Scholars smile with Generika Drugstore and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) officials during a virtual meet-and-greet before their semester started in August.

Aspiring pharmacist Micaella Abedejos from Davao City is pursuing her degree for a deeply personal reason: she wants to help her sick grandmother, who is taking several medications.

"Whenever I come home from school, my grandmother would ask me about her medications, and being able to explain it to her made me happy," 20-year-old Micaella shared.

Her knowledge from pharmacy school empowered her to explain to her grandmother the purpose of each medication, helping her manage her health and avoid potential errors. To Micaella, this is the important role pharmacists play in the community—to educate and empower the vulnerable sectors of our society.

“This inspired me to share my knowledge about her medications because I didn't want her taking them without knowing what they were for. I felt motivated to help and make a difference,” she added.

Micaella’s mother is a housewife, and her father works as an informal electronics repairman. Due to their irregular and limited income, it would have been challenging for them to support her college education, especially with three other siblings also in school.

But with her academic excellence and determination, Micaella was one of the chosen beneficiaries of the Enrollment to Employment Scholarship Program of Generika Drugstore, in partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI).

This initiative responds to the demand for pharmacists, especially in rural areas, by making it possible for students to pursue their studies.

Atty. Yet Abarca, the President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that the scholarship program is in fulfillment of its promise to provide ginhawa by giving Filipino communities access to quality affordable generic medicines. She noted that pharmacists often serve as the primary point of contact for healthcare, especially in underserved areas where drugstores outnumber clinics and hospitals.

“This is really a milestone for us as we embark on this program with Ayala Foundation. Central to our promise of ginhawa is the pharmacist. We take pride in our network of friendly and knowledgeable pharmacists who are at the core of delivering our ginhawa promise to the communities that we serve,” Abarca said.

Generika Drugstore President and CEO Atty. Yet Abarca highlights the value of pharmacists in providing health care and information, especially in far flung communities in the country.

Inspiring stories from Generika scholars

Three other aspiring pharmacists shared their inspiring stories.

Elizabeth Montano of Bacoor, Cavite is another recipient of Generika and AFI’s scholarship program. Just like Micaella, a personal family experience sparked her passion to become a pharmacist.

She recalls buying the medications of her father when he suffered a stroke and being intrigued by the complex names of the drugs, "Sabi ko, ‘Ang hahaba naman ng mga pangalan’. Natutuwa po ako kasi natatandaan ko ‘yung mga gamot.”

Her curiosity led her to pursue pharmacy, a field she acknowledges is both challenging and rewarding, “Ang dami pong kailangan na skills. Hindi lang po sa memorization, sa pag-intindi rin po, at sa pakikipag-usap sa mga tao. Kasama po lahat ‘yun. Nag-aaral po ako nang mabuti, para as a future pharmacist, masisiguro po nating safe ang patients natin.”

Pharmacist scholar Elizabeth Montano proudly shows her signed scholarship agreement alongside program officers and HR personnel from Generika Drugstore.

Maureen Concon of Davao City, also comes from a family with limited means. Her father, a former seaman, had to stop working due to illness, leaving her family to rely on a small sari-sari store for income.

Before receiving the scholarship, some relatives supported her college education, but she wanted to find other ways to support herself and unburden her folks.

"Parang nabawasan ‘yung worries ko financially kasi I no longer have to ask my parents for an allowance. It also lessens the worries of my parents. Parang ‘Yes! May magsu-support sa pag-aaral ko. Wala na silang aalalahanin pa,” Maureen added.

Hannah Menor of General Trias, Cavite was overwhelmed with gratitude when she received the scholarship knowing it would greatly help her family.

“Sobrang natuwa po ako kasi po ginusto ko po talagang maka-help sa family namin regarding sa finances tapos nu’ng binalita ko po sa father ko, naiyak rin po sya. Kaya sobrang thankful lang po talaga ako kay Lord for this opportunity,” Hannah recalled.

Hannah stays motivated by remembering her reasons for pursuing pharmacy and the potential to help many people in the future.

"I'm very thankful for this scholarship opportunity. It's a big help para po sa family namin. And ako personally, as a pharmacy student, mas lalo po kong na-motivate na pagbutihin ‘yung pag-aaral ko. And nare-remind po ako na ‘wag pong bumitaw sa mga pangarap ko po," she added.

Hannah Menor shares her family struggles and personal triumphs as a student during a conversation with Generika Drugstore.

