Ilocos norte: The province of Ilocos Norte is making healthcare services more accessible to the public with two mobile medical and laboratory clinics that will soon be deployed to remote areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Rickson Balalio, the provincial health officer, stated that the mobile laboratories were donated by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos through her "LAB for All" project. These facilities, provided by the national government in collaboration with the Department of Health and the First Lady, are intended for use during outreach programs, particularly in remote communities.

The two mobile units, comprising a Mobile Primary Care Facility and a coaster van with advanced medical equipment, are currently stationed at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital. To ensure efficient operation, training for medical and radiology technicians from different district hospitals is underway. Additionally, the provincial hospital is in the process of recruiting more healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians.

The initiative targets Filipinos in need, with a focus on senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Nutrition Action Office of Ilocos Norte announced plans to hold a "biggest loser" challenge this year, aiming to prevent lifestyle diseases in overweight and obese children and adults. Provincial nutrition action officer Elma Irapta highlighted that the competition will feature two categories: females aged 20 to 59 years and boys aged 6 to 10 years, as identified by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute survey.

The towns of Currimao, Bacarra, Vintar, Paoay, and Dingras have been identified as having the highest prevalence of overweight and obese children under five. In response, the office is offering diet counselling and free health assessments to encourage healthy eating habits and improve food security in vulnerable communities.