TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN – Thousands flocked to the Cagayan Sports Coliseum earlier today February 27, 2024, to avail of the free medical consultation and other government services during the LAB for All Caravan, sponsored by the Office of the First Lady, and hosted by the Provincial Government of Cagayan.
LAB for ALL which stands for Lingap at Alagang Bayan – Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot para sa Lahat is an initiative of First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos which brings, among others, free medical consultations, laboratory services, and medicines to the people of Cagayan.
Aside from free medical services, Cagayanos were also provided of other services, brought closer through participating national government agencies, such as free legal advice and representation from the Public Attorneys Office (PAO), financial aid and support from the Department of Social Welfare and Administration (DSWD), and distribution of charity packs or “Charitimba” by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
In his welcome remarks, Governor Manual N. Mamba of Cagayan, who is also a medical doctor by profession, expressed his utmost gratitude to the First Lady and the LAB for All team, for bringing this type of service in the province. He also acknowledged that medical consultations and treatments are some of the sources of financial strain for most, particularly those who are living in abject poverty.
“I hope and pray na mainstitutionalize natin ito kasi ito ang kailangan ng mga Pilipino. Thank you for your sacrifice, help and for coming to Cagayan. It is the start of more programs for addressing the needs our fellow Filipinos,” the Governor said.
Meanwhile, the First Lady Liza Marcos thanked all the national government agencies, the local officials, and the private sectors for the support that made the caravan in the province possible. She also echoed the present administration’s thrust of making access to health care systems and medical services readily available in all communities.
“Nagpapasalamat ang ating Pangulo sa walang sawa ninyong suporta. Sabi niya, we should bring government services closer to the people not wait for them to come to our hospitals and health care centers,” she said.
LAB for All is launched in different parts of the country and aims to promote inclusive access to quality health care for the people, especially to the marginalized and indigent sectors.
