ILOILO – First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos spearheaded the culmination of the “Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat”, or Lab for All, program on April 29 in New Lucena town, bringing comprehensive government services closer to communities in the province.
The flagship initiative, championed by the first lady herself, aims to make healthcare and other essential government services more accessible to Filipinos, especially those in remote and underserved areas. It also extends livelihood support, financial aid, and a host of other services from various government agencies.
A total of 3,895 beneficiaries availed themselves of medical and health-related services, with key support from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
The Department of Agriculture (DA) also took part in the caravan by distributing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, as well as seedlings to participating farmers.
A notable feature of the event was the launch of the Livelihood Opportunities and Viable Enterprises (LOVE) for Agricultural Farming Communities – Chicken Layer Project, where 11 farmer-beneficiaries from Iloilo received chicken layer modules worth P79,500 each. These modules include 48 ready-to-lay hens, starter feeds, and materials for building chicken coops.
Araneta-Marcos was joined by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.; Atty. Elaine Marallag, Head Executive Assistant at the Office of the DA Secretary; Butch Magarang, DA-OSEC Lab for All focal person; and Buen Mondejar, chair of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council.
Other government agencies that extended their services during the caravan included the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Housing Authority (NHA), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Senate Public Assistance Office./PN
