More Mercury Drug outlets accept DSWD guarantee letters
DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expanding access to its medical assistance programs, with 82 additional Mercury Drug branches set to accept DSWD-issued guarantee letters (GLs) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), starting June 30.
This brings the total number of Mercury Drug outlets nationwide accepting DSWD-issued GLs to 174.
“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,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Monday, June 30.
The newly participating branches are located in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4A (Calabarzon), 4B (Mimarop), Region 5 (Bicol), and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Guarantee letters are official documents issued by the DSWD to service providers, including pharmacies, guaranteeing payment for goods or services on behalf of clients in crisis or those affected by inflation.
To guide beneficiaries, participating Mercury Drug stores will display signs indicating that DSWD guarantee letters are accepted.
Clients are encouraged to contact the nearest DSWD Field Office or check the department’s official Facebook page for the complete list of participating outlets.
AICS provides financial assistance for medical, transportation, funeral, and other urgent needs, while AKAP supports low-income earners whose wages fall below the regional minimum set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.