The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region (DSWD FO 1), led by Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan, has partnered with St. Joseph Drug to enhance the provision of medical assistance to individuals in crisis across Region 1.

Through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), St. Joseph Drug will accept Guarantee Letters (GL) under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). This initiative aims to help qualified beneficiaries access prescribed medications and other essential services more efficiently and promptly.

“This partnership marks a new approach for us,” Director Gopalan said during her opening message at the ceremony. “If this model works, it will simplify the process for both our clients and our office.

“With this collaboration, we can ensure they receive the prescribed medication they need. I truly hope this collaboration succeeds so we can strengthen our social welfare programs for those who need them most,” she added.

To ensure effective implementation, a preparatory workshop will be conducted before the rollout of the partnership, which is scheduled to begin in June 2025.

Paolo Bernal, Chief Strategy and Innovations Officer of St. Joseph Drug, also attended the MOA signing. In his message, he highlighted the value of collaboration: “This partnership is more than just a program. It proves that when the government and private sector work together, we can deliver real and lasting change in the lives of those in need.”

By partnering with private service providers, like St. Joseph Drugstore, DSWD FO 1 continues to broaden its reach and ensure vulnerable individuals can access vital services without delay. (by Henry J. Juyno, Information Officer II, Social Marketing Unit)