Unilab 80: Studying abroad to shape the future of health care in the Philippines
The country's leadership Health care The company sets its sights on innovation, local growth and wider impact in the coming years
Unilab Group is the most trusted drug and healthcare group in the country, tagged 80Th One year sends a bold signal to the market: It is accelerating its transformation from a humble corner pharmacy to a future, innovation-driven healthcare leader.
In the Philippines and Southeast Asia, the Milestones celebrated its anniversary at Philsports Arena, bringing together more than 4,000 employees and partners. Although the program features Unilab’s growth and milestones, its main information is concentrated on accelerating momentum over the next 20 years as the company approaches its 100Th Year.
Unilab was founded in 1945 and began along the Sto along the small pharmacy during the post-war recovery. Cristo Street in Binondo. Its founder Jose Y. Campos and his business partner Mariano K. Tan operate with limited capital, borrowed corner space and a shelf for inventory. From the early stages, the company has grown steadily through hard work, resourcefulness and a deep understanding of community needs.
The same entrepreneurial mindset continues to guide the organization. From its origins in pharmaceutical distribution, Unilab Group strategically invests in building strong manufacturing capabilities to ensure quality, accessibility and self-reliance in its product supply. Since then, Unilab has evolved into a health care group with brand and capabilities in general medicines, personal care, health services and animal health.
Clinton Campos Hess, who formally served as the group's chairman, outlines the company's strategic vision for the next decade. This includes deepening its role as a key healthcare player in the region. He stressed the need to align business growth with social responsibility, especially when reaching underserved communities.
Campos Hess said in his speech: “We have to make sure that no one is behind the scenes when pursuing our mission.”
Campos Hess also outlines Unilab’s three key strategic pillars: product solutions, health care services and education, which are expected to drive new business models, enhance consumers’ access to health care, and achieve broader social goals.
Infrastructure investment plays a key role in maintaining Unilab’s competitive advantage. Over the past decade, the company has built several advanced facilities, such as Amherst and Belmont Plants, Beaute et al. Labs, Inc. (BESLI), South-Unilab Materials Management Office (Summo) and First Pioneer Distraction, Inc. II (FPDI). These facilities can enable high-quality production, quality assurance and control, as well as dedicated therapies suitable for the industry, including vaccines, oncology and central nervous system therapy, which demonstrates Unilab’s commitment to delivering no less than high-quality medicines to the Philippines.
In addition to business expansion, Unilab has adopted plans that reflect its community-oriented culture. Its 8,000-hour Bayanihan campaign encourages employees to collectively log in to volunteer hours to support health and wellness programs across the country. The campaign reinforces long-term principles within the organization: success is measured not only by financial performance, but by life on the way.
The organization also reaffirmed its role in policy advocacy through the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP). Officially launched last year, UCHP is a platform for research, dialogue and multi-sectoral collaboration that aims to address systemic gaps in health care in the Philippines.
Much of Unilab’s progress over the past few decades has been attributed to the leadership of Jocelyn Campos Hess, who formally resigned and served as honorary chairman. During his tenure, Unilab expanded its business line, expanded its manufacturing capacity, and launched a program under the leadership of the Unilab Foundation to support children’s health education, inclusive employment and therapeutic care.
Despite rising competition in local and regional markets, Unilab expressed confidence in the company's direction. It says the challenge now is to scale operations while maintaining Husai,,,,, Marasakitand Bayanihan Its culture has long been shaped.
When Unilab looks forward to its 100Th One year, the company is determined to balance growth with purpose. With its foundation firmly rooted and leadership looking outward, Unilab ready not only strengthens its position as an industry leader, but also serves as a partner to work towards healthier Filipinos, once a health solution.
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