DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco urged the public to use generic drugs because they are safe and have the same efficacy as branded medicines.

Sydiongco issued the encouragement during the opening of the two-day “Generics Awareness Month Celebration” at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in Vigan City recently.

Barangay Health Workers Federation presidents and members of the Drugstore Store Association of the Philippines (DSAP) – Ilocos Sur joined the event.

“Ang generic medicines ay mas mura kaysa sa mga branded na gamot at pareho lang sila ng kalidad at bisa. Mas makakatipid kayo sa inyong mga gamot kung ito ang inyong gagamitin. I have been using generic medicine for years now at ako na ang nagsasabi na it is safe, reliable and effective as the branded and expensive ones,” Sydiongco said.

“Although hindi lahat ng branded na gamot ay may katumbas na generic medicine, dahil ang mga iba ay patent-protected at ito ay mabibili lamang sa mga kumpanyang naka-imbento nito and it usually becomes available only after the patent expires gaya ng mga bagong tuklas na mga gamot ngayon laban sa mga bagong sakit,” she added.

Sydiongco reminded the public to buy generic medicines from FDA-registered drugstores only.

Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz also advised BHWs and DSAP members to support the government’s efforts in promoting the use of generic medicines.

“Sa ating BHWs, continue to encourage residents in your barangays na bumili at gumamit ng generic drugs para sa kanilang maintenance or para sa treatment ng kanilang mga karamdaman. Sa mga drugstore owners naman, ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pabibigay ng mga dekalidad, ligtas at epektibong generic drugs upang patuloy na matulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” Albornoz added.

The Generic Awareness Month is celebrated to commemorate the 35th year of the passing of the Generics Act of 1988 also known as Republic Act 6675, which promotes the manufacturing of adequate, affordable, and effective generic drugs for Filipinos.

This year’s theme, “Kalusugan ay Palakasin, Generics Ating Tangkilikin,” calls for the public to consider the use of generic medicines in the treatment of ailments as it safe and has the same efficacy as branded medicines.

Regional pharmacist, Farida D. Espina, said generic drugs are cheaper because manufacturers do not use unnecessary advertising and promotion, including expensive packaging for marketing.

“Kaya malayo po na mas mura ang kanilang presyo dahil dito. Pero sa kalidad at bisa ay pareho lang sila and most important is that generic drugs and medicines have passed through the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) safety standards at ang mga ito ay mayroong Certificate of Product Registration kaya ito ay ligtas at mabisang gamiting gamot,” Espina said.

Health officials said FDA permits and certifications must be posted by drugstores in a particular place where they can be readily and easily seen by the public.

The DOH regional office assured the public that the generic drugs that they provide to the public are safe. With Arlene Rivera