Starting June 30, an additional 82 branches of Mercury Drug in seven regions will be accepting guarantee letters (GLs) issued to clients under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
DSWD Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said an initial 92 Mercury Drug branches honored DSWD-issued GLs last June 2 while agreements with the other outlets were still being finalized. With the additional 82 stores, there are now 174 outlets nationwide that can accommodate the GLs issued by the agency’s Field Offices.
“This is another big step forward in our relentless efforts to help our clients in meeting their medicine requirements with the help of Mercury Drug Corporation. Ngayong nadagdagan pa yung mga participating stores, mas marami nang kliyente natin ang makakabili ng gamot or maintenance medicines mula sa ating partner-drugstores,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said on Monday (June 30).
A GL is a document issued by the DSWD in favor of the beneficiary, particularly to its AKAP and AICS clients in need of assistance. It is addressed to service providers that guarantees the payment of the service on behalf of the client, including prescription medicines.
The 82 Mercury Drug stores will accept the GLs issued by DSWD’s Field Offices in Regions 1-Ilocos Region, 2-Cagayan Valley, 3-Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, 5-Bicol Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
“With this, we look forward to enhancing our clients’ experience around the country. Gaya nga ng kagustuhan ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are making sure that the comfort and welfare of our kababayan are always prioritized in all the development efforts the Department is embarking on,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.
To further guide clients, a sign indicating “DSWD Guarantee Letter is accepted here” will be displayed in participating stores.
AICS clients may contact or visit the nearest DSWD Field Office for the complete list of Mercury Drug Stores accepting agency-issued GLs. They may also check the DSWD’s Facebook post on the list of the 82 branches: https://bit.ly/82participatingstores
The AICS is one of the social protection programs of the DSWD that provides financial assistance in the form of medical, funeral, transportation, food, and cash relief, including material aid, psychosocial support, and referral services to individuals who are in crisis, as assessed by social workers.
The AKAP provides direct financial assistance to individuals affected by inflation whose income falls below the minimum wage set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). (LSJ)