Watsons launches value-for-money healthcare campaign

In a family-oriented culture like in the Philippines, it is important to keep the family’s health in the pink so they can ge more out of life. However, with so many challenges Filipinos face, they often neglect their health.Vicki Encarnacion, marketing director at Watsons, said that Filipinos value health because they want to be there for their families, but there are some things that hinder their aims to stay healthy.

“We know that health is important to everybody; we all want to get more out of life because we’re healthy. The only thing that is stopping everybody from doing that is when kulang sa pera (money is not enough),” Encarnacion shared.

Celebrity mom and talk show host Christine Jacob-Sandejas, happily married and a mother of five, expressed that taking care of her family’s health poses a challenge to her because of high healthcare costs.

“My family is my priority. It gives me joy to take care of my husband and five kids—keeping all of us healthy is a top priority. It’s a reality though that healthcare is rather expensive especially with a fairly big family such as ours,” she said.

Her husband Paco Sandejas believed that as the head of their family, it is his responsibility to keep them in good shape and free from illnesses and disease.

“To a woman like my wife, only the best lang talaga. We’ve been married for twelve years—Christine has supported me in all the ups and downs. In turn, of course I want to make sure that she is in top shape. It really amazes me how she is always ready to do different activities with me and the kids everyday. Christine takes care of me and I take care of her naman. She means the world to me,” Sandejas said.Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2010 runner-up Ma. Venus Raj knew that she has to take care of her mother, as she took care of her when she was young. Also, being a morning show host, a mainstay at a weekend noontime show, product endorser—all while being a full-time daughter—she is aware that she has to stay fit and healthy so she could do well her multiple tasks.

“We were really hard up before. When we were kids my mom would do multiple jobs to support our family. And Nanay has been there all the time—raising us and keeping us in good health. Pipilitin niya kami (she would force us) to drink our medicines as required—on time and after meals. Now that I am able to provide for her, I make sure she gets the best care possible especially with her maintenance medications,” Raj said. She added that because she wanted to reach more despite her achievements, she also has to take care of herself so she can do things at her best.With these concerns raised by its newest brand ambassadors, Watsons recently unveiled its campaign to allow Filipinos to get the best for their health. Dubbed “More Value More Life”, the health store chain aims to provide quality health care without draining the buyer’s budget.

“Our mission here at Watsons is to help and inspire our shoppers, the Filipino people, to look good and feel great, and at the same time have fun,” Encarnacion said.Offered earlier this year, the health shop installed their Watsons Buy Generics counter, which offers generic medicine for common household illnesses, such as diarrhea and fever, for less. With their medicines made by pharmaceutical firms such as Unilab, Ritemed, Pharex, and others, they assure quality but affordable generic medicine.

Another feature recently introduced is the Watsons Compliance Packs. These are prescriptions sold at their counters for acute or chronic ailments like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and others that require frequent maintenance drugs. Up to 80 percent can be saved compared to leading brands.

At the same time, SM Advantage Card holders can save up to 30 percent when buying selected health products with their Watsons Comply and Save promo.

To those who need to buy over-the-counter drugs or supplements, the Watsons Health Packs are designed for them. Conveniently packed, buyers can take their meds anywhere without the hassle of buying by the pill.

With these features offered by Watsons, Encarnacion believed that Filipinos no longer have to make compromises when it comes to their health.

“Value doesn’t mean mas mura (cheaper). Value means getting something on top of. We are not only offering affordability. It’s about cheaper, quality, you get more services, plus freebies when they reach certain purchase requirements,” Encarnacion mentioned.