How do different generations of Filipinos approach some of life’s most important issues like health, workplace wellness, sex, content consumption, and media preference?
The next Wellness Index survey of healthcare industry leader Philcare being developed under the guidance of former Department of Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona will seek the answers in the hopes of finding learnings and insights that may help shape national policies on health and wellness.
“As different generations have grown up in different social, economic, and technological contexts, their values, communication styles, and preference vary significantly,” Dr. Ona says. “By understanding these differences, businesses and government agencies can tailor their policies and initiatives to effectively engage and resonate with each generation.”
This marks the second time Dr. Ona is sharing his time and expertise to the groundbreaking study. He took the chairman role in developing the 2021 Wellness Index: The Philippine Roadmap to the Next Normal to help Filipino workers, businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders transition to the post-pandemic era.
He notes, “As someone who continues to champion the cause of public health, I see the Wellness Index as an innovative endeavor that underscores the potential of data-driven approaches in contributing to healthcare reforms and the overall wellbeing of Filipinos.”
Recognized as one of the country’s best in the field of vascular surgery and organ transplantation, Dr. Ona served as DOH Secretary from 2010 to 2014. Previously, he held the position of executive director at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI). Under his leadership, NKTI transformed from a fire-ravaged government hospital into the first ISO-certified health institution in the Philippines in 2002.
Launched by PhilCare in 2014, the Wellness Index is the Philippines’ first nationwide study that seeks to determine the attitude and practices of Filipinos towards health and wellness. The second study came out in 2019, and the third called 2020 Community Quarantine Wellness Index was released at a time when COVID-19 lockdowns were in effect.
Based on the findings of the first Wellness Index, PhilCare delivered another innovation with the introduction of the country’s very first prepaid health plans that cover different health needs and can be used in over 500 hospitals nationwide. This was especially designed to meet the healthcare needs of people who don’t have corporate plans.
The 2020 Wellness Index won Top Division Award for Communication Research at the 2021 Quill Awards, while the 2021 Wellness Index got the Top Award in Communication Research from Quill in 2022 and was honored as Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year at the 2022 Stevie Awards.
Apart from prestigious award-giving bodies, findings of the PhilCare Wellness Index studies gained significant attention from the media. This resulted in the public gaining access to evidence-based information to help them manage their health and wellness, particularly while navigating the pandemic and its resulting societal impacts. PhilCare shared results of these studies to several government entities to help them craft data-backed policies and initiatives.
“Understanding generational differences provides a comprehensive view of how society is evolving. It enables individuals and organizations to adapt and make informed decisions that positively impacts various aspects of life,” Dr. Ona says.
“I look forward to what I and many others will discover in the next Wellness Index,” he adds.