Health and Wellness

In photo: Kathryn Cajucom, Pru Life UK Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications (2nd from left) and Masako Uemori, Shinagawa Philippines President (2nd from right) joined by Rose Anne Cruz, Pru Life UK Assistant Vice President and Head of Customer and Insights Proposition (1st from left) and Ernesto Pascual III, Shinagawa Philippines Chief Financial Officer during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Taguig City.

Pru Life UK has teamed up with Shinagawa Philippines to offer eligible customers, licensed agents, and employees exclusive discounts on selected vision correction procedures, aesthetic treatments, executive check-ups, and diagnostic examinations.

This collaboration is part of Pru Life UK’s expanding range of value-added services aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of its community, complementing the financial protection it provides.

Through the partnership, eligible individuals can receive discounts of up to 60% on selected vision correction services, up to 50% on selected aesthetic procedures, and up to 10% on selected diagnostic services. Vision correction services are available at Shinagawa’s Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas branches (21st floor). Diagnostic services are offered at the Bonifacio Global City branch (8th and 23rd floors), while aesthetic services are available at the Ortigas branch (21st floor).

The benefits are available to Pru Life UK customers, including both the life insured and policyowner who have registered with PRUServices and linked an active policy.

“We want to provide meaningful support that responds to the different needs of the people we serve,” said Kathryn Cajucom, Pru Life UK Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications. “Through our partnership with Shinagawa Philippines, we are making our customers’ promises to their loved ones real by showing them that they can count on PRU for valuable benefits that go beyond financial protection.”

Pru Life UK and Shinagawa Philippines marked the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Taguig City. The partnership reflects both companies’ shared commitment to empowering more Filipinos to live with greater confidence and peace of mind through services that complement financial protection.

“We are pleased to partner with Pru Life UK and extend the benefits of our services to more Filipinos,” said Masako Uemori, President of Shinagawa Philippines. “By bringing together Shinagawa’s Japanese standards of care and advanced technology with Pru Life UK’s commitment to its community, we hope to encourage more people to take proactive steps towards their health wellbeing and confidence.”

Shinagawa is a leading provider of LASIK, a laser eye procedure that corrects common vision problems and may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It also offers other vision correction procedures, aesthetic treatments, and diagnostic services designed to help individuals take a proactive approach to their health through comprehensive preventive care and early detection, powered by advanced Japanese technology.

For more information about Shinagawa Philippines’ benefits, eligibility requirements, and participating services, visit the Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics and Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care sections on Pru Life UK’s Rewards and Promos webpage.

Live Lighter media event hosted by Ms. Karen Davila

As obesity continues to grow as a key contributor to chronic diseases and strain on the healthcare system in the Philippines, Novo Nordisk has launched the “Live Lighter” movement, a multi-sector initiative designed to reshape public awareness and improve access to care.

Introduced at a media event in Makati City, the campaign promotes a change in perspective—encouraging people to see obesity not as a matter of personal choice alone, but as a complex, chronic condition influenced by biology, environment, and other underlying factors.

Me at the event

The launch of the “Live Lighter” movement highlights an important reminder that health issues like obesity are not simply about personal choices, but are shaped by a mix of biological, environmental, and social factors. It reinforces the need for a more compassionate and science-based understanding of obesity, along with better access to proper care and support systems in the Philippines.

“For almost 30 years, we have studied obesity not as a lifestyle issue, but as a chronic disease. Today is not just about introducing a new treatment option. It is about changing how a country understands obesity,” said Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “Through Live Lighter, we aim to help Filipinos treat obesity right—with science, compassion, and with the support they deserve.”

Expanding access to science-based treatment

During the panel discussion

More than a platform for awareness, the Live Lighter movement also signals a step forward in how obesity is treated in the Philippines by introducing innovative, science-based treatment option that goes beyond traditional approaches.

The launch coincides with the introduction of a new prescription therapy based on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works with the body’s biology to help regulate appetite, energy intake, and metabolic processes. By targeting the underlying mechanisms of obesity, this class of treatment represents a shift toward more holistic and medically guided care.

Dr. Christiana Vida Montefalcon, head of Clinical, Medical, Regulatory & Pharmacovigilance of Novo Nordisk Philippines, underscored that for many patients, obesity is not simply a matter of diet and exercise, but a chronic disease that could require long-term health management and medical treatment. As such, newer therapies can play a critical role particularly for individuals who have struggled to achieve or sustain weight loss through conventional methods alone.

“Advancements like these are changing the way we approach obesity care,” Dr. Montefalcon shared.

