80 Years of Alaga: Celebrating a Legacy of Care and Excellence

In a world that often moves quickly, it’s the moments of genuine care that truly stand out.

Whether it’s a smile when someone is feeling down, a helping hand when life feels overwhelming, or the quiet sacrifices we make for the people we love, these small acts create lasting impressions.

 

For 80 years, Unilab has understood that true impact isn't always in grand gestures, but in the simple, everyday acts of care that ripple through lives and communities. This anniversary, we celebrate the power of alaga—the care that makes all the difference.

The Power of Simple Care

Care is not measured by its size but by its lasting impact. A mother’s gentle hand can ease the pain of a sick child. Neighbors sharing their time to lend a helping hand can make a difficult task easier. A young lad helping an elderly lady cross the street can keep her safe. A teacher’s word of encouragement can inspire a failing student to persevere and chase their dreams. A doctor’s reassuring words can give hope to a worried patient. Even a sudden call from a friend can lighten the weight of a stressful day. These everyday moments of alaga (care) leave marks that shape individuals, families, and entire communities.

"For 80 years, Unilab has been committed to ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every Filipino. But beyond medicine, we recognize that true alaga is in the small, everyday acts of care that create ripples of impact," says Alexander S. Panlilio, Corporate Vice President of Unilab. "This anniversary is a celebration of the many ways Filipinos show alaga and malasakit (compassion)—from our healthcare professionals to parents, teachers, mentors, and even strangers who lend a helping hand."

Different Marks of Alaga: A Personal Touch That Inspires

Behind every success story are individuals who have willingly given their alaga, leaving a mark that shaped a bright future.

One such inspiring story is that of Dr. Reinerio Prieto, whose life became the inspiration behind Unilab’s anniversary film. For Dr. Prieto, his first encounter with alaga wasn’t in a hospital, but in the quiet acts of love he received at home. His mother, who was a teacher, was very hands-on when it came to taking care of him and his siblings. She didn’t just support his dreams—she actively nurtured them. She stood by him through every challenge, offering love, encouragement, and care.

“My mother was a very strong woman. From when I was a child until I became a doctor, I drew a lot of my strength from her. And it wasn’t the big gestures she made—’yung little things that stuck with me. A nod of reassurance, a pat on the back for comfort, her smile. When I was sick, she was there to care for me and give me medicine. The baon she prepared for me every day. These seemingly small things gave me a lot of motivation,” says Dr. Prieto.

Dr. Prieto’s mother’s alaga is the force that drives him to help patients and communities during medical missions all around the Philippines. He knows that a personal touch of alaga can be life-changing. He understands that each patient is someone’s son, father, sister, or mother. By treating them, he’s helping them continue their journey of caring for their loved ones. This ripple effect, which started with his mother’s care, continues to grow as he passes on her lessons to his patients.

“Going on medical missions is an eye-opening experience. You’re shocked by the conditions in many places—there’s a lack of medicine, infrastructure, healthcare personnel—you name it,” Dr. Prieto explains. “That’s why as doctors, we know the impact our presence makes, especially to those who need care. When I attend medical missions, I make sure to give my full attention to the patient in front of me. I ask how they are, and as much as possible, I try to explain the diagnosis and treatment carefully because they’re often scared. People are sometimes afraid to ask questions, so I always reassure them: ‘Nanay o tatay, if you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.’”

A Doctor’s Ripple of Impact

Dr. Prieto’s commitment to providing care—just as his mother did for him—has left a profound mark on those he’s helped. “Like my mom, those who have left a mark through their care should be the ones we remember. Their impact lives on in every life they’ve touched. That’s inspiring, and I hope that many Filipinos will be inspired to make a difference in their own way,” he says.

A Call to Pay It Forward: Spreading Alaga

The 80th anniversary of Unilab is not just a celebration of a brand—it’s a call for all of us to join in the mission of spreading alaga. Sa simpleng alaga, malaki ang nagagawa is more than just a slogan. It’s a reminder that no act of care is too small. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply showing up for someone—these simple gestures can create ripples that reach farther than we ever expect.

Just like Dr. Prieto’s life story, every story of care matters because it has the power to create lasting change that can impact individuals, families, communities, and even future generations. Each of us has the potential to leave a mark—through the simplest acts of care.

Do you have an Alaga story to share? Visit unilab.com.ph or follow the official Unilab Facebook page.