Mercury Drug at 80
A Legacy of Care, Innovation, and Commitment to People
For eight decades, Mercury Drug Corporation has been a pillar of health, hope, and service for millions of people. What started as a humble pushcart operation in 1945 has grown into the country’s largest and most trusted pharmacy chain, standing as a testament to the vision of its founder, Dr. Mariano Que.
As Mercury Drug marks its 80th anniversary, it celebrates its remarkable journey and the millions of loyal Suki customers, dedicated employees, and invaluable business partners who have made this milestone possible.
From a small pushcart to a nation’s pharmacy
By selling medicine in small quantities, Mercury Drug laid the foundation for its mission: to serve customers by providing quality and affordable medicines.
As it opened its first store in Bambang, Manila, Mercury Drug continued to expand and pioneer innovations such as 24-hour service, drive-thru pharmacies, home delivery, and digital platforms that ensure customers can get the medicines they need – anytime and anywhere.
Suki Customers: The heart of Mercury Drug’s 80 years of service
Mercury Drug’s success is built on the loyalty of its “Suki” customers. To celebrate, it launched the Suki Panalo Anniversary Raffle Promo, alongside special discounts and loyalty rewards.
“As we celebrate 80 years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our suki customers, who inspire us to serve better every day,” says Dr. Vivian Que-Azcona, President of Mercury Drug Corporation.
Honoring Mercury Drug’s pillars of excellence
Beyond customers. Mercury Drug thrives because of its dedicate Mercurians and business partners. Continuous employee development and strong supplier relationships ensure life-saving medicines are always available nationwide
“We honor our Mercurians and partners who share our mission of making healthcare accessible, says Steven Q. Azcona, Vice President of Mercury Drug Corporation.
A testament to excellence
Over the years, Mercury Drug has garnered numerous accolades, reaffirming its reputation as a trusted partner in health and wellness. Among its most notable achievements are:
2012
Mariano Que, Father of Philippine Health and Wellness Retailing
2014, 2015, 2017
Best-of-the-Best Award
Retail Asia Top 500 Awards
2015
Customer Service Excellence Award
Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Association
Retailer of Choice – Kantar Smart Shopper Study
2016, 2017
Most recognizable local/Filipino Brand Campaign Asia-Pacific
2017
Silver Award, Top 10 Retailers’ Health and Beauty – Retail Asia
2018
Most trusted pharmacy chain in Asia
Asia’s Most Trusted Brands Survey
2016-2024
Platinum Most Trusted Brand, Pharmacy/Drugstore Category
Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Survey
2020-2021
Gold Quality Service Award, Pharmacy/ Drugstore Category – Reader’s Digest Quality Service Survey
2022
Third Most Chosen Retailer by Kantar Philippines Retailer Award
A better, sustainable future for everyone
Looking ahead, Mercury Drug is not just focused on providing quality healthcare but also on building a sustainable future. Through numerous programs aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mercury Drug continuously invests in initiatives that make a meaningful impact.
Operation Bigay Lunas* (SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG 17 Partnerships for The Goals) Since 1999, this initiative has provided free medicines and medical services to over 2.6 million underserved individuals.
To celebrate Mercury Drug’s 80th anniversary, Operation Bigay Lunas will reach out to 80 sites nationwide this year – 35 in Greater Manila Area, 15 in Luzon, 15 in the Visayas and 15 in Mindanao.
Operation Pa-Tubig* (SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation)
Providing access to potable water, this initiative has benefited waterless communities and individuals, uplifting living conditions and quality of life.
Disaster Relief* (SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Mercury Drug swiftly responds to calamities by distributing medicines, hygiene kits, and food packs to affected communities, reducing the risks of disease outbreaks and supporting recovery efforts.
KidSigla (SDG 1 No Poverty, SDG 2 Zero Hunger)
Mercury Drug addresses malnutrition among children through the KidSigla feeding program. Since 2016, malnourished children have been enrolled in this initiative and were restored to healthy weights. The program also engages mothers in planning nutritious meals for their families.
Eco-friendly Initiatives (SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 14 Life Below Water)
Mercury Drug actively promotes sustainability through the use of eco- bags and paper bags, reducing plastic waste which harms the environment. Participation in Earth Hour by turning off lighted signages also reflects the company’s commitment to conservation.
Progressive Recruitment (SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth)
By employing thousands, Mercury Drug fosters economic stability and a better quality of life. Mercury Drug scholar-graduates have been employed by the company, embodying its mission to transform lives through meaningful opportunities.
Scholarship Program* (SDG 4 Quality Education)
Focusing on education. Mercury Drug Foundation has awarded scholarships since 2014 and recognized over 75,000 high school students for excellence in Mathematics and Science since 1983.
School Assistance Program* (SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing)
By providing quick-response kits, personal hygiene items, and protective equipment to public schools, Mercury Drug ensures the safety and wellbeing of students and educators.
Bantay Kalusugan Smart Parenting* (SDG 5 Gender Equality)
This program educates women on reproductive health, responsible parenting and childcare. By empowering mothers, Mercury Drug contributes to reducing maternal and childbirth mortality.
Bantay kalusugan – Alamin at Sugpuin (SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities)
This program brings free clinics, health screenings. medical counseling, and education to urban poor communities and raises awareness about non-communicable diseases. By promoting early detection, healthy lifestyles and proper management of diseases, Mercury Drug empowers communities to take charge of their health.
Gamot Padala (SDG 7 affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
Mercury Drug ensures that medicines are always within reach through its 24/7 operations, delivery services, store pickup, and drive-thru facilities. Its advanced inventory and warehousing systems guarantee the freshness and quality of pharmaceutical products, including life-saving vaccines.
*Programs are implemented by Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc. the social responsibility arm of Mercury Drug.
By aligning its goals with global standards like the SDGs, Mercury Drug is poised to navigate the challenges of the 21st century while staying true to its core values.
Mercury Drug’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and malasakit has earned numerous prestigious awards. Recognized as an exceptional employer, Mercury Drug received the PMAP Outstanding Employer of the Year award. Its strong marketing and customer engagement strategies were honored with the Agora Award for Marketing Company of the Year. The Consumers Union of the Philippines named it Outstanding Retailer of Pharmaceutical Products, while the Philippine Retailers Association awarded it as Outstanding Filipino Retailer, solidifying its reputation in the industry.
