Watsons Philippines and Philippine College of Chest Physicians are set to train Store Pharmacists to become respiratory health experts, making healthcare more accessible to the community. (L-R: Cecille Marie C. Uy, Director for Health Business Unit of Watsons Philippines; Dr. Virginia S. Delos Reyes, MD, FPCCP, President of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians; Ma Corina M. Marte, Director for People & Organization Development of Watsons Philippines)

Watsons Philippines has officially entered into a partnership with the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), marking a significant step toward strengthening respiratory healthcare in communities nationwide through the launch of the Respiratory Educator’s Program. This initiative is designed to equip Watsons pharmacists with specialized training in respiratory health, enabling them to provide informed guidance to consumers.

Through the Respiratory Educator Program, selected Watsons pharmacists undergo specialized training that goes beyond traditional pharmacy practice. They are equipped with deeper knowledge in asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, inhalation therapy, and patient education, enabling them to provide more meaningful, one-on-one support in-store. This includes hands-on training in proper inhaler techniques, as well as practical, case-based learning that allows pharmacists to identify common mistakes, guide patients more effectively, and support better treatment outcomes.

“Our pharmacists are at the heart of this promise. They are not only healthcare professionals in our stores; they are trusted partners in the communities we serve. As healthcare needs evolve, it is our responsibility to ensure that our people continue to grow – professionally, clinically, and personally,” said Ma Corina M. Marte, Director for People & Organization Development of Watsons Philippines.

The Respiratory Educator Program will officially begin with a two-day training on May 26–27, 2026, in partnership with PCCP and the Philippine Pharmacists Association. The first batch will train 50 pharmacists, marking the start of a broader effort to scale respiratory care support across Watsons stores nationwide.

Dr. Virginia S. Delos Reyes, MD, FPCCP, President of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, emphasized that managing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) goes beyond proper diagnosis and treatment and requires ongoing patient education and support. She noted that the collaboration enables healthcare professionals to bring clinical expertise into the community, where pharmacists play an important role in guiding patients. Through this partnership, she shared that the goal is to improve disease awareness, promote appropriate treatment practices, and enhance health outcomes for more Filipinos.

PCCP, a leading authority in pulmonary medicine, brings its clinical expertise to ensure that the training program meets rigorous medical standards. Together, both organizations aim to create a sustainable model for community-based respiratory care that bridges clinical knowledge and everyday patient support.

“Through this partnership, we are strengthening the role of our pharmacists as accessible healthcare partners in the community. By equipping them with specialized knowledge in respiratory care, we aim to help more Filipinos better manage their health and improve their quality of life,” Danilo Chiong, Managing Director of Watsons Philippines

By bringing together clinical expertise and a nationwide pharmacy network, the program aims to improve patient education, promote early intervention, and support effective disease management. Ultimately, the partnership seeks to empower more Filipinos to breathe better and live healthier lives, in line with Watsons’ commitment to help customers Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great.

For Watsons Club members, the program adds another layer of value to their everyday store visits. Beyond exclusive deals and rewards, members can now benefit from accessible, expert-backed guidance as part of their regular Watsons experience. From proper inhaler onboarding to continuous support during follow-up visits, the program ensures that care doesn’t stop at the counter. It’s a more holistic approach, where health support, convenience, and rewards come together in one trusted space.

To learn more about the Respiratory Educator’s Program and how trained Watsons pharmacists can support your respiratory health needs, follow Watsons online at @watsonsph on Instagram, @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

Customers can also visit Watsons stores nationwide to explore a wide range of respiratory health essentials, or download the Watsons App and sign up as a Watsons Club member to enjoy exclusive offers, convenient shopping, and more health and wellness support.

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.