More than 2,000 residents of Navotas City benefited from free medical and healthcare services during the Lab for All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot para sa Lahat caravan held on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos (Photo from Navotas City Government)
The initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, aims to provide accessible and comprehensive healthcare along with various government services to Filipinos nationwide.
Residents received medical consultations, laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, and free medicines as part of the program.
Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco expressed his appreciation for the First Lady’s visit and her dedication to public health.
"We appreciate the First Lady's efforts to bring essential healthcare services closer to the people. This initiative helps address the medical needs of our residents, especially those who have limited access to healthcare," he said.
He also emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare in improving overall well-being.
"Programs like this allow us to detect and address health concerns early, reducing the burden on families and the healthcare system," Tiangco said.
Tiangco further highlighted Araneta-Marcos' hands-on approach, saying it reflects her genuine commitment to public service.
Aside from medical services, the Lab for All caravan also offered various government assistance programs, including scholarship grants from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), free vegetable seeds and fruit tree seedlings from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to support food sustainability, and free legal consultations and notarial services provided by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
Several government agencies also participated, providing free services and assistance to residents, including:
- PhilHealth
- PAG-IBIG Fund,
- Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)
- National Housing Authority (NHA)
- Senate Public Assistance Office
- Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Camanava
In addition, GoNegosyo, in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) - Navotas City Chapter, offered free business mentoring services to local entrepreneurs.
The PCSO distributed 1,500 Chritimba packs, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided 1,500 family food packs to beneficiaries.
Residents also received slippers, two kilos of rice, spaghetti packs, hot meals, and bottled water, donated by private individuals and companies as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.
The Lab for All initiative continues to expand its reach, ensuring that essential services are delivered directly to communities, particularly those in need