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Metformin was available without prescription as of 2019, have not bought any since then. 

Do you know the price of Metformin per box and the number in a box

It was 3 years ago, the price per pill was about the same as the USA price, not very expensive, do not remember specifics.

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when I get there, will there be problem with me enrolling in the Philhealth program.

and is that good enough to submit with the SRRV Visa program.

I have researched metformin and you need a prescription.  Anyway, all of the pharmacies I checked.  It's approximately 3000 Ph for a hundred tables at 500 mg..at Watsons and all other pharmacies are similar in price..you need a doctor, but you can probably go to the clinic and just see a regular MD to get a prescription, but if you want insurance to pay for it, you will need some type of healthcare insurance.  I don't know if Phil health covers pre-existing conditions, so you'll need to check with them.

I am not aware that Philhealth covers anything other than In Hospital Care. No Prescriptions. I have been here since 2019 and my local Pharmacist fills all of the prescriptions that I had in the States for Type 2 Diabetes, Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure/Diaretic, and Thyroid issues (Had mine removed in 2006). My personal experience is that my Meds cost the same as in the USA after Insurance CoPay, but not paying for insurance of any kind. I Average about $200/Month including some OTC Meds and Supplements. (Seems like no one includes that Cost in Cost of Living here or anywhere else). If you get a "Friendly Pharmacist", then you can get whatever you need. I use three different Diabetic Meds: Januvia, Farxiga, and Diamicron (which I think is a Metformin substitute). My Glucose levels go Up & Down regardless of the food I eat. I did experience an increase to over 200 after my Covid Booster, which is considered "Anecdotal"; but is gradually decreasing now (Again "Anecdotal") to about 165 Average.

@whackerdog123 You do not need a prescription. I buy it for my wife at mercury drug when it runs low. You only need scripts for narcotics and similar abuse drugs (except tramadol, script not needed) and antibiotics.

@terryjohnston3

Hi, i'm a German, so excuse my bad english. I want tell you some basics about health care in the philippines.

PhilHealth is an insurance from the government in first line for filipino citizen. it is for free for filipino seniors, over 60. Foreigners can have a membership for annual 18,000 ₱ (322 USD), foreign seniors only 15,000 ₱ (269 USD), definitely only hospital care in government hospitals. They dont pay for medication. you must pay for the bill in a hospital forself and apply for reimbursement. From the total bill you will get back about 43% only. depent by the Hospital, privat or government. some maintenance medication for filipino citizen is for free, but this is here not relevant.

If you are agree to use Generica meds, you can safe a lot of money. i'm not Diabetic, don't know Metformin prices. But i can give you an exemple of prices. The big pharmacy chains here are Mercury drug, Watsons, Southstar Drugs...

The best for me is 'The Generics Pharmacy', TGP, with the most branches countrywide. For my Antivertigo Med 'Betahistine' i have to pay 60 - 92₱ for branded med, but only 10₱ by TGP.

For the basics of outpatient i have a membercard by Maxicare, calls 'Prima Gold'. annual fee for foreign seniors (over 60) is 12,990₱ (233 USD). it includes 20,000₱ annual for ER, all laboratories, several basic doctors,  only in Maxicare PCC, Primary Care Centers, which you can find only in big cities.

@Stephan-Cainta-PH Thx for your Post. I learned some things, particularly about Maxicare which I will now investigate. I originally purchased Philhealth in 2019 when I was 70 years old and did not receive a Senior discount off the Premium. I thought is was still 17,000 PHP? However, based on my personal experience, my Partner (we are not married) used Philhealth for an Outpatient Endoscopy (one afternoon with no hospital stay) which was done at the most expensive Private Hospital (Not Govt) in Cebu City - Chung Hua. We received the discount from the Charges when we were released without paying for the full amount, and did not have to apply for a reimbursement from Philhealth. To me, the most important benefit of Philhealth is that you can be admitted into the hospital without Pre-Paying for services. So, you will not be left in the hallway to obtain treatment before paying. Although you will still be asked to pay the Balance when you leave; I see blogs where you can make some payment arrangements over time - assuming you did not have a Private Room during your stay (Not sure why that matters, but that is what I read, and supposedly there are Govt Laws which allow that scenario). Keeps you from being Blocked Exit and having to stay in Hospital Debtor's Prison until all payments are received. Read all paperwork carefully when being admitted and ask questions.