About 2,000 Bataeños received free consultations, medicines, and laboratory services during the Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot para sa Lahat (Lab for All) caravan that was held at the Bataan People’s Center on August 8.
This is an initiative of First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, in partnership with Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Food and Drug Administration, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the provincial government of Bataan.
In her message, the First Lady expressed her concern over the devastating impact of the southwest monsoon that was enhanced by tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon.
“I know that your province was badly hit by the recent typhoons, and because of these tragic incidents, my husband asked me to come here today and give you a message. Sabi po ng asawa ko, ‘Don’t lose hope, efforts are underway to rebuild the damage that has been done. Your government is here for you, and together we will weather whatever storm comes our way.’ So this is why we are here today to bring you the Lab for All program,” she underscored.
For his part, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the agency supports Lab for All, which champions primary healthcare services in communities.
“This program brings together various national agencies and local government units, all working towards the shared goal of advocating for a Healthy Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III thanked the First Lady for Lab for All and vowed to continue and adopt the initiative, aiming to provide health services to more Bataeños.
Likewise, 38-year-old beneficiary Albert Robles from Pilar town expressed his gratitude for bringing Lab for All in Bataan.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa tulong na ito na ipinaabot sa amin ni First Lady Liza Marcos. Malaking tulong lalo na po itong libreng check-up at yung mga gamot,” Robles said.
Aside from free consultations, medicines, and laboratory services, the beneficiaries also received Family Food Packs and financial assistance from DSWD.
Bataan is the fifth province in Central Luzon to benefit from the medical mission after Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan and Zambales.