In the dynamic world of health and wellness, success is usually marked by expansions, new product launches, or market reach. But for Unilab, Inc. (Unilab), the true milestone lies in celebrating eight decades of Husay, Malasakit, and Bayanihan—eight decades of unwavering dedication to product excellence and the highest standards of quality in service to the Filipino people.

Founded in 1945 as United Drug Co., Inc., a small wholesale and retail drugstore in Binondo, Manila, Unilab has grown into an industry leader that continues to place alaga—a uniquely Filipino concept of genuine care —at the heart of its service.

This year, Unilab’s celebration is made more meaningful by recognizing its enduring partnerships that foster a strong support system towards accessible quality healthcare for every Filipino. With the Alagang Unilab Para sa Lahat launch held at Robinsons Galleria, Unilab joined hands with the Robinsons Retail Group— the company’s long-time partner in bringing health and wellness that forge lasting impact and deeper shopper connections.

Celebrating 80 years of Unilab’s “Husay at Malasakit,” how has this legacy shaped the foundation of “Alagang para sa lahat”?

“Eighty years na ang Unilab and binanggit ko kanina kay Ma’am Robina kanina na ang Southstar’s first branch opened 88 years ago, ang Rose Pharmacy, 73 years ago. So, the foundation is based on a long history of shared values. At ito pa personal sa akin, when I was seven years old, I didn’t know I would work for Unilab, inaalagaan na kami ng parents ko with products like United Tiki Tiki, Biogesic, Diatabs. This is the kind of legacy we carry on and make bigger and more inclusive, allows us to reach communities by partnering with South Star and Rose Pharmacy,” shares Unilab’s Corporate Vice President Melo Villaroman, Jr.

Why did Robinsons Retail Holdings choose to partner with Unilab with the “Husay, Malasakit at Bayanihan” campaign?

“Unilab, for 80 years, has championed husay and malasakit – values that we admire as a partner and values also, that have cemented Unilab as a market leader in the industry. This partnership with Robinsons Retail through Southstar Drug and Rose Pharmacy is actually a natural fit as we share the same values of putting the Filipino shopper at the heart of everything that we do. So, with Unilab by our side, Southstar Dug and Rose Pharmacy can take this promise even further, reaching more Filipinos, more communities with genuine alaga,” Robinsons Retail Holdings’ Ms. Joan shares.

Key leaders from Unilab and Robinsons Retail Group’s Southstar Drug and Rose Pharmacy led the program, which unveiled activities and programs that will be implemented soon, including four campaign pillars that are aimed at delivering care that is inclusive, accessible and meaningful. These pillars include:

1) The launch of SMART MEDS Program with Maxicare which sets a new standard, giving Maxicare members exclusive offers and seamless access to medicines at any Southstar Drug or Rose Pharmacy, so more Filipinos will never have to miss their medicines and can live better, healthier lives;

2) Online Exclusives for both Southstar Drug and Rose Pharmacy, boosting digital presence and engagement online with thematic deals and promos;

3) Alagang Para sa Lahat Raffle Promo which is customized to what excite the shoppers of both accounts are offering:

 For Southstar Drug: 80 winners of ₱8,000 each and 1 winner of ₱1,000,000 in the Grand Draw

 For Rose Pharmacy: 80 winners of ₱8,000 each and 80 winners of ₱2,000 worth of assorted Unilab products in the Grand Draw

Raffle coupons to be available from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

4) Advocacies and CSR Partnerships

The event also opened the one-day Alagang Unilab Para sa Lahat Health and Wellness Day at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas Manila, where participants and mallgoers were able to enjoy booths offering engaging health-related activities and services, and Unilab’s specially- priced products.

A touching highlight of the event is the symbolic turnover of Unilab’s donation to the Philippine Business Disability Network (PBDN), a group supported by Southstar Drug as part of their advocacy in supporting persons with disability among our fellow Filipinos. More than a gesture, this symbolic turnover expresses the two companies’ shared commitment to inclusivity, regardless of circumstance.

The celebration will continue in Cebu next month as Rose Pharmacy takes the lead in the Alagang Para sa Lahat Health and Wellness Day on October 25 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu. The event will once again feature engaging health-related activities, wellness services, and specially priced Unilab products—bringing the spirit of genuine alaga closer to Cebuanos.

Through Unilab’s 80-year series of celebrations, genuine and continuing ‘alaga’ is reinforced, promoted, and shared among communities together with valued partners who have the same passion and mission toward the health and well-being of Filipinos.

Alaga can take different forms, from extending a helping hand to someone in need, kind words of reassurance to someone going through uncertainty, or a healthcare provider’s genuine concern for a patient’s healing journey and access to medical care.

At its core, the celebration is not just about looking back at 80 years of achievements, but also about reaffirming its promise that in every partnership, every initiative, and every Filipino household it serves, Unilab will continue to nurture a legacy of Husay, Malasakit at Bayanihan.

Because for Unilab, true success isn’t only in milestones reached, but in moments of genuine care or alaga that is felt and shared.

During the event, Unilab donates P250,000 to Philippine Business and Disability Network, (PBDN), supported by SouthStar Drug in its advocacy to empower differently-abled Filipinos. The initiative was led by Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Stanley C. Co, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Robina Gokongwei, a PBDN representative, Unilab Corporate Vice President and Head of Sales and Corporate Development Carmelo Villaroman, and Unilab, Inc. President and CEO Sebastian Baquiran.