#DropThePrefix: Southstar Drug raises support for PWD artists

October 23, 2019

“We in Southstar have always been about inclusion, especially when it comes to Persons with Disability.” -Christine Tueres, General Manager of Southstar Drug from her opening speech during the launch of #DropThePrefix

Southstar Drug, in partnership with Project Inclusion Network (PIN), kicked-off the #DropThePrefix Campaign on October 2, 2019 at The Legend Villas, Mandaluyong, introducing the public to merchandise designed with artwork by Persons with Disability (PWD). The merchandise consists primarily of eco-bags and calendars featuring paintings from PIN’s constituents, which began to be sold at select Southstar branches last October 15, 2019.

Benedict “Bodick” Quintela II with his acrylic paintings of a Tarsier (“Small is Beautiful”) and the Philippine Eagle (“The Unique and Highly-Threatened Raptor”). Bodick is a person with Autism.

A portion of the profits go directly to the artists and Goodwill Industries Philippines, a skills-empowerment civic organization which produces the eco bags. The program seeks to combine elements of livelihood and inclusion as part of Southstar Drug’s thrust for Sustainability. With the artwork intended to reach a wider audience, #DropThePrefix essentially intends gives light to the capabilities of Persons with Disability instead of their perceived limitations.

“We’d like to give special thanks to South Star Drug, as one of the companies who have shown their support, and who believe in building barrier-free communities.”

-Grant Javier, Executive Director of Project Inclusion Network