Watsons and Diabetes Philippines Inc. (DPI) announced a partnership Tuesday aimed at boosting disease prevention, improving medication adherence and achieving better treatment outcomes for people with diabetes across the country.

The agreement, signed in time for National Diabetes Awareness Month, seeks to strengthen efforts in raising awareness and empowering individuals to effectively manage their condition.

According to World Health Organization data, approximately 830 million people worldwide live with diabetes, with most residing in low- and middle-income countries. In the Philippines, an estimated 6.63 percent of the adult population, or roughly 4.7 million Filipinos, are projected to be affected by 2025, making diabetes a substantial health concern.

Joweeh Liao, Finance, Property Development and Health Business Unit director of Watsons Philippines, said the partnership aims to deliver “confident, consultative care, and improved patient outcomes.”

“We’re committed to uplifting the lives of our customers and the community we serve and this partnership with DPI has been very strategic to make this, for us, a reality,” Liao explained. “We invest in diabetes care, in education, in early prevention, and for those who are already contracted. It’s a lifelong relationship with them.”

Liao added that Watsons pharmacists will “significantly enhance their expertise in diabetes management” through expanded training that includes comprehensive chronic disease management.

She pledged Watsons’ commitment to being a “trusted and reliable partner in health and wellness” by providing expert pharmacist advice, ensuring readily available stock, and supporting sustainable wellness practices.

Dr. Fatima Tiu, DPI president, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that her organization is “deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals with diabetes” in the country.

She reiterated that “diabetes is a treatable condition” and its complications “can be avoided or delayed through proper diet, regular physical activity, medication, and consistent screening.”

“Through this partnership, we are optimistic that we can extend assistance to even more people and the wide community,” Tiu said, citing Watsons’ widespread accessibility, even in remote areas like her home region of Mindanao.