A total of 262 Mercury Drug branches nationwide will now accept Guarantee Letters (GLs) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, starting Monday (June 22), making access to medicines and medical supplies more convenient for beneficiaries.
The renewed partnership allows AICS clients to directly use GLs in participating pharmacies, streamlining the process of availing medical assistance for those in urgent need of treatment and essential medicines.
DSWD Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said the initiative is part of the agency’s effort to improve and expand the delivery of medical aid through stronger collaboration with private sector partners.
“Magandang balita po ito para sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng agarang tulong medikal… mas mapapadali na po ang pagbili ng mga kinakailangang gamot,” Dumlao said, noting that the move aims to make assistance faster and more accessible.
She added that the partnership aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure government services are delivered more efficiently and responsively, especially to vulnerable sectors.
The DSWD previously signed a similar arrangement with Generika Drugstore, further expanding the network of partner pharmacies where beneficiaries may use their GLs.
Through these initiatives, the agency said it seeks to widen access points for medical assistance while improving the speed and efficiency of aid delivery to Filipinos in crisis situations.