12/12/2025
Empowering Healthcare and Entrepreneurship: The Journey of J and R Pharmacy – Culasi Branch
by: Mary Luz F. Salazar - NC Culasi
Ms. Rosechell Ann N. Lopez is the proprietor of J and R Pharmacy, operating under the trade name The Generics Pharmacy (TGP)–Culasi Branch. Her entrepreneurial journey began on April 1, 2021.
The Generics Pharmacy had been serving the Municipality of Culasi, Antique, for nearly a decade under a different ownership. However, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous owners decided to sell the business. Recognizing Ms. Lopez’s loyalty and dedication as their longtime Pharmacy Assistant, they offered her the opportunity to take over. With strong determination and the aspiration to establish her own enterprise, she accepted the challenge and invested in the business. Motivated by her commitment to deliver quality and affordable medicines to her fellow Culasiños, she decided to continue and further strengthen the healthcare services provided by the pharmacy.
Prior to her participation in the Kapatid Mentor Me – Money Market Encounter (KMME
-MME) Program, Ms. Lopez experienced significant challenges, particularly in terms of limited capital for purchasing additional stocks and diversifying her product offerings. She also sought to improve her knowledge and skills in effectively managing business operations.
The Department of Trade and Industry – Antique (DTI-Antique), through the assistance of Negosyo Center Culasi, invited her to join the KMME-MME Online Mentoring Program. She accepted the invitation with the goal of enhancing her entrepreneurial competencies and establishing valuable business linkages.
Reflecting on her learnings from the program, Ms. Lopez stated:
“I realized the importance of fully understanding the brand of your business, as well as having a clear grasp of cash flow and financial statements in order to properly manage finances. It is also vital to maintain a reserve capital. I also inquired at Negosyo Center Culasi regarding the Small Business Corporation, where I applied and was approved for a loan amounting to ₱100,000.00.”
During the preparation of her Business Improvement Plan (BIP), she faced several challenges, including limited support from her family, insufficient time to focus on details, and a lack of manpower in her store. Nonetheless, with the guidance and assistance of a business counselor, she was able to successfully complete her BIP.
The initial implementation of her BIP was assessed at 50%, primarily due to an unexpected change in business location arising from building permit concerns and increased rental costs. Despite these challenges, her relocation to the Culasi Public Market eventually allowed her to reach a wider customer base and further grow her enterprise.
Through the BIP, Ms. Lopez was able to apply the insights and strategies she acquired from the KMME-MME Program. The plan served as her roadmap toward business growth and sustainability. Even with necessary adjustments brought about by relocation, she remained steadfast in monitoring her progress and working towards the fulfillment of her goals.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
– Winston Churchill
Ms. Lopez strongly believes in this quote, finding inspiration in its message throughout her entrepreneurial journey. For her, success is not a destination but a continuous process of learning, adapting, and moving forward with courage. This conviction fuels her perseverance and strengthens her resolve to overcome obstacles and pursue long-term success.
In offering her advice to fellow entrepreneurs, Ms. Lopez emphasizes:
“When starting a business, ensure that you have the passion to sustain what you have begun. Should you be given the opportunity to participate in DTI programs, particularly the KMME-MME Program, seize it. These programs provide not only valuable knowledge but also opportunities to connect with other business owners and be inspired by their success stories.”
