VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) -- The Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat (LAB for ALL) program will organize caravans in Ilocos Sur province to provide quality healthcare and social services to residents.
The said caravan, which is an initiative program of First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, will be held in various venues in partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, the Department of Health (DOH), and other national government agencies.
The initiative provides free health services, including laboratory testing, x-rays, consultations with specialists, and free medicines, for the Filipino community.
Gov. Jeremias Singson said this is a result of the continuing networking of the provincial government to bring greater assistance to the people of Ilocos Sur.
“On Wednesday, Jan. 17, we will hold a medical mission in Sinait town to cater to the nearby municipalities; Jan. 18 in Santa Cruz town also with the nearby municipalities; and Jan. 19 in Candon City, likewise with nearby municipalities and upland towns,” said Singson.
Dental and family planning services and the distribution of food packs will also be delivered during the LAB for ALL, according to the provincial government.
The DOH said participants may also receive free medical check-ups for pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, and other services.
He said these health caravans are pre-events for the main caravan, which will be held at the Vigan Convention Center in a schedule to be announced soon.
The same health services will be delivered to the participants from the city and nearby municipalities like Bantay, San Vicente, and Caoayan.
This is when the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Agriculture, National Housing Authority, and Public Attorney’s Office, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provide social services to the attendees.
Simultaneously, the TESDA will organize the "Lingap Caravan" at the gymnasium of the University of Northern Philippines, which will showcase a variety of products produced by students of technical-vocational institutions (TVI) in the province.
The TVIs will also lead demonstrations on pastry making, barista skills, empanada making, and inabel or cotton-loom woven textile weaving.
“In addition, the One Ilocos Sur health caravan will simultaneously be held in Narvacan town on Jan. 19. Truly, with one objective to excellently execute our mandates, we bring nothing but perfection to our services,” Singson added.
Similar to the “Lab for All”, the One Ilocos Sur health caravan delivers free health services and assistance to the residents of the province up to the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
It is held monthly or bimonthly upon the request of local government units. (JCR/MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
