ILOILO CITY (PIA) — The conduct of “Lab For All” program in New Lucena, Iloilo on April 29, 2025 have benefitted around 1,500 Ilonggos as they have availed medical and other vital government services through the program.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos led the event and highlighted the administration’s commitment to making healthcare and essential services more accessible.
“During the last SONA of my husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he pledged to bring laboratory and primary healthcare services closer to our kababayans. That’s why he sends us to fulfill this promise,” she said during her speech.
Araneta-Marcos also said that in addition to the main event, pre-event medical services were offered on April 27 and 28, where many locals availed themselves of free laboratory tests, medicines, and consultations.
The First Lady likewise expressed her gratitude to both private and public sector partners, including Huawei Philippines, which donated P7 million for X-ray equipment in New Lucena.
Numerous national agencies also participated in the event, including the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, National Housing Authority (NHA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Public Attorneys Office (PAO), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Senate Public Assistance Office.
Several beneficiaries during the event expressed appreciation and gratitude to the government for providing them easy access to different services they need.
Ronnaida Dantes, in an interview, thanked the government, noting that they no longer need to travel to the city to avail of medical services, as it was offered during the program for free.
Maria Amalia Amorin also echoed the same sentiment as she was also given free medicines during the event.
“Nagpa-x-ray ako libre, tapos kung ano ang imo reseta, ginahatag man nila libre. Libre man ila ang bulong. Gani gusto ko gid magpasalamat sa ila, kay First Lady, kay naka-avail ako sang libre nga bulong kag konsultasyon,” Amorin said.
(I had a free x-ray and was given free medicines based on my prescription. Everything was free, and I am truly thankful to them and to the First Lady for the free medicine and consultation.)
Another beneficiary, Medilinda Lentil, was thankful that her daughter was finally able to undergo the long-overdue medical procedures.
“Ang bata ko may request ini for X-ray and ECG, kag waay namon ni macomply kay waay kami kwarta pambayad. Subong ari kami diri kag pasalamat gid kay naka-avail kami kang amon request,” Lentil said.
(My child needed an X-ray and ECG, but we couldn’t afford it. Now we’re here and very thankful we were able to access these services for free.)
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. also voiced his support and appreciation for the program, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the health of the people.
“The most important resource of the province is our human resource. It’s only right that our departments and local government units work together to prioritize the health of our people. Salamat sa ating minamahal na First Lady at gusto kong ipahiwatig na ang buong probinsya ng Iloilo ay buong pusong sumusuporta sa Lab for All program,” he stressed.
The “Lab For All” project aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s vision of building a productive society by ensuring a healthy citizenry. (JNH/PIA Iloilo)
