First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta–Marcos brought health care services to Bago City through the “Lab For All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat” health initiative on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
The event hosted by Bago City led by Mayor Mayette Javellana was held at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center.
The community-based health project, launched by the First Lady in various localities across the country in May this year, aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to prioritizing the right to healthcare for every Filipino, a press release from Bago City said.
The “Lab For All” offers essential free healthcare services, including physical and medical examinations, consultations, basic laboratory tests such as blood chemistry and hematology, ECG and digital X-ray, and, most importantly, free medicines.
This initiative is carried out through medical missions and outreach programs anchored in the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223), which guarantees all Filipinos equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services.
The First Lady, in her speech, said “Bago will always have a special place in my heart, my father (Manuel “Manolet” Ledesma Araneta Jr .) grew up here.”
She also acknowledged Bago’s recent hardships.
“The last time I was here was June 2024, when Mount Kanlaon erupted, it’s really sad to see everybody, kawawa. And then now, again, typhoon struck. I heard that three bridges collapsed and many families are still lost, so that’s why we’re here to try to bring a little relief to the people of Bago City,” she added.
Javellana said “In the midst of the challenges we’ve faced, ‘Lab For All’ has quietly become a bright light, a gentle but powerful reminder that we can rise above with hope and shared purpose.”
She said the initiative reflects the kind of government spirit the local government unit aspires to reflect: “Sincere, service-driven, and grounded in the simple commitment to make life better and more dignified for our people.”
“Lab For All stands as a powerful reminder that health is a right, not a privilege,” the mayor said.
The event provided comprehensive services to about 2,000 Bagonhon beneficiaries from different sectors, which included medical assistance, relief goods, and AICS financial assistance, among others.
Other services at the event included a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) exhibit and dental services from the Department of Health, among other services provided by partner agencies and institutions, the press release said.
Also present at the event were Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer‑Roque, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez.*