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'Botika ng Parañaque': Free meds in every barangay

Philippines | Metro Manila

'Botika ng Parañaque': Free meds in every barangay

By Jean Fernando

Photo from Paranaque PIO

Photo from Paranaque PIO

Parañaque residents can now grab medicines without spending a peso, as the city government rolls out its “Botika ng Parañaque” in all 16 barangays, putting free drugs right at the doorstep of every community.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the initiative aims to ease the burden of families who often struggle with the rising cost of medicines, especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and low-income households.

The expansion was made possible through City Ordinance No. 2026-03v (76), Series of 2025, placing the program under the supervision of the City Health Office to ensure proper distribution and monitoring of medicines.

The mayor recalled that the program was first launched inside City Hall in 2024, where it immediately benefited hundreds of residents seeking free maintenance medicines, vitamins, and basic medical support.

With the barangay-level rollout, residents will no longer need to travel far or spend extra on transportation just to access much-needed medicines.

Dispensing will follow a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability, with priority given to bona fide Parañaque residents.

Patients are encouraged to bring valid identification and, when applicable, prescriptions from accredited health centers.

Olivarez added that qualified residents may also avail themselves of assistance through the city’s “YAKAP Gamot” program and other PhilHealth-supported initiatives.

Related Tags

METRO NEWS Parañaque City

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