“They allow us to address the biological drivers of the disease, giving patients a more realistic and sustainable path toward better health.” “This is not just about weight loss,” she noted. “It is about the over-all health and condition of people living with obesity.”

Reinforcing this, Wei Sun added, “Live Lighter is more than a campaign. It is a commitment to change the way obesity is understood and managed in the Philippines. By bringing sciencebased care, including innovative treatments, closer to patients, we hope to empower more Filipinos to take control of their health in a sustainable and medically guided way.”

From stigma to science

Despite its growing prevalence, obesity continues to be framed largely around willpower and lifestyle choices, often delaying diagnosis and limiting access to appropriate care. Health experts at the launch emphasized that this outdated narrative can prevent people from seeking help and restrict the adoption of effective, evidence-based interventions.

“Treating obesity as a disease changes everything, from how patients are supported to how healthcare systems respond,” said Dr. Montefalcon. “It allows for earlier intervention, more comprehensive care, and better long-term outcomes.”

The Live Lighter movement brings together media, healthcare professionals, industry partners, and patient advocates to promote a more informed and compassionate approach; one that centers on patient realities and health outcomes, not just weight.

A growing public health priority

The initiative comes at a time when obesity is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers—placing a growing burden on individuals, families, and the healthcare system.

Recent findings from the Epidemiological Burden and Cost of Obesity in the Philippines (EpiCOb-PH) study highlight the scale of the challenge, estimating that obesity cost the Philippine economy approximately Php 1.9 trillion in 2025—equivalent to 7.3% of GDP—and could reach up to Php 2.7 trillion when overweight-related conditions are included.

As awareness grows, so does the urgency to address obesity through a more structured, science-based approach that integrates prevention, early intervention, and long-term care.

Collective action

Guest during the event His Excellency Franz-Michael Mellbin, Ambassador of Royal Danish Embassy Manila

Beyond treatment, the movement underscores the need for collective action across sectors to address obesity more effectively—from improving public understanding and reducing stigma to strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to care.

“Addressing obesity requires more than awareness. It requires a shift in mindset across healthcare, policy, and society,” said Anand Shetty, vice president for Novo Nordisk Business Area Southeast Asia. “With Live Lighter, we are working to move from stigma to science, and from fragmented efforts to a more coordinated, patient-centered approach to care.”

The launch also emphasized the importance of global partnerships in advancing local health priorities, showing how shared expertise and innovation can help make evidence-based care more accessible to patients.

As the “Live Lighter” movement builds momentum, Novo Nordisk seeks to encourage a wider national dialogue—one that reframes obesity not as a personal failing, but as a serious and treatable disease.

“Because when we treat obesity right, we change lives, not just for individuals, but for families and communities,” Wei Sun continued. “That is the impact we hope to achieve through Live Lighter movement.”

Reference: https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2026/03/10/735218/obesity-cost-philippines-p1-9- trillion-in-2025-study/

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In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls.

In observance of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, conducted coastal cleanup activities in six locations across seven participating malls nationwide, strengthening its long-term commitment to environmental protection and sustainable waste management in its most loved malls.

This year’s initiative placed greater focus on waste segregation education, helping volunteers and communities better understand proper sorting, recycling, and disposal practices. It also highlighted how everyday habits—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—are vital in safeguarding marine ecosystems.

The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean.

During the cleanups, collected waste was carefully sorted and categorized, allowing participants to see firsthand the types of materials commonly found in coastal areas—from plastic packaging and beverage containers to other discarded items that threaten marine life and coastal habitats.

By focusing on waste analysis and segregation, raised awareness on the impact of improperly managed waste and encouraged Filipinos to adopt more responsible environmental practices in their daily lives.

These coastal cleanup activities form part of SM Supermalls’ broader environmental sustainability programs, aligned with the SM Green Movement and the company’s Waste-Free Future campaign.

“Protecting our coastal and marine environments requires a more proactive, end-to-end approach with the cleanups starting with education, deepening awareness, and sustaining collective action,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for Environment and Sustainability of SM Supermalls. “By helping communities understand the importance of proper waste segregation and responsible waste management, we hope to inspire long-term behavioral change that benefits both people and the planet.”

The initiative also highlights the spirit of bayanihan, bringing together mall communities, environmental partners, and local stakeholders in a shared effort to care for the environment.

As SM Cares continues to strengthen its sustainability programs throughout the year, the public is encouraged to participate in upcoming environmental initiatives, including World Oceans Day Cleanup Drives in June, International Coastal Cleanup activities in September, and National Environmental Awareness Month initiatives in November.

