STARTING June 30, 82 more 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 Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao made the announcement, saying 92 Mercury Drug branches initially honored DSWD-issued GLs last June 2 while agreements with the other outlets were still being finalized.
The addition of 82 more stores brings to174 Mercury Drug outlets nationwide that accept the GLs issued by the DSWD.
“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. With more participating stores, we expect more clients to gain access to their medicine requirements,” Dumlao said.
A GL is a document issued by the DSWD in favor of the beneficiary, particularly AKAP and AICS clients needing assistance. It is addressed to service providers that guarantees the payment for medical services on behalf of indigent patients, including prescription medicines.
The 82 additional Mercury Drug stores will accept the GLs issued by DSWD’s field offices in the Ilocos Region, the Cagayan Valley Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
“With this, we look forward to enhancing our clients’ experience around the country. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted it, we are making sure that the comfort and welfare of our countrymen are always prioritized in all the development efforts the department is embarking on,” Dumlao said.
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 branches accepting DSWD-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 situations as assessed by social workers.
On the other hand, 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.
