Manila: First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos spearheaded the ‘LAB for All’ caravan at the Dapa Sports Complex on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. She was joined by various government agencies and top officials in the province, including Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers. Accompanied by her son, William Vincent, the First Lady aimed to provide essential services to the local community.
According to Philippines News Agency, around 2,000 residents from different towns on the island benefited from medical and social services during the event. The caravan saw the participation of agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) 13 (Caraga), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-13), PhilHealth, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
The DOH-13 reported that the caravan offered a range of free medical and health-related services, including laboratory tests, medical consultations, minor surgeries, dental care, referrals, and drug dependency counseling. Residents also accessed services like HIV testing, VIA, family planning, mobile X-rays, optometry, ultrasounds, nutritional counseling, immunizations, health education, and health promotion.
As of 2 p.m. on the day of the event, 357 individuals had undergone consultations and received the necessary medicines. Additionally, 232 residents utilized the free X-ray services, and 408 received laboratory tests, such as glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, and hemoglobin checks. The caravan also distributed 300 hygiene kits, 250 jerry cans, and 30 assistive devices, including 20 adult and 10 pediatric wheelchairs. Eyeglasses, protective goggles, and eye drops were given to 232 individuals.
The DOH-13 emphasized its commitment to making essential health and social services more accessible through the ‘LAB for All’ Caravan, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Undersecretary Gregorio Murillo Jr. of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program – Management Office led the Health department team, along with DOH-13 OIC-Regional Director Sadaila Raki-in.
PhilHealth-13 provided on-site registration for residents to access its primary programs and services. Meanwhile, the DSWD-13 distributed family food packs to 1,500 household beneficiaries and engaged them in dialogues to promote the Tamang Tulong sa Tamang Impormasyon program.