Davao city: About 1.05 million residents benefited from free medicines provided by the City Health Office (CHO) through the Botika ng Bayan (BNB) at various health centers here in 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, Botika ng Bayan head Gemma Pujanes stated that the most frequently used medicines by the public include cardiovascular drugs, maintenance medicines, vitamins, and other essential medications. These are available in 18 main health centers, each with its own pharmacy.

Pujanes noted that the difference in the number of residents served from 2023 to 2025 is minimal, remaining consistently around one million. She expressed optimism that more clients could be served through the Botika ng Bayan this year.

She highlighted that the Botika ng Bayan services are accessible in 18 health centers, with a special area at the Malasakit Center, which houses the first Botika ng Bayan. The main health centers are located in various areas, including Agdao, Baguio, Buhangin, Bunawan, Calinan, El Rio, Jacinto, Marilog, Mini-Forest, Mintal, GSIS, Paquibato, Puan, Sasa, SIR, Tomas Claudio, Toril A, and Toril B.

Pujanes explained that the Malasakit Center works alongside the CHO to provide medicines. To improve service efficiency, CHO has hired eight additional pharmacists to assist clients at all 18 Botika ng Bayan outlets across the city.

She encouraged Dabawenyos to utilize the program by bringing a prescription with a three-month validity, a patient ID, and an ID of the family member who will claim the medicines.