Generika Drugstore, Ayala Foundation’s Scholarship Program Empowers Next Generation of Pharmacists

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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.

Ginhawa sa Kalusugan Ngayong Tag-Ulan: Be ready with these essentials during this rainy season

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Rains offer the much needed respite from the hot weather. Rainy season shift brings both relief and health challenges.

While the rainy season can be enjoyable, cozy and comfortable, we also cannot deny that flu and other illnesses like cough, colds, allergies, are common around this time. It may cause discomfort to daily commuters, and abstain them from getting on time to wherever they are headed. 

" The shift in seasons usually affects my family because most of them travel and works onsite. Dahil tag-ulan at nasa labas sila ng bahay, putting them at an increased risk of catching a cold or flu virus. After work, pagdating sa bahay, I saw them starts sneezing, nasal congestion, cough and colds."

And as we continue to experience rainy days, it's helpful to have these essentials to stay healthy, snug and comfortable during the downpour:

✔️ 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.

✔️ 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!

✔️ 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!

✔️ 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!

✔️ 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 Sodium Ascorbate, Paracetamol, Lagundi, Twinnings Green Tea because they treat fevers, coughs and colds and help us all, especially my loveones feel better faster. 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!

Health is wealth, always be ready with these essentials para sa lahat. 

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About Generika Drugstore:

Generika Drugstore is part of the Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, that aims to provide Filipinos access to affordable, quality healthcare.

Since 2003, Generika Drugstore has been championing access to quality affordable generic medicines and has continued to expand by putting up more branches not only in key cities and municipalities, but also in small towns and barangays.