DSWD AICS Medicine Guarantee Letters to Be Accepted at Southstar Drug: How to Get a GL

Updated October 20, 2026. More drugstores will soon honor medicine Guarantee Letters (GLs) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). DSWD signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Southstar Drug, the drugstore chain of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., to expand access to essential medicines for clients of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Southstar Drug joins Mercury Drug and Generika Drugstore, whose participating branches already accept DSWD GLs.

What was signed?

According to DSWD, the MOA was signed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. in Bagumbayan, Quezon City. It will expand access to essential medicines for AICS beneficiaries holding DSWD-issued Guarantee Letters.

• DSWD: Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Operations Group Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez and Crisis Intervention Program Director Edwin Morata
• Southstar Drug / Robinsons Retail: President and CEO Stanley Co, Chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, General Manager Thaddeus Sanchez and Group General Manager Mariel Crisostomo

Secretary Gatchalian stressed the importance of expanding partnerships with merchants like Southstar Drug so AICS beneficiaries have greater access to medicines using DSWD-issued GLs.

When does it start, and which branches?

DSWD has not yet announced when Southstar Drug branches will start accepting GLs or which branches will participate. We will update this article once DSWD releases the details. For Mercury Drug and Generika, DSWD has said beneficiaries should look for the “DSWD Guarantee Letter is accepted here” signage at participating branches.

What is a DSWD Guarantee Letter?

A Guarantee Letter is an official DSWD document that promises direct payment to an accredited service provider, so beneficiaries can get medicines and other medical services without paying out of pocket. GLs are issued under the AICS program.

How to get a DSWD Guarantee Letter for medicines

1. Go to the nearest DSWD Field Office or your local Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO).
2. Present your documents and undergo an interview/assessment by DSWD personnel.
3. Receive your Guarantee Letter if approved. DSWD’s AICS Citizen’s Charter lists a turnaround of about one day (24 hours) for a GL, depending on the number of clients.
4. Bring the GL to a participating drugstore and claim the medicines stated on it.

Requirements

• Valid ID of the client or person to be interviewed (government-issued preferred, such as PhilSys ID, UMID, driver’s license, passport, PhilHealth ID, voter’s ID, senior citizen or PWD ID)
• Signed authorization letter, if a representative is processing the request
• Medical document: Medical Certificate, Clinical Abstract, Discharge Summary or Alagang Pinoy Tagubilin Form issued within the last three months (original or certified true copy), showing the diagnosis, the patient’s full name, and the physician’s name, license number and signature
• Prescription issued within the last three months, with the date of issue, the patient’s full name, and the physician’s name, license number and signature

For requests above ₱10,000, DSWD also asks for a price quotation of the medicine or assistive device and a Social Case Study Report or Case Summary from a registered social worker.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my GL at Southstar Drug now?

Not yet confirmed. DSWD has not announced the start date or participating branches. Until then, use participating Mercury Drug or Generika branches with the DSWD GL signage.

How many Mercury Drug and Generika branches accept GLs?

When DSWD resumed the partnership in June 2026, the Philippine Information Agency reported that 262 Mercury Drug and 238 Generika Drugstore branches would honor DSWD GLs.

Can someone else get the GL for me?

Yes. A representative may process the request with a valid ID and a signed authorization letter.

Related: List: DSWD Financial Assistance (older overview of DSWD crisis assistance; check the requirements above for the current medicine GL checklist).

Sources

DSWD: DSWD-Southstar Drug partnership to expand access to medicines for clients in crisis via Guarantee Letters, October 20, 2026; DSWD (@dswdserves) on X; PIA: DSWD guarantee letters now accepted at 262 Mercury Drug, 238 Generika Drugstore branches nationwide; DSWD AICS Citizen’s Charter; DSWD Interactive Kiosk: Medical Assistance requirements.

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