycle for Rewards and Trash to Cash encourage customers to embrace greener habits.
Empowering communities
Sustainability also extends to people. Through Alagang Pangkalusugan Medical Missions, Watsons has provided health care to over 10,000 individuals. Its support for Operation Smile has enabled more than 1,500 cleft surgeries, while employee volunteers regularly join tree-planting, cleanups, and medical drives.
Conscious consumer choices
Watsons’ Sustainable Choices section makes eco-friendly products—from refill packs to clean beauty—accessible nationwide.
By promoting better ingredients and packaging, the company empowers consumers to live healthier, greener lifestyles.
The big picture
As Watsons looks ahead, it plans to expand Greener Stores, introduce more sustainable products, and deepen community partnerships. For the retailer, sustainability is not a passing campaign but a long-term promise. —Ed: Vanessa Hidalgo
