As respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, and COPD continue to affect many Filipinos, the role of pharmacists in patient education and early intervention has become increasingly important.
In line with its commitment to uplifting the health and well-being of communities through accessible, patient-centered healthcare, leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer Watsons successfully concluded its Respiratory Care Educator Program, a comprehensive training initiative that equipped store pharmacists with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills through expert-led discussions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative case-based learning.
“It is only the beginning of a stronger collaboration and shared mission to empower our pharmacists and expand access to quality respiratory care in the communities we serve. The space we create in Watsons stores is no longer just for dispensing medicines, but also for enabling better patient education, early identification of respiratory conditions, and continuous care,” said Ma. Corina Marte, People and Organization Director of Watsons Philippines.
She also expressed gratitude to Watsons’ partners, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians and the Philippine Pharmacists Association, for supporting the initiative and helping advance respiratory healthcare education in the country.
Key discussions covered essential areas in respiratory care, including asthma and COPD diagnosis and management, principles of inhalational therapy, advanced pharmacotherapy, and drug interaction management. Participants also gained deeper insights into effective patient communication and counseling practices aligned with current healthcare standards.
One of the highlights of the program was the hands-on inhaler technique workshop and case-based activities that allowed pharmacists to apply their learning to real-world patient scenarios and strengthen their respiratory care practices.
“We believe that accessible healthcare begins with empowered healthcare professionals. Through the Respiratory Care Educator Program, we aim to equip pharmacists and healthcare practitioners with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills to improve patient education, treatment adherence, and overall respiratory health outcomes in the communities we serve. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to supporting healthcare excellence and making quality care more accessible for every Filipino,” said Danilo Chiong, Managing Director of Watsons.
Through initiatives like the Respiratory Care Educator Program, Watsons continues to support healthcare professionals and promote better respiratory care in communities nationwide.
The program concluded with a shared commitment among healthcare partners, pharmacists, and practitioners to continue advancing respiratory health through education, collaboration, and patient empowerment.
To learn more about Watsons’ healthcare initiatives and how programs like the Respiratory Care Educator Program continue to support community wellness, follow Watsons online at @watsonsph on Instagram, @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and @watsonsphilippines on TikTok. For convenient shopping of health essentials and exclusive promos, download the Watsons app or visit the official website.
About Watsons Philippines:
Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer. Today, the company operates in over 16,900 stores across 12 retail brands in 30 markets, employing 130,000 people globally.
In 2002, AS Watson Group joined hands with SM, the Philippines’ leading shopping mall developer. The partners brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas) and have since seen rapid growth. Today, Watsons operates more than 1,200 stores in the Philippines (as of January 2026).
Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world, and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.
