MANILA — Mercury Drug Corp. president Vivian Que-Azcona has passed away, the leading drug store chain announced.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved President. We kindly ask for your prayers for the eternal repose of her soul,” Mercury Drug said in a Facebook post late Thursday.

No other details about Que-Azcona's death were immediately available.

Pharmaceutical conglomerate Unilab Group, whose brands are by Mercury Drug, described Que-Azcona as a “visionary leader and dedicated partner.”

“Ms. Que-Azcona lived with purpose and passion, ensuring only the best healthcare is accessible to Filipinos,” Unilab said in a statement.

“We are grateful for the longstanding partnership with the Mercury Group of Companies for 80 years and for the privilege of having worked alongside Ms. Que-Azcona, whose integrity and care for Filipinos have been an inspiration to those around her,” it added. 

Mercury Drug first opened in 1945 in Manila after the city was liberated from the Japanese occupation.

According to the Mercury Drug website, Que-Azcona’s father Mariano started the business by buying a bottle of sulfathiazole from a peddler for P100. He then sold the sulfathiazole tablets by piece or “tingi-tingi” to make the medicine more affordable.

"With some profit, he was able to purchase other medicines and eventually a pushcart, which he loaded with his growing supply of pharmaceutical goods," it said.

The first Mercury Drug store opened on March 1, 1945 in Bambang Street. It now has over 1,000 branches nationwide.