Through continued initiatives like this, SM Cares keeps empowering communities to actively help protect the environment—all for Filipinos and all for the planet.

To find out more about SM Cares’ environmental programs and how you can join future activities, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Pru Life UK is reinforcing its commitment to helping Filipinos lead healthier, more secure lives by simplifying and personalizing healthcare, while expanding access to comprehensive services through partnerships with The Medical City (TMC) and Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD).

Through its Gift of Health campaign, customers, agents, and employees can benefit from practical health offerings that support early detection, prompt intervention, and access to quality care.

A key feature of the campaign is a complimentary non-communicable disease (NCD) risk assessment with The Medical City, designed to identify potential risks for chronic conditions through interview-based screening. With the high prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses developing quietly and without symptoms, early detection plays a crucial role in preventing complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

Eligible individuals can also benefit from savings on selected outpatient services from both The Medical City and Hi-Precision Diagnostics, as well as discounts on The Medical City inpatient services for selected critical illnesses. With medical inflation and out-of-pocket expenses on the rise, this add-on benefit makes quality healthcare more accessible and manageable.

In addition, they can enjoy access to personalized medical concierge support at The Medical City, with a dedicated care team helping guide them through every step of their healthcare journey: from priority scheduling of doctors’ and diagnostic appointments, to navigating their hospital visit with ease.

These services are available across all The Medical City locations (Ortigas, Clark, Iloilo, Pangasinan and South Luzon) and Hi-Precision Diagnostics’ 60+ clinics nationwide, providing greater convenience and access to trusted healthcare providers.

“The Gift of Health reflects our shift towards a more holistic approach in enhancing the lives of Filipinos, by delivering meaningful and relevant everyday benefits beyond just insurance protection,” said Wai CW Kwok, Pru Life UK interim Chief Customer & Marketing Officer. “By making preventive care and early detection more accessible, we empower our customers, agents, and employees to Count on PRU as they take charge of their wellbeing and enjoy greater peace of mind.”

The Gift of Health benefits are available until December 31, 2026, for eligible Pru Life UK policyholders who enroll and link their active plans through PRUServices, as well as for agents and employees.

new generation of weight management treatments signals a breakthrough in care

Backed by over a century of scientific leadership in obesity and diabetes care, global healthcare company Novo Nordisk is strengthening its commitment to improving treatment for people living with obesity in the Philippines, as a new wave of therapies becomes available to Filipino patients.

Central to this progress are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—medications that mimic a natural hormone in the body responsible for regulating hunger and blood sugar. These treatments help individuals feel fuller for longer, curb cravings, and better control their appetite, while also supporting improved blood sugar management for those with diabetes.

This dual benefit marks a significant shift in how obesity and related conditions are treated—not as matters of willpower, but as chronic diseases requiring medical care.

The rise of GLP-1–based treatments represent one of the most important breakthroughs in metabolic health in recent years. These medicines have, over time, demonstrated substantial and sustained weight loss outcomes in clinical studies—bringing obesity treatment closer to the effectiveness of surgical interventions, but in a less invasive form.

According to the National Library of Medicine, GLP-1 RA medications have revolutionized weight loss and can reduce body weight in obese patients by between 15% and 25% on average after about one year. Their mode of action is to mimic the endogenous GLP-1, an intestinal hormone that regulates glucose metabolism and satiety.

This evolution reflects decades of research into the biology of hunger, hormones, and weight regulation, culminating in therapies that address the root causes of obesity.

“We are entering a new era in obesity care in the country. One that is grounded in science, compassion, and long-term solutions,” said Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “For many years, people living with obesity have been left with limited options and significant stigma. Today, with advancements in treatments that work with the body’s natural systems, we could transform outcomes for patients across the Philippines.”

Patient safety

As these innovations become more accessible, Novo Nordisk emphasizes the importance of patient safety and proper medical guidance. The company urges patients to seek consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and to use only approved, regulated medicines.

With the growing global demand for weight management treatments, there has also been a rise in compounded or unregulated versions that may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

“Patient safety must always come first,” Sun added. “We strongly advise against the use of unapproved or compounded alternatives that bypass strict regulatory processes. These products may pose serious health risks and do not offer the same assurance of safety and effectiveness as approved medicines.”

Beyond treatment availability, Novo Nordisk’s initiatives in the Philippines concentrate on raising awareness of obesity as a chronic illness, providing healthcare professionals with up-to-date medical education, and collaborating to increase access to safe, evidence-based care.