By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – At least 2,000 residents of this city benefited from free medical and laboratory services through the “Lab for All” activity launched by First Lady Liza Marcos yesterday.
Councilor Cindy Rojas, focal person for the activity, said they pre-identified 1,500 recipients at different venues and catered to 500 walk-ins during the main event at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) gymnasium.
The activity is a community-based health project called “Lab For All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat,” in accordance with Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, which ensures “all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services.”
Rojas said the medical mission started on June 24, when they first accommodated 400 patients at Bacolod City College (BCC) in Barangay Taculing. The following day, another 300 recipients were catered to in Barangay Vista Alegre, with another batch in Barangay Banago last Wednesday.
Rojas noted that 300 pregnant women were among the beneficiaries.
Aside from free healthcare services, beneficiaries also received assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The “Lab for All” program, launched nationwide last month, offers free healthcare services such as physical and medical examinations, consultations, basic laboratory tests like blood chemistry and hematology, ECG and digital X-ray, and most importantly, free medicines.
As an advocate for healthcare rights, the first lady remains committed to advancing the healthcare system in the country to strengthen public health and safety for all Filipinos.
During her visit yesterday, the first lady donated a “Lab for All” van to the city, which was accepted by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.
Benitez expressed gratitude, stating, “This is a big help to the people here,” adding that the project provides hope and joy to the City of Smiles.
The mayor also highlighted the city government’s healthcare initiatives, such as its partnership with private hospitals and the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP). Under BacCHP, indigents can receive free medication and easy hospital access without the need to pay a downpayment upon admission.
Benitez said they are inspired by the first lady’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate healthcare and are dedicated to following her lead in serving the people.
Meanwhile, 61-year-old stroke patient Nelson Alcosaba, one of the medical mission’s recipients, expressed his gratitude for being chosen to participate in the activity, considering his situation.
“Dako ini nga pribilihiyo kag bulig sa akon,” he said.
