TACLOBAN CITY-The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles), the first Philippine-born fraternal socio-civic organization, inaugurated its first “Botica ng Agila” in the country on August 17, 2024, at Barangay 109-A, V&G Subdivision, this city.
“We are offering this to the public to provide access to cheaper and more affordable medicines,” said Philippine Eagles national president Jeffrey Maravilla.
Ariel Rex Lledo, barangay chairman of 109-A, expressed his gratitude to Maravilla and Eagles Regional Governor Ariel Donceras for selecting his barangay as the first recipient of the project.
“Even before I became a barangay captain, it was my advocacy to establish a pharmacy in our barangay, especially since we also have a health center. Now, our constituents no longer need to go downtown for their medicine needs—we have it right here,” Lledo said.
“The Botica ng Agila is a significant help for those who struggle to buy their maintenance medicines. Here, we can offer them more affordable options,” he added.
The Botica ng Agila, located beside the barangay hall, operates daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
Lledo, who is also the club president of the Central Baluarte De Tacloban Eagles Club, mentioned that the pharmacy will be managed by Bounty Blend Livelihood Consumers Cooperative, a livelihood initiative of Brgy.109-A.
Meanwhile, Donceras advocated for the use of generic medicines, emphasizing their similar potency to branded ones.
He also announced plans to open similar pharmacies in other parts of the Eastern Visayas region.
“I am grateful for the support from our various Eagles chapters in the region for making this project a reality. Indeed, this is ‘service through strong brotherhood,’” Donceras said.
The launching ceremony of the Botica ng Agila was attended by Eagles Peil executive director Ahlyx Belleza, Tacloban City Eagles district governor Rey Barra, Eagles regional vice governor Dominic Degorio, Ormoc City Eagles district governor Benjie Bobier II, and cooperative manager Nancy Encina, among others.
(RONALD O. REYES)
