To many, a visit to the neighborhood pharmacy may seem ordinary. However, inside the doors of Southstar Drug, stories of inclusion, opportunities, and beliefs in a person’s ability unfold beyond the shelves of medicine racks and gondolas of daily essentials.
With the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the commitment of the private sector such as the Southstar Drug, persons with disabilities are given a chance to work, to grow, and to live with dignity.
Since 2017, the Southstar pharmacy has been actively hiring persons with disabilities across its branches, proving that inclusivity and productivity can go hand in hand.
“With Southstar Drug, we ensure na hindi natin sila binibigyan ng different approach, kumbaga kung ano nari-receive ng regular employees natin sa Southstar Drug, iyon din yung nare-receive nila,” John Timothy Jose, Human Resource Assistant Manager of Southstar Drug, shared in an interview with the DSWD’s #Kwento ng Pag-asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) team.
While the Philippines has laws such as Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities and Republic Act 10524 which requires government agencies to reserve at least one percent (1%) of their positions for persons with disabilities, and encourages private companies with over 100 employees to do the same.
Admittedly, finding employment opportunities remain a challenge for persons with disabilities because they are often judged based on their conditions instead of their potential.
The DSWD through its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), continues to appeal to employers to adhere to the provision of the law as allowing persons with disabilities to be part of the country’s workforce will eventually lessen the stigma against the sector.
According to Cora Tomas, Regional Operations Manager of Southstar Drug, the aim of their company is to give fair opportunities and guidance to persons with disabilities, ensuring a nurturing workplace for them.
“Sa Southstar Drug, nagbibigay talaga ng fair opportunities for them, and then, andito naman po kami para mag-accept sa kanila and guide them po,” Cora said.
One of the hardworking persons with disabilities employed by the pharmacy is Matthew Choa, a 35-year-old person with autism, who has been with Southstar Drug for 9 years.
“Para hindi po ako magiging pabigat sa magulang ko po, at saka para matulungan ko rin po yung sarili ko, maka-survive po ako sa sarili ko,” Matthew shared.
Based on the feedback of Arlene Bautista, the store head of Southstar Drug branch in Culiat, Tandang Sora where Matthew is assigned, their person with disability colleague is a diligent worker.
“Si Matthew po masipag sya, maayos siyang ka-trabaho. Dumarating sya nang sakto sa oras,” Arlene shared.
Another person with disability employee of the pharmacy, 32-year-old Jaye Marie Manlolo who has Down Syndrome, has worked at Southstar Drug for eight years and told #KPAP that her job is a way to support her future.
“Kailangan po magtrabaho po ng maayos po para makaipon din po,” Jaye Marie explained.
Her pharmacist colleague, Djoana Aspiras, describes Jaye Marie as not only hardworking but also compassionate, always ready with a smile and even a comforting gesture when others feel tired or stressed.
“Yung unang ginagawa nya, yung usual, babati, mag-rerefill tapos iikutin nya lahat iyan, Ma’am. Sisilipin niya kung ano yung kailangan refillan. Nararamdaman nya pag stressed out ka na, pag pagod ka na,” Djoana said.
The same fervor on their job was also seen by the #KPAP team on Christianne Casipit, another person with autism, and Sara Angeli Ungson, a person with Down Syndrome, who were both diligently stocking shelves in their respective pharmacy branches.
Twins Joana May and Jan Mae Magallanes, both with intellectual disabilities, also shared that they are determined to save for their dream to travel abroad with their parents next year.
Their tasks may seem simple—refilling shelves, greeting customers, maintaining cleanliness—but their work carries weight far greater than their roles. It is proof that persons with disabilities can thrive when given the chance.
In order to ensure an inclusive and nurturing environment for all their staff, Southstar Drug trains all their able-bodied personnel on how to better support their persons with disabilities co-workers.
The persons with disabilities employees, on the other hand, are guided through structured, repetitive tasks that match their strengths. This system allows them to flourish while also feeling part of the team.
“We offer trainings for them, we assist them on how they can be promoted as well in the future para at least they will not stay kung ano yung posisyon nila ngayon. So, ini-encourage din namin sila to take action, to grow. Of course, with the help of their parents,” Asst. Manager John Timothy told the #KPAP team.
Currently, there are already around 40 persons with disabilities employed in different Southstar Drug branches. The company has plans to expand this number further in other branches outside Metro Manila.
“We are seeing your potential; we are not seeing your disabilities, so kaya iyan basta may perseverance lang sila. Gustong-gusto talaga nilang mag-work so we are open to hire them and to help them grow, and to help them, kumbaga, succeed kung ano man ang goal na gusto nila sa life,” Asst. Manager John Timothy stressed.
The DSWD and the NCDA continue to work together to guarantee that persons with disabilities have access to inclusive and quality social protection programs and services.
The #KPAP, the DSWD’s award winning online documentary, is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) which are under the Strategic Communications. It is hosted by TMS Information Officer Bianca Piedad-Tamondong and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (AKDL)
