The Health & Wellness Confex 2024 recently concluded at the SMX Center in Pasay City, on a high note, with government and private sector representatives pledging to work together to promote the Philippines as a prime health and wellness tourist destination.
The three-day gathering of health and tourism industry stakeholders, which commenced on Friday, January 26, was inaugurated by notable figures including Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.
During his keynote address, Herbosa highlighted the DOH’s newfound priority in supporting wellness tourism. Dr. Maria Francia Miciano-Laxamana, DOH Undersecretary for medical tourism, reiterated this focus, emphasizing the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety and health of tourists.
Abalos underscored the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, recounting his personal journey towards health and wellness following his mother’s passing due to COVID-19 in 2022. Calixto-Rubiano echoed these sentiments, discussing Pasay City’s health and wellness initiatives, including the Empowering Mothers and Infants (EMI) project aligned with the First 1,000 Days program.
Other speakers on the first day included former DOT Secretary Wanda Teo and Cynthia Lagdameo Carrion, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) General Manager and CEO, who collectively stressed the integration of health and wellness into the tourism industry.
A roundtable discussion moderated by Catherine Turvill, Wellness Nurture Village founder and president, highlighted the Filipino brand of wellness. The panel comprised industry experts who emphasized the need for holistic approaches to wellness.
The second day featured workshops and demonstrations showcasing the future of wellness travel and cutting-edge health technology. Highlights included workshops on natural and organic anti-aging practices, emphasizing sustainable skincare approaches.
The final day concluded with the Masigabo Wellness Festival, dedicated to Filipino migrant workers. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Jerome A. Alcantara commended OFWs for their resilience and hard work, while tourism representatives sought to enlist them as health and wellness ambassadors.
Co-presented by DOT and supported by various government agencies, the event aimed to promote the Philippines as a prime health and wellness tourist destination while celebrating cultural ties and physical wellness.
The Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024 is also made possible by the following:
Major Sponsors: Philippine Retirement Authority, Enjoy Health, Lifecore Bio Integrative Inc., Dean & Deluca Philippines, The Zen Institute, Conrad Manila, The Farm at San Benito, Nurture Wellness Village, Organique, CWC Interiors, Pots for Plants, and Center for Healthy Aging and Regenerative Medicine (CHARM), Lanson Place, Networld Hotel, Lime Hotels & Resorts;
Minor Sponsors: Food Club, Sonia’s Garden, Annapoorna, Happy Garden Café, Holistic Integrative Care Center Philippines (HICC), Aba Pardes, King Fu Express, Piggy Papa, The Belle Salon, Speir Modern Residences;
Event Partners: IQ Capture Printing Corporation, Ark of Dreams, Market Social, SMX Convention Center, DigitalCircles Marketing Services, and Phildiz Studios;
Media Partners: GMA Network, ABS-CBN Corporation, GMA 7 GTV, Aliw Channel 23, Asian Journal, Balikbayan Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Daily Tribune, Digital Out Of Home Media (DOOH), Manila Standard, Rising Tigers, DZRH, Entrepinas TV, and Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc.
Telco Partner: Globe
Organizers and Event Managers: Mblessed Travel & Marketing, Inc. and Concept One Management Services.
From the creative concept of Mblessed Travel and Marketing, Inc., the Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024 was spearheaded by a team of seasoned event organizers, wellness advocates, travel and tours agencies, and marketing & communication professionals, and with the country’s wellness guru, Cory Quirino, as its Executive Director.
As the Health & Wellness Confex 2024 concluded, participants were already looking forward to next year’s event, anticipating more innovations, learning, and community celebrations that lie at the heart of this unique gathering.
