‘Lab for All’ Caravan brings essential services to Mandaluyong residents

 

Photos courtesy of PCO

by: Jimmyley Guzman 

QUEZON CITY (PIA) – First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos graced the “Lab for All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot para sa Lahat” caravan on Monday, benefiting hundreds of residents at a gymnasium in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.

The caravan, a brainchild of Araneta Marcos, aims to bring healthcare and other essential services closer to the public, particularly in rural communities. Beneficiaries took advantage of free medical, legal, and other services offered by national and local government agencies.

“I just want to thank all the public sector agencies who participated,” Araneta Marcos said during the event.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos expresses her heartfelt thanks to participating government agencies for supporting the caravan. 

The Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development provided various medical supplies and services, including medicines, dietary supplements for pregnant women, oral health family packs, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs, foldable walkers, and pediatric walkers.

Medical practitioners were on hand to offer a range of healthcare services, including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), ophthalmology, and dental check-ups. They also conducted minor surgeries.

The caravan also offered various laboratory services, including X-rays, electrocardiograms, ultrasounds, and hearing tests.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) distributed food packs and provided financial assistance up to P2,000. They also offered on-the-spot financial aid to patients requiring further medical intervention, especially in extreme cases.

The Department of Trade and Industry-NCR set up a Negosyo Center Booth to assist with Business Name Registration and Business Advisory. Additionally, DTI-assisted Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) showcased their products during the event.

The Public Attorney’s Office provided free legal advice, addressing the legal concerns of attendees.

The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority-NCR (TESDA-NCR) distributed starter tool kits for bread and pastry making, organic tea-making, pedicure and manicure, dressmaking, and other skills. They also offered scholarship slots.

The Mandaluyong City government supported the initiative by providing additional basic services to attendees, complementing the efforts of the national government agencies.

Beneficiary Rachel Esquivel expressed her gratitude for the family pack and medicines she received, stating, “Maraming salamat sa lahat ng biyayang ito.” (Thank you so much for all these blessings.)

Nenita Villegas, another resident, expressed hope that the government will continue to implement the caravan. “Talagang pinahahalagahan namin ang mga serbisyong ibinigay nila dito. Sana ay patuloy na ihatid ng gobyerno ang mga serbisyong ito sa ating mga komunidad,” she said. (We really appreciate the services they provided here. I hope the government will continue to bring these services to our communities.)

Francis Danga, another attendee, said it was his first time experiencing some of the services provided by the caravan. “Nahihirapan akong makatulog dahil sa paulit-ulit kong ubo, kaya nagpasya akong mag-avail ng mga laboratory test, at nakatanggap din ako ng ilang mga groceries at bitamina,” he said. (I have trouble sleeping due to my persistent cough, so I decided to avail of the laboratory tests, and I also received some groceries and vitamins.)

The event underscored the commitment of the Marcos administration to improving access to essential services and enhancing the well-being of citizens. (JEG/PIA-NCR)