Vivian Que-Azcona had big shoes to fill. With just 100 pesos, her pioneering father, Mariano Que, founded Mercury Drug Corporation in 1945, starting from a wooden pushcart selling sulfathiazole, a life-saving drug. His vision of providing quality medicines to Filipinos led to the opening of the first Mercury Drug store in Bambang, Manila. Named after Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and medicine, the company grew into the most recognizable name in Philippine pharmaceutical retail.
Long before home delivery services became common, Mariano was already bringing medicines directly to his customers. By 1965, he had transformed Mercury Drug into the country’s first 24/7 pharmacy, a testament to his entrepreneurial foresight. Over seven decades later, his single store evolved into a network of over 1,200 branches, employing nearly 15,000 people and cementing his legacy as the “Father of Philippine Health and Wellness Retailing.”
Rising Through the Ranks
When Mariano Que passed away in 2017, Vivian had already been leading Mercury Drug as its president for nearly two decades. However, she did not inherit the role by default—she earned it. After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Santo Tomas, she became a licensed pharmacist and joined Mercury Drug in 1977 as a staff assistant.
Under her father’s direct mentorship, Vivian was immersed in all aspects of the business, from warehousing and inventory control to marketing, finance, and corporate management. With no special treatment, she worked harder than most, progressing from assistant general manager in 1980 to vice president and general manager in 1984. By 1998, she had taken over as president and CEO, proving her capability to lead the company into the future.
Driving Innovation and Customer-Centric Services
Vivian shares the same entrepreneurial drive and values as her father. Under her leadership, Mercury Drug has expanded not only in scale but also in customer service innovation.
She introduced several key initiatives to enhance customer experience, including the Suki Card, a loyalty program that rewards customers with points, and the Mercury Drug Citi Card, the first health credit card in the Philippines, offering rebates on purchases. The company also launched the Gamot Padala service in 2003, a pioneering medicine delivery and pickup system that allows orders to be placed online, by phone, or in-store and collected at any Mercury Drug branch.
To improve accessibility, Vivian introduced drive-thru pharmacy services, ensuring that customers could obtain their medications conveniently. Beyond retail, Mercury Drug also prioritizes health education, launching mercuryTV in 2002, which displays medical information in stores, and a giant electronic billboard at Quiapo Plaza Miranda to spread awareness to the general public. Mercury Drug also regularly organizes nationwide medical outreach programs, offering free medicines and consultations to underserved communities.
Recognized Excellence in Service
Vivian’s leadership has reinforced Mercury Drug’s reputation as the most trusted pharmacy in the Philippines. The company has consistently received accolades, including the Platinum Trusted Brand Award, a six-time recognition, and the Gold Quality Service Award, both from Reader’s Digest. Mercury Drug has also been ranked among the Top 10 companies in the Philippines for its continued contributions to healthcare and the economy.
Vivian herself has been honored with numerous distinctions. In 2020, she was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Science by the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, the first such recognition by the institution. She has also received awards from the University of Santo Tomas for her entrepreneurship and contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. The Colegio Medico Farmaceutico de Filipinas, Incorporada, recognized her for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Pharmacy in 2019, while the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations awarded her as Most Outstanding Health Professional in Pharmacy in 1989.
Preserving a Legacy, Building a Future
Today, Mercury Drug remains a pillar of healthcare in the Philippines, ensuring medicine accessibility even in remote areas. Its competitive edge lies in its vast network, superior product availability, and commitment to affordability.
Vivian Que-Azcona has not only upheld her father’s legacy but has elevated it to new heights. Through her dedication, integrity, and customer-first approach, she has solidified Mercury Drug’s place as the most trusted pharmacy in the country.
Like father, like daughter. Thanks to the passion and entrepreneurial spirit that Vivian Que-Azcona shares with her father Mariano, she has taken Mercury Drug to new heights — Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, MORS Group
Building trust with customers is not an easy thing to do as there are no shortcuts. But Vivian Que-Azcona has helped her company Mercury Drug Corporation achieve this with a combination of high-quality products, convenient services, and a drive to serve customers with integrity — Dr. Jayanthi Desan, Lead Jury, ACES Awards
