Residents from three rural barangays in Bago City, Negros Occidental received free medical services outreach ahead of the main caravan in the city proper on Nov. 25.
From Nov. 20 to 22, the medical mission reached the villages of Malingin, Tabunan and Ma-ao under the “Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat” or “LAB for All,” an initiative led by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.
In an interview, Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao, who visited the medical mission in Barangay Tabunan gymnasium on Friday, said the “LAB for All” aligns with the priority of her administration to provide adequate healthcare services to Bagonhons.
“I’ve been going around, the people appreciate these services. You can see the grateful faces of our people here in Tabunan. A big blessing and a good day for Bago. I’m really thankful for medical missions such as this,” she added.
The outreach offered laboratory tests, ECG, chest X-ray, ultrasound for pregnant women, consultations, 15-day medication supplies and other services for residents aged 20 and above.
These were provided by the LAB for All team in partnership with the Department of Health–Negros Island Region and the Philippine National Police’s Regional Medical and Dental Health Unit.
Fe Logronio, 71, a resident of Barangay Tabunan, said she is thankful for the free ECG and X-ray tests.
“It’s a bit costly when you have to pay it on your own. This is a big help for me. Every six months, I need to undergo a check-up to avail discount for my maintenance drugs,” she added.
In Barangay Ma-ao, beneficiary Thelma Caritetivo said she is grateful to have availed of the free medical services and medicines.
“I need to spend a huge amount if I have to go to a private clinic for these services,” she added.
LAB for All team leader Dave Christian Quilas said that during the pre-event, they aim to reach far-flung communities in Bago City.
“The main goal of ‘LAB for All’ for this pre-event, maabot yung mga barangay na hindi normally na-aabot ng mga medical services from the local government. In ‘LAB for All’, pinipili talaga nila mga rural or ‘yung mga malalayo na hindi na-aabot ng medical help,” he added. (PNA)