For many entrepreneurs, starting a business is often driven by the desire for financial stability and a better future for their families. But for several franchisees of The Generics Pharmacy or TGP, the journey evolved into something far more meaningful: creating businesses that also serve communities and improve access to affordable healthcare.
Across different parts of the Philippines, TGP franchise owners are proving that entrepreneurship can go beyond profit. Their stories reflect how purpose-driven businesses can create long-term livelihood opportunities while helping Filipino families access safe and affordable medicine.
From Cabanatuan City to Bacolod City, franchisees are sharing how TGP became more than just a business venture. For many, it became a way to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Why TGP Stood Out to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For husband-and-wife franchisees Jul and Darlene De Guzman, entrepreneurship was already part of their daily life before joining TGP.
The couple had been managing small businesses together while still trying to determine what kind of work would feel both sustainable and fulfilling in the long run.
Jul De Guzman shared that what initially attracted them to TGP was the company’s built-in sense of mission.
“Before joining TGP, my wife and I were already running small businesses together. We were young, learning, and trying to figure out what kind of work truly mattered to us,” he said.
“What made TGP stand out was the mix of service and long-term contribution to the community. I used to write mission statements for our other businesses from scratch. With TGP, the mission was already built in — to provide affordable medicine to people and communities.”
The couple opened their first TGP branch in 2008 and gradually learned the business hands-on by managing day-to-day operations themselves. Over time, their business expanded into multiple branches across Central Luzon.
But according to De Guzman, the journey shaped more than just their careers.
“TGP made us grow, individually and as a couple. It taught us how to lead people, how to handle pressure, and how to serve others. In many ways, it helped shape the kind of family we are today.”
A Business Inspired by Everyday Family Needs
Meanwhile, in Bacolod City, franchisees Tweet and Daves Campos discovered the business opportunity through a personal experience many families can relate to.
At the time, the couple had three young children and had chosen to move to Bacolod to enjoy a quieter and more family-oriented lifestyle.
“We were a young family then, married for less than ten years with three small children. We wanted to raise our kids in a calmer, family-oriented environment,” shared Tweet Campos.
Frequent trips between Manila and Bacolod eventually led them to notice a significant difference in medicine prices.
“Whenever we flew between Manila and Bacolod, we would always buy our medicines at the TGP branch near our condo in Greenhills because the prices were significantly more affordable. That’s when we realized something important — there was no TGP branch in Bacolod.”
That realization inspired the couple to open their first TGP branch in November 2009.
Like many entrepreneurs, they encountered challenges early on, from finding the right location to handling pharmaceutical requirements and building trust within the local community. Over time, however, their branch became a dependable option for families looking for affordable medication.
“Many families rely on our stores because they know they will get safe, effective medication at prices that fit their budget. For some, this makes a huge difference in their monthly expenses and overall health,” Campos said.
The Challenges Behind Running a Pharmacy Franchise
While entrepreneurship stories often focus on success, both franchisees were also candid about the realities of managing a business.
They shared challenges that included hiring and retaining the right team members, competing against larger and long-established pharmacies, relocating branches when necessary, and dealing with pharmacist shortages.
Despite these hurdles, both couples credited TGP’s support systems for helping them navigate operational challenges more confidently.
“TGP helped us in every way. From training, product knowledge, store support, and guidance on how to run things well,” De Guzman shared.
Campos echoed the same sentiment.
“TGP provided strong operational guidance, training, and consistent support systems. Their branding, supply chain, and established processes made it easier for us to run the business confidently.”
Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship in the Philippines
More Filipinos today are looking for businesses that align with personal values and create meaningful impact beyond financial growth.
For these TGP franchisees, healthcare accessibility remains at the center of what they do.
According to De Guzman, the brand’s identity goes beyond commercial success.
“TGP stands for care and compassion. You feel it in the brand and in the people behind it.”
He also emphasized that the company’s values continue to guide the way franchisees approach their communities.
“TGP is grounded in service, integrity, and community care. Their brand is not just commercial — it has a genuine heart for the people it serves.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For Filipinos considering entrepreneurship, both franchisees encouraged future business owners to focus on ventures that solve real problems and create positive community impact.
De Guzman urged aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap.
“Go for it. Just start! So many people with so much talent. Build something and contribute. You already have everything you need. It’ll be one of the most fulfilling and fun rides you will take!”
Campos also emphasized the value of building businesses rooted in service.
“Start with a business that fills a real need and makes life better for the community. With TGP, you’re not just building a source of income — you’re helping families live healthier, more secure lives.”
Their experiences highlight how entrepreneurship can become a platform for both personal growth and social impact. In a time when affordable healthcare remains essential for many Filipino families, businesses that combine livelihood and service continue to make a meaningful difference.
For more information, visit The Generics Pharmacy.
