Mandaluyong City is taking a proactive stance on public health by addressing the root causes of delayed medical consultations among its residents. In a recent collaboration with healthcare giants Unilab and Watsons, the local government hosted the “Share the Alaga” health caravan at Mandaluyong City College to provide free medical services and promote better health-seeking behavior.
Share the Alaga beneficiaries get free medicines and vitamins from Unilab.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos urged her constituents to take full advantage of the medical check-ups and health screenings provided at the venue, highlighting the fundamental role of wellness in daily life. “Napaka-importante ng ating kalusugan [Our health is very important],” Mayor Abalos stated. “Kung hindi tayo malusog, paano natin aalagaan ang ating pamilya? [If we’re not healthy, how could we take care of our family?]”
The Mandaluyong city government partners with Unilab and Watsons to bring health services to residents. In the photo are Mayor Menchie Abalos (second from right), City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Abalos (second from left), Unilab PR and Partnerships Head Claire Papa (leftmost), and Watsons Health Business Unit Director Cecille Marie Uy (rightmost).
Despite these efforts to make medical services highly accessible, City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Abalos revealed that many residents still hesitate to seek early consultations. Financial constraints, such as the “no work, no pay” nature of employment for many citizens, often lead them to prioritize daily earnings over medical check-ups. Dr. Abalos also pointed out that fear of receiving a diagnosis and a reliance on outdated generational beliefs further hinder residents from visiting health centers.
Mandaluyong City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Abalos says collaborations with private partners strengthen the city’s health programs.
Private-public partnerships are proving vital in bridging these gaps. According to Dr. Abalos, collaborations with Unilab and Watsons significantly amplify the city’s reach and bolster health awareness campaigns. The event provided hundreds of residents, including locals like Racquelyn Acevedo, with free consultations, screenings, medicines, and vitamins. For many attendees, the free services offered substantial financial relief amidst the rising costs of living, making proactive health monitoring possible.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos reminds constituents to take advantage of opportunities to care for their health.
The “Share the Alaga” initiative aligns with the government’s broader Universal Health Care (UHC) program through PhilHealth by focusing on early intervention. Watsons Health Business Unit Director Cecille Marie Uy stated that the caravan fulfills a joint promise to bring essential medicines and medical services directly to the communities that need them most.
Mandaluyong residents get free medical consultations and health screenings at the Share the Alaga health activity.
Unilab Public Relations and Partnerships Head Claire Papa echoed this, adding that public and private sector cooperation creates a more meaningful impact on community health outcomes. Both companies plan to continue working alongside local government units to foster sustainable healthcare initiatives and shift the Filipino mindset toward preventive care.
