Dr. Mariano Que, founder of Mercury Drug Corporation died at the age of 96.
One of the leading pharmaceutical company in the Philippines took to Facebook to announced the death of its founder.
But instead of sending flowers to the latter, a donation to any non-government organization or charitable institution would be acknowledged.
Based on a report published by ABS-CBNNews, there were no details have been divulged regarding Mariano Que’s death as of press time.
Mercury Drug first opened in 1945 after the Japanese occupation. According to the website of the drugstore chain, its founder began his business by purchasing a bottle of sulfathiazole worth P100 from a vendor.
Later, he sold the medicine by piece to make it more affordable for the consumers.
“With some profit, he was able to purchase other medicines and eventually a pushcart, which he loaded with his growing supply of pharmaceutical goods,” according to its website.
On March 1, 1945, the first store of Mercury Drug opened in Bambang Street and now it has more than 1,000 branches all over the country.
Mercury Drug has developed programs to cater the healthcare needs of the Filipinos such as “Bantay Kalusugan,” which provides free health screening especially for those who are suffering from chronic and non-communicable diseases.
Aside from Bantay Kalusugan, Mercury Drug also offers free medical services and medicines to needless to the grassroots through “Operation Bigay Lunas.”
Vivian Que Azcona, the daughter of Mariano Que is now the president of the drugstore chain. She was recently named as the number 24 richest personality in the country in the list of Forbes Philippines’ 50 Richest.