Southstar Drug was founded on July 4, 1937, by Tomas Dy-Makao under the name Southern Drug. The pharmacy initially focused on traditional Chinese herbal medicines, serving local communities within the Bicol Region.

During the 1950s, the company expanded its product offerings to include Western pharmaceutical products, reflecting the evolving healthcare needs of Filipinos. Around this period, it adopted the name New South Star Drug before eventually becoming Southstar Drug, the brand recognized today.2

Expansion accelerated in the subsequent decades:

• The second branch opened in Tabaco City, Albay in 1979.
• The company expanded throughout Southern Luzon before entering Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.
• It later entered the Visayas and several island provinces through acquisitions and new store openings.
• In 2011, Southstar acquired the Manson Drug chain, strengthening its presence in Northern Luzon.
• In 2012, Robinsons Retail Holdings acquired a controlling stake in Southstar Drug, enabling nationwide expansion and modernization.

Southstar Drug is owned by Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., the retail arm of the JG Summit Holdings group. Since joining Robinsons Retail, Southstar has significantly expanded its store network, digital services, and healthcare offerings.3

Southstar Drug offers a comprehensive range of healthcare and wellness products, including:

• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
• Generic pharmaceuticals
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• Medical devices
• Personal care and beauty products
• Baby care products
• Health and wellness essentials
• Private-label generic medicines

Many branches also provide pharmacy consultation services through licensed pharmacists, prescription processing, and medication counseling.4

Southstar Drug has expanded beyond traditional retail by providing digital healthcare services through its website and mobile platforms. Customers can:

• Order medicines online
• Upload prescriptions for regulated medications
• Access home delivery and click-and-collect services
• Browse health and wellness products digitally

These services aim to improve accessibility and convenience for customers across the Philippines.5

Southstar Drug has grown from a single pharmacy into a nationwide chain with more than 700 stores across the Philippines, making it one of the country’s largest pharmacy retailers. Its branches serve both major urban centers and provincial communities, with store counts continuing to increase as the company expands.5

Southstar Drug positions itself as a trusted healthcare partner focused on making medicines and wellness products more accessible. Its current brand promise, “Care That Transforms,” emphasizes:

• Accessible healthcare
• Community-centered pharmacy services
• Modern and convenient shopping
• Professional pharmacy expertise
• Affordable healthcare solutions

The company seeks to provide a more human-centered healthcare experience while combining physical pharmacies with digital services.

Vision:
To become the drugstore of choice in Service, Trust, Accessibility, and Responsibility.6

Mission:
To deliver more than just products and services, striving to touch lives every day with the hope of making a difference in customers’ lives tomorrow.7

Southstar Drug’s headquarters is located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

• Industry: Retail Pharmacy
• Founded: July 4, 1937
• Founder: Tomas Dy-Makao
• Headquarters: Quezon City, Philippines
• Parent Company: Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.
• Area Served: Philippines
• Products: Pharmaceuticals, healthcare, wellness, personal care, and medical supplies8

With nearly nine decades of operation, Southstar Drug is recognized as one of the pioneers of the Philippine retail pharmacy industry. Its long history, nationwide presence, and integration into Robinsons Retail have established it as a major healthcare retailer serving millions of Filipinos through both physical stores and digital channels.

1. Southstar Drug
2. Southstar Drug – Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.
3. Southstar Drug | LinkedIn
4. Southstar Drug | LinkedIn
5. From Bicol to the Nation: Southstar Drug Marks 700 Stores in its 88th Year of Quietly Serving Filipino Communities – Corner Magazine PH
6. Southstar Drug | LinkedIn
7. Southstar Drug | LinkedIn
8. Business Units – Robinsons Annual Report 2018