Go flags non-compliance of drugstores on DOH no-booklet order

COUNCILOR Gilda O. Go, chair of the committee on senior citizens, raised her concern over the non-compliance of several drugstores with Department of Health (DOH) directive on senior citizens’ discounts on medicines.

In her special report, Go cited DOH Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, issued on December 23, 2024 which removed the requirement for senior citizens to present their purchase booklets when availing of the mandatory 20% discount on medicines per Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Despite the policy, Go reported that many small-scale community and retail drugstores in the city continue to require the purchase booklet from senior citizens, contrary to the directive.

She noted that while major pharmacy chains generally comply, neighborhood drugstores remain resistant, adversely affecting marginalized senior citizens who rely on nearby outlets for accessibility and convenience.

Go attributed the problem to inadequate dissemination of information and weak enforcement of the order.

With this, Go proposed the adoption of a resolution urging the DOH-Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao to conduct a massive and expedited information drive on the new policy, including clarification on the proper computation of the 20% senior citizens’ discount by deducting the 12% VAT before the application of the discount.

She also called on the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) to strictly monitor and enforce compliance among establishments.

For her part, Councilor Yevonna Yacine B. Emano expressed full support for the report, noting that the no-booklet policy had already been reinforced by the Commission on Senior Citizens as early as December 24, 2024.

She raised concern over the lack of alignment between local implementation and national directives and urged the inclusion of offices in charge of business permits, as well as the committee on consumer protection, in future hearings.

Emano further pointed out that non-compliant establishments may be subject to fines, cancellation of business permits, or imprisonment under existing laws.

Upon motion, the body referred the matter to the committees on senior citizens, consumer protection, and trade and commerce for appropriate study and action.

The City Council likewise approved the Resolution filed by Councilor Go urging DOH to conduct a massive information drive, and the RCB to enforce the “no purchase booklet  policy”.  (JAO/SP)

SK Carmen nakadawat og mga pasidungog

DAKO ang kalipay ni Konsehal Kenneth John Sacala, City SK Federation President, sa mga pasidungog nga nadawat sa Sangguniang Kabataan sa Barangay Carmen.

Mahinumduman nga nadawat sa SK Carmen ang maong mga pasidungog  atol sa monitoring and assessment evaluation sa Oro Youth ug kini bunga sa ilang paningkamot, dedikasyon ug sa tinud-anay nga pag-alagad  sa kabatan-onan.

Ang maong mga pasidungog gilangkoban sa highly compliant, youth participation award, youth sustainability award ug plaque of commendation isip highly compliant sa 2025 Oro SK Monitoring and Assessment.

Dugtong niini, nakadawat usab sila sa plaque of recognition tungod sa epektibo ug efisyenteng pagdumala sa kabatan-onan, plaque of recognition tungod sa pagpromote nga magpartisipar ang kabatan-onan sa barangay youth governance ug certificate of participation alang sa Oro SK coaching, monitoring ug assessment ug special citation on outstanding youth leadership award ngadto ni Konsehal Sacala.

Matod sa konsehal nga kini nga kalamposan bunga sa pagtinabangay ug dedikasyon  sa mga SK officials, youth leaders ug sa kinatibuk-ang komunidad sa Carmen. (JRG/SP)

Gaane graces World AIDS Day commemoration

CITY COUNCILOR Paolo Nicolo Gaane, chair of the City Council committee on health, nutrition, health insurance, joined the celebration of World AIDS Day 2025 held at SM Downtown Premier last Friday, December 5, 2025.

In his message, Gaane announced the completion of the draft ordinance aligning local policy with R.A. 11166 or the Philippine HIV/AIDS policy act.

Councilor Gaane emphasized the importance of community engagement and the need for comprehensive health services.

“This is what makes to overcome disruption to turn difficulties into opportunities for progress, and this is how we transform the AIDS response by shaping policies rooted in science, compassion, and respect for all,” he stressed.

The health committee chair also acknowledged the efforts and dedication of barangay health workers, educators, young advocates, medical professionals, civil society partners and resilience of brothers and sisters living with HIV.

“Your courage is the heart of this movement,” Gaane remarked.

“As we remember those we have lost and honor those who continue the journey, let us affirm this promise in Cagayan de Oro, no one will be left behind. We will push forward with the ordinance, we will strengthen services and together we will build a city where knowledge conquers fear, compassion, defeats stigmas, and hope transform lives,” he concluded. (JBD/SP)