THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has partnered with Mercury Drug to expand medicine access for crisis aid beneficiaries.
DSWD announced on Monday, June 22, that beneficiaries of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program can use guarantee letters (GLs) at selected branches of the country’s largest drugstore chain nationwide.
In Davao Region, 15 Mercury Drug branches across several provinces have been identified as participating outlets under the arrangement, covering areas in Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro.
Selected branches in Davao City include Davao- Lapu-Lapu located along N. Torres and Lapu-Lapu Street; Davao-Mintal at National Highway in Tugbok; Davao-Bajada at J.P. Laurel Avenue in Bajada; Davao-Sales at Governador Sales Street in Poblacion District; Davao del Sur Davao City Lacson at Porras Street corner Lacson Street in Barrio Obrero, and Davao del Sur Ateneo Business Center inside the Ateneo Business Center in Poblacion.
In Davao del Sur, participating branches are located in Digos City along Estrada 1st Street and in Bansalan along Ramon delos Cientos Street in Poblacion Dos.
Branches in Davao del Norte are situated at CityMall Tagum along the National Highway in Barangay Visayan Village; along Maharlika Highway in Carmen; and along McArthur Highway in Toril.
In Davao Oriental, participating outlets are found in Mati City’s Barangay Dahican; along Mabini Street in Mati; and along C. Tuballa Street in Lupon.
Davao de Oro is also covered through the Mercury Drug branch along the National Highway in Nabunturan Poblacion.
DSWD’s GL serves as a payment guarantee for medicines and other covered services under the agency for the qualified applicants without upfront payment, with DSWD covering the cost directly.
AICS beneficiaries are advised to present GLs at participating Mercury Drug branches displaying the signage “DSWD Guarantee Letter is accepted here.”
The partnership is part of the agency’s continued effort to make social protection services more accessible, particularly for individuals and families facing medical emergencies and other crisis situations who rely on AICS assistance.
The AICS program provides financial and material aid to individuals in crisis, covering medical, burial, educational, and other pressing needs.
