Manila: Residents from three rural barangays in Bago City, Negros Occidental received free medical services outreach ahead of the main caravan in the city proper on Nov. 25. From Nov. 20 to 22, the medical mission reached the villages of Malingin, Tabunan, and Ma-ao under the 'Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat' or 'LAB for All,' an initiative led by First Lady Louise 'Liza' Araneta-Marcos.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao visited the medical mission in Barangay Tabunan gymnasium and expressed that the 'LAB for All' initiative aligns with her administration's priority to provide adequate healthcare services to Bagonhons. She noted the appreciation from the community, stating, "I've been going around, the people appreciate these services. You can see the grateful faces of our people here in Tabunan. A big blessing and a good day for Bago. I'm really thankful for medical missions such as this."
The outreach offered various medical services, including laboratory tests, ECG, chest X-ray, ultrasound for pregnant women, consultations, and 15-day medication supplies for residents aged 20 and above. These were provided by the LAB for All team in partnership with the Department of Health-Negros Island Region and the Philippine National Police's Regional Medical and Dental Health Unit.
Fe Logronio, 71, a resident of Barangay Tabunan, expressed her gratitude for the free ECG and X-ray tests. She mentioned, "It's a bit costly when you have to pay it on your own. This is a big help for me. Every six months, I need to undergo a check-up to avail discount for my maintenance drugs."
In Barangay Ma-ao, beneficiary Thelma Caritetivo shared her appreciation for the free medical services and medicines, stating, "I need to spend a huge amount if I have to go to a private clinic for these services."
LAB for All team leader Dave Christian Quilas highlighted that the pre-event aims to reach far-flung communities in Bago City. He explained, "The main goal of 'LAB for All' for this pre-event, maabot yung mga barangay na hindi normally na-aabot ng mga medical services from the local government. In 'LAB for All', pinipili talaga nila mga rural or 'yung mga malalayo na hindi na-aabot ng medical help."
