BALANGA CITY — First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos launched the “LAB for all” caravan at the Bataan People’s Center here where some 2,000 people received free medical care on Tuesday, August 8.
Mrs. Marcos initiated the project “LAB for All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot para sa Lahat” to bring free medical consultations, laboratory services, and distribution of free medicines closer to the people, especially to the needy.
Beneficiaries from Bataan availed themselves of free diagnostics like CBC, urinalysis, blood chemistry, ECG, X-ray, ultrasound and pap smear; medical services like consultation, pediatrics, OB, ophthalmology and surgery (circumcision and excision).
The first lady said the project was made possible through the collaborative effort of the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Health Insurance Corp, Food and Drugs Administration, among some others.
She said that the project aims to provide to all equitable access to quality and affordable medical services. She said that it was part of the promise of President Marcos to bring health services available and closer to the communities.
Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa, DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian, TESDA director Subarto Mangundadatu were also among those who attended the launching of the project.
Also present were Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd, Vice Gov. Cris Garcia, mayors headed by Orion Mayor Antonio Raymundo as league president, Cong. Albert Garcia and other officials.
Pampanga Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda who is known for helping many indigent patients in Bataan was among the guests.
Governor Garcia and Congressman Garcia thanked Mrs. Marcos for bringing the project in Bataan. “Mapalad ang Bataan sa inyong pagbisita,” the brothers told her.
The first lady also witnessed the blessing of six E-vehicles that will be used by the Metro Bataan Development Authority in patrolling and ensuring order in the Roman Expressway.
Three of the vehicles were funded by the provincial government while the other three were donated by the private sector. Full charge of an E-vehicle that will reach 500 kilometers can only consume P400.