Employment to entrepreneurship

Antonio Lambino II, President of Ayala Foundation Inc., emphasized the exciting potential for these scholars to grow their careers, noting the possibility of entrepreneurship through Generika Drugstore’s network.

“Opening up slots for pharmacy scholars in key Generika Drugstore business locations makes a lot of sense, not just as a business solution but also as support for local community value,” Lambino said.

“The scholarship to employment track gives Generika Drugstore access to some of the brightest pharmacy students in the country while also contributing to the growth of human capital in the community surrounding these investments.”

The pharmacy students awarded with the scholarship have a wide range of promising career paths that they could venture on. Aside from traditional roles in community pharmacies, they can explore opportunities in hospital settings, pharmaceutical research, regulatory affairs, and even entrepreneurship through drugstore ownership.

(L-R) AFI Senior Director Joanna Duarte, AFI President Tony Lambino, Generika Drugstore President and CEO Atty. Yet Abarca, and Generika Drugstore Chief Transformation Officer and Strategic Support Services Head Ditas Santamaria hold the memorandum of agreement for the enrollment to employment program signed in April this year.

Generika Drugstore’s Enrollment to Employment Program ensures that scholars not only have the support to complete their studies but also access to meaningful careers within the Generika network, where they can directly help communities by providing affordable, quality healthcare.

A perfect example of this is Riza Asombrado, NCR Area Operations Manager of Generika Drugstore and a registered pharmacist. Starting her career as a pharmacist over 19 years ago, she steadily rose through the ranks. But more than the job title, it’s the ability to give back to the community that fueled her passion.

“I thought my role as a pharmacist was limited to reading prescriptions, dispensing medicines and managing inventory. However, joining Generika made me realize the broader impact that I could have in this profession,” Asombrado said.

“It was incredibly fulfilling to hear customers share how Generika has touched their lives,” she added.

Vision of uplifting communities

Gino Guinto, Chief Operations Officer of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that this program is a key component of Generika's broader vision to support and uplift communities through various social initiatives.

“Over the next two years, we’ll be embarking on this exciting journey together. We at Generika Drugstore are truly excited about this program—this is the very first scholarship initiative we’ve launched, and it’s something close to our hearts,” Guinto said.

As the refreshing rains replace the scorching summer heat, a season shift brings both relief and health challenges. While the rain offers a welcome respite, it also ushers in health concerns that become more prominent during this time.

The shift in seasons usually affects me because of the presence of viral and infections that puts me and my family most of the times sick, specially our youngest son, since he's a pre-term baby. His pediatrician would always remind us to be very wary of his condition. So, me and the rest of the family really need to boost our immune system, as much as possible to avoid this illnesses caused by viral infections. And as we continue to experience rainy days, it's helpful to have these essentials to stay healthy, snug and comfortable during the downpour:

1.Umbrella: Stay-dry comfort

Of course, number one on the list is an umbrella. If I would look at the bags of most Filipinos, I’ll most likely find an umbrella. It’s like a trusty sidekick in the crazy weather rollercoaster we experience daily. One minute, we’re under the scorching heat, and the next, we could be caught in a downpour with gusty winds. Having an umbrella on hand keeps me prepared for whatever weather surprise comes my way.

2.Tea: A cup of warmth

There's nothing quite like wrapping my hands around a warm mug of tea as the rain taps against the windowpane. The soothing warmth of tea instantly makes me feel snug and content, making it the ultimate comfort drink for gloomy weather. I always choose a selection of soothing herbal teas such as chamomile, lavender, or ginger, which not only provide warmth but also have calming and digestive properties. Sometimes, I add some honey or lemon for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor!

3.Soup: Comfort food for the soul

For many Filipinos, soup has always been a comfort food especially during the rainy days. Whether it's the beloved Filipino classics like sinigang, tinola, or bulalo, or a simple yet heartwarming bowl of pumpkin soup, these have always been a go-to choice for me especially when I want some warmth!

4.Essential oils: Aromatherapy for comfort

Call me a tita but I love indulging in essential oils. These tiny miracles are made from plant extracts, and they have the power to turn my day around with just a sniff! Lavender essential oils can help reduce stress, while eucalyptus essential oils can provide relief from congestion, making it easier to breathe in the damp weather. It’s great as a sleep aid, too!

