Business Icon of Incomparable Strength
by ULYSSES V. ESPARTERO
"The best and most efficient pharmacy
is within your own system." - Robert C. Peale
At the age of 78, Mrs. Anita G. Rescate is a picture of a fulfilled business icon. She was born on February 1, 1933 to spouses Jacinto Magdael Gomez and Consolacion Leyson Carillo. The youngest in a brood of five, her siblings are Corazon Gomez Roldan, Anastacio C. Gomez, Bonifacio C. Gomez and Rosa Gomez Tejada. Her brother Anastacio served as Numancia town Mayor for 20 years.
She studied and finished Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the University of Sto. Tomas in 1955 and passed the licensure exam the following year. She went home to establish the Farmacia Gomez at the Kalibo Shopping Center.
She got married in 1960 with Dr. Leovigildo Cortes Rescate, a rural health physician, later promoted to Assistant Chief of the Provincial Health Office. They are blessed with five children-Annie G. Rescate-Barbasa, Ledenita G. Rescate-Cedilla, Lenette G. Rescate-Fernandez, Jacinta G. Rescate and Joseph Jun G. Rescate.
At the age of 42, her husband passed away in 1945. Mrs. Rescate stood up to the challenges – brought her children to school. Two of them – Annie and Jacinta followed her footsteps and are now pharmacists.
Annie is married to businessman Jose Larry Barbasa. She manages Farmacia Rescate, a chain of pharmacies. Jacinta who helps manage the pharmacies also co-owns a restaurant "Saylo", and a computer shop "Comset" in Boracay. Ledenita, medical technologist is married to US Navy Nestor Cedilla. She is associate director of Gen. Probe, Inc., a company based in San Diego, California, USA. Lenette, a graduate of business management owns and manages Kaizan and Meekia Boutique located at Kalibo Shopping Center. She is married to Lezo Mayor Victor Fernandez. Joseph, the youngest and only son, is based in Boracay with wife Lenny B. Rovelo, a nurse. They own G-Tech, Inc. and run the other branches of Farmacia Gomez & Rescate.
In 1972, a fire razed the Kalibo public market where Farmacia Gomez stood. There were occasional natural calamities but the 2008 storm Frank was the most devastating for it caused millions pesos of damages to the pharmacy.
But the family’s strong commitment and earnest efforts propelled the Farmacia Gomez to the heights of success. Today, it is considered the longest running pharmacy retail business in Aklan which has continuously operated for 53 years.
The Rescate group of companies owes its successful existence to a dedicated and inspiring woman. Farmacia Gomez, Farmacia Rescate, G & R Pharmacy, Kaizan & Meekia Boutique, Comset Inc., G-Tech Inc. and a score of business pursuits are the legacies of a 78 year old woman, Mrs. Rescate. She portrays the image of a fulfilled business icon, successful mother, and decent professional for the last 55 years. She is worthy of respect and emulation.
In recognition of her achievements as pillar and icon known for her exemplary leadership, distinguished career and excellent business and professional standing, community service, a Testimonial Dinner was held in her honor by the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) and Drug Store Association of the Philippines (DSAP). Mrs. Rescate during the occasion was awarded DSAP Distinguished Achiever in Business, United Laboratories (UNILAB) Entrepreneur of Distinction Award, PPhA Aklan Lifetime Achievement Award, and DSAP Aklan Outstanding Business Leader Award. /MP
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