Gov’t Agencies Extend Aid to Negrenses Through ‘LAB For All’ Initiative in Bago City

Bago city: Several national government agencies provided assistance to Negrenses through the 'Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat' (LAB For All) caravan at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

According to Philippines News Agency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who leads the 'LAB For All' project, attended the event, marking the end of outreach activities that began in the city's rural barangays over the weekend. She shared personal connections to Bago City, noting that her father, Manuel 'Manolet' Ledesma Araneta Jr., had cherished memories of the area. In light of recent hardships such as the Kanlaon Volcano eruption and Typhoon Tino, Araneta-Marcos emphasized the project's aim to provide relief to the city's residents.

Various forms of aid were provided by partner agencies alongside the First Lady's community-based healthcare initiative. Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao highlighted that 'LAB For All' embodies the spirit of government service the local unit aims to uphold, focusing on improving the lives of the citizens and reinforcing that health is a right.

During the caravan, the Department of Health delivered healthcare services to over 300 residents, offering consultations, assessments, and free medicines. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed PHP4.5 million in cash aid to 1,500 individuals and provided seed capital grants to three associations under its Sustainable Livelihood Program. The DSWD also donated 15 wheelchairs to those with mobility challenges.

Additionally, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office provided 1,500 food packs to residents, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority distributed allowances for trainees under its employment program. The Department of Trade and Industry facilitated loan assistance to 15 micro, small, and medium enterprises and collaborated with the city government on a coffee processing facility to support local businesses.