5.Essential vitamins and medicines: Defense and immunity booster

No rainy-day care package is complete without essential vitamins and medicines. It’s wise to have them on hand during days when I’m feeling under the weather. This rainy season, I make sure I always have vitamin c, and paracetamol because it help in boosting our immune system while the paracetamol in challenging cases can help in suppressing that illnesses to develop. And to make sure I have ample supply of quality and affordable generic medicines and vitamins, I always go to Generika Drugstore.

Through its house brand products Actimed Generics and Nutrawell Supplements, Generika Drugstore makes flu and allergy relief medications accessible and affordable.

With these rainy-day essentials, ramdam ko ang ginhawa ngayong tag-ulan, ramdam ko pa ang ginhawa sa bulsa with the vitamins and medicines from Generika Drugstore!  

Recognizing the importance of accessible and quality healthcare in the Philippines, Generika Drugstore is taking a proactive role in driving positive change as it continues to team up with Local Government Units (LGUs) with its flagship program, Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan. Through this collective effort, healthcare products and services are delivered directly to the heart of the community.

For its latest run held last July 28, Generika Drugstore, a member of the Ayala Healthcare (AC Health) Group, partnered with the City Government of Bacoor led by Mayor Strike Revilla and its City Health Office (CHO), Agimat Partylist, Office of Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla, and Brgy. San Nicolas III to bring Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan to Bacoor, Cavite. The event was met with enthusiasm, welcoming more than 500 Bacooreños to participate in the event.

Free medical consultations were conducted by doctors from Healthway Medical Network of the AC Health Group and Bacoor CHO. Through the support of the Agimat Partylist, the prescribed medicines were also provided to the participants. This was complemented by afree registration to the Generikard Loyalty Program to further their access to affordable generic medicines.

Another key highlight of the program was an educational talk on generic medicines, discussing their safety and effectiveness as an affordable alternative to their branded counterparts, from Generika Drugstore’s Corporate Pharmacy Head Janice Blazo. The Bacoor City Nutritionist, Ms. Christine Angeles also conducted a nutrition talk, covering essential topics including the Department of Health’s (DOH) “Pinggang Pinoy” and the significance of maintaining a proper and healthy diet, highlighting the celebration of Nutrition Month last July.

“Magandang parte rin ng programa yung tinuturuan nila kami tungkol sa mga generic na gamot dahil marami pa rin sa amin ang hindi talaga nakakaintindi niyan. At least ngayon, mas may kumpiyansa na ako sa pag-bili ng mga generic na gamot dahil alam kong pareho lang ang kalidad nila,” Teresita Aquino, one of the participants shared.

Nida Aresgado, one of the beneficiaries of the said program, expressed her long-standing trust in Generika Drugstore because of the quality and affordability of their medicines, “Matagal ko nang kilala ang Generika Drugstore. Dito talaga ako bumibili ng gamot dahil mas mura. Salamat sa Ginhawang Barangayan ng Generika Drugstore para sa libreng checkup at libreng mga gamot. Malaking tulong ito sa akin at sa asawa ko.” 

As part of Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan, participants received their prescribed medicines for free and a discount voucher which they can use on their next store visit.

Brgy. San Nicolas III led by Brgy. Capt. Jojo Gawaran, Agimat Partylist representative, Cong. Bryan Revilla, and Cong. Lani Mercado-Revilla express their gratitude to the partnership with Generika Drugstore as the program, Generika's Ginhawang Barangayan, will help uplift the lives of the Bacooreños.

Meanwhile, Rep. Bryan Revilla of Agimat Partylist emphasized the significance of the collaboration in ensuring the health of communities.

“Napakahalaga para sa amin na mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng aming mga kababayan sa Cavite. Ang Ginhawang Barangayan ng Generika Drugstore ay isang magandang oportunidad para mahikayat ang mga Bacooreños na alagaan ang kanilang mga sarili sa pamamagitan ng pagpapacheck up at pag-inom ng kanilang mga gamot,” he shared. This was also echoed by Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla who praised the program for empowering Bacooreños to be more mindful of their family’s health.

Generika Drugstore Corporate Pharmacy Head Janice Blazo delivers an educational talk on generic medicines.

Atty. Yet Abarca, President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, noted that the success of the event highlights the value of partnering with LGUs to make healthcare more accessible to communities. “We are grateful to be able to bring Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan to more communities and witness the positive impact that it has brought to countless individuals. We are encouraged by the support of LGUs who are one with us in our mission to bring ginhawa to more Filipinos through affordable healthcare.”

Watch out for more updates to know if a Ginhawang Barangayan event is coming to your community.