Thomasian alumna and president of leading drugstore chain Mercury Group of Companies Vivian Que-Azcona passed away on Saturday, April 5, the University announced.
She was 69.
“Under her leadership and that of her father’s, Dr. Mariano Que…Mercury Drug Corporation became the respected pharmacy chain that has helped save lives of so many clients,” UST said in a Facebook post.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
The University cited Azcona’s support for the Thomasian community through scholarship grants, on-the-job training agreements and assistance to the Faculty of Pharmacy’s experiential learning laboratory.
Azcona is one of the eight children of Mercury Drugstore founders Estelita Que and Mariano Que.
She finished her Pharmacy degree in UST cum laude and became a licensed pharmacist before joining the family business in 1977.
Azcona worked as general manager of Mercury Group of Companies in 1980 before serving as its vice president four years later. In 1998, she became the company’s president and CEO.
During her term, Azcona awarded scholarships and led numerous medical outreach programs, like providing safe and accessible water to poor communities, free health profiling and medical nutritional counseling.
The late business tycoon was also recognized for her contributions to the pharmaceutical field. In 2013, she was honored with the Philippine Pharmacists Association’s Bowl of Hygeia Award. She also received the Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Pharmacy Award from The Colegio Medico Farmaceutico de Filipinas, Incorporada in 2019.
Azcona was among the recipients of the Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award for Business and Management in 1996. She also received the Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Business Leader Award in 2010 and was one of the three alumni who were honored with the 2011 Quadricentennial Award for Exemplary Service during UST’s 400th anniversary.
“We thank the Lord for the life of Ms. Que-Azcona and are in solidarity with her loved ones. Eternal rest grant unto Ms. Que-Azcona, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace,” UST said.
Last year, Azcona and her siblings were listed as among the country’s 50 richest, ranking 14th with a net worth of $1.7 billion. F
