We Care a Little More: Southstar Drug’s Advocacy of Giving Back

Anchored on Southstar Drug’s mission to provide quality medicine to its customers, the drugstore chain’s tagline, “We care a little more,” is also what drives its projects to give back to communities in need.

Representatives from Southstar Drug hand over donation packs to officers of the Bahay Pag-ibig Home for the Aged in San Fernando City, Pampanga. Image Southstar Drug.

Spanning the period from November 11, 2020 to February 4, 2021, Southstar Drug’s most recent run of outreach programs came in the form of donations meant to bring some joy and hope to our less fortunate countrymen during the Christmas season, and also through vital aid to families still recovering from the devastation of last year’s major typhoons, Rolly and Ulysses.

A few joyful faces of Bahay Pag-Ibig residents after receiving their packs from Southstar Drug. IMAGE Southstar Drug

Over 1,300 beneficiaries were provided with basic necessities in Tuguegarao, Camarines Sur, Albay, Pasig, Marikina, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, Davao, and Cebu. True to the old saying that charity begins at home, Southstar Drug also helped its own employees who were similarly affected by the typhoons. The company provided aid to 238 employees in the Bicol Region, 94 in the National Capital Region, 92 in Central Luzon, and 25 in the Calabarzon Region.

A resident of Barangay Tumana in Marikina City receives a relief pack from a Southstar Drug employee volunteer. IMAGE Southstar Drug

Southstar Drug’s corporate social responsibility programs rely on employee volunteerism and close collaboration with partners. The drugstore chain works with local government units and agencies such as the Department of Education in Central Luzon, civil society organizations such as Bahay Pag-Ibig in Pampanga, and the Camarines Sur Pharmacist Association and Riders Association Camarines Sur, both in the Bicol Region. These partners on the ground were crucial in identifying barangays and beneficiaries most in need, with those recovering from the trauma and economic challenges from natural calamities prioritized for engagement, as well as children and senior citizens from low-income families.

Typhoon-affected employees of Southstar Drug also received assistance from the company. IMAGE Southstar Drug

“‘We Care a Little More' truly and succinctly describes the intention of Southstar Drug to be a partner in health for Filipinos. Over the years, we’ve continued to find ways to create significant impacts through social involvement. Our core business as a drugstore is very much aligned with helping communities and our employees in need,” said Christine Tueres, General Manager of Southstar Drug.

For more information, visit southstardrug.com.ph