What does it truly mean to leave a mark? Often, it’s found in the simplest gestures—a comforting touch, a reassuring word, or a quiet sacrifice made out of love. These small acts of care create ripples that transform lives in profound ways. This essence drives Unilab’s 80th-anniversary celebration: sa simpleng alaga, malaki ang nagagawa (through simple care, a big impact is made).
Care isn’t measured by magnitude but by lasting impact. A mother’s gentle touch eases a child’s pain. Neighbors lending a hand complete difficult tasks. A youth helping an elderly person cross the street ensures safety. A teacher’s encouragement inspires a struggling student to persevere. A doctor’s reassurance gives hope to worried patients. A timely call from a friend brightens a stressful day. These everyday moments of alaga (care) leave imprints that shape individuals, families, and 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
Behind every success story are individuals who have given their alaga, leaving marks that shape bright futures.
Dr. Reinerio Prieto’s story, which inspired Unilab’s anniversary film, exemplifies this impact. His first encounter with care wasn’t in a hospital but through his mother’s quiet acts of love at home. As a teacher, she was hands-on with Dr. Prieto and his siblings, supporting his dreams through every challenge.
“My mother was a very strong woman. Bata pa lang ako hanggang sa naging doktor na, I drew a lot of my strength from her. And it wasn’t the big gestures she made—’yung little things ang tumatak sa akin. A nod of reassurance, a pat on the back for comfort, her smile. ‘Pag nagkasakit ako, siya ang nag-aalaga at nagbibigay ng gamot. The baon she prepared for me every day. These seemingly small things gave me a lot of motivation every time,” said Dr. Prieto.
This maternal impact drives Dr. Prieto to help patients and communities during medical missions throughout the Philippines. He understands that personal care can be life-changing and that each patient is someone’s family member.
“Napaka-eye opening ang pagpunta sa mga medical mission. Magugulat ka sa kondisyon ng maraming lugar that there’s a lack of supply of medicine, infrastructure, healthcare personnel—you name it,” said Dr. Prieto. “That’s why as doctors we know the impact our presence makes, especially to the people wanting to seek care. I personally make sure that when I attend medical missions, I give my complete attention to the patient in front of me. Kukumustahin ko siya, and as much as possible I try to explain the diagnosis and treatment carefully kasi natatakot din sila. People are sometimes afraid to ask questions. So, I tell them, nanay o tatay, kung may tanong kayo wag ho kayo matakot.”
Dr. Rei remembers the power of simple acts of care that his mom inspired him to leave his own mark on others. “Like my mom, those who have left a mark through their care should be the ones we remember. ‘Yung impact nila lives on in every life they’ve touched. Nakaka-inspire ‘yun, kaya sana maraming Pilipino rin ang ma-inspire on how they, too, can make a difference,” said Dr. Prieto.
A call to pay it forward
Care is about more than receiving—it’s a force we must pass forward. Sa simpleng alaga, malaki ang nagagawa reflects not only Unilab’s 80-year legacy but also calls each of us to build a better world. No act of care is too small. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present for someone creates ripples extending further than we imagine. Each of us has the power to leave a mark through simple acts of care. Like Dr. Prieto’s story, every care narrative matters because it creates change that impacts lives, communities, and generations.
Watch Unilab’s 80th Anniversary Video here: https://www.facebook.com/Unilab/videos/4085079518477281
Do you have an Alaga story to share? Visit unilab.com.ph or follow the official Unilab Facebook page.
