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

Updated October 21, 2026. More drugstores now 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. Update: five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City are now accepting GLs (list below).

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.

Oct 21 update: 5 Southstar Drug branches now accept GLs

DSWD says AICS clients can now use their Guarantee Letters to buy medicines at five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City, as the initial implementation of the partnership:

1. Southstar Drug at Robinsons Supermarket, Barangay Holy Spirit
2. Southstar Drug at Shopwise Commonwealth
3. Southstar Drug at Puregold Commonwealth
4. Southstar Drug along BF Road, Barangay Holy Spirit
5. Southstar Drug along San Simon Street, Barangay Holy Spirit

According to Operations Group Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, these branches were chosen because they are near DSWD’s Commonwealth Satellite Office, where the GLs are issued, so beneficiaries can get their medicines without delay. DSWD also said the Southstar Drug partnership will be expanded nationwide in 2027. Outside these five branches, use participating Mercury Drug or Generika branches; DSWD has said beneficiaries should look for the “DSWD Guarantee Letter is accepted here” signage.

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?

Yes, at five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City for now: Robinsons Supermarket (Holy Spirit), Shopwise Commonwealth, Puregold Commonwealth, BF Road (Holy Spirit) and San Simon Street (Holy Spirit). DSWD plans to expand the partnership nationwide in 2027. Elsewhere, 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. DSWD’s latest release (October 2026) lists 263 Mercury Drug and 238 Generika branches nationwide, plus St. Joseph Drug branches in Northern Luzon.

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; DSWD: DSWD’s Guarantee Letters now accepted in 5 Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City; DSWD (@dswdserves) on X, October 21, 2026; Journal Online: DSWD’s Guarantee Letters now accepted in 5 Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City; 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.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation with any government agency. 

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the content nor ensure that all details are current. For any concerns, you can contact us anytime.

For Job Postings: We are not a government entity, and the job listings on this site are presented solely to assist individuals in their job search efforts or the job posting on this website. Users can verify the details of any job listing directly with the respective government agency.