The First Lady’s Corner: 1,500 Iloilo folk receive med services
Photo Courtesy of Liza Marcos|FB
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the latest leg of the Lab For All health caravan in New Lucena, Iloilo, which offers free medical consultations, laboratory services, medicines, and government aid to around 1,500 residents.
During the event on Tuesday, the First Lady expressed a strong bond with the province, calling Iloilo her “second home.”
“Iloilo will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where my father was born, and it’s where I’ve had the privilege of teaching law. Visiting New Lucena today is even more meaningful because this time, we brought our Lab For All team to provide free medical checkups, government services, and livelihood assistance directly to the Ilonggos,” Mrs. Marcos said.
She also reflected on her husband’s commitment to accessible healthcare.
“During my husband’s last State of the Nation Address, he called for bringing laboratory and primary healthcare services closer to our kababayan. That’s why we’re here today, fulfilling that promise,” she said.
The First Lady’s father was born at St. Paul’s Hospital in Iloilo, and she spent much of her childhood immersed in the Ilonggo culture and cuisine. She also teaches law at West Visayas State University.
The Iloilo stop marked the final leg of the health caravan before it temporarily pauses for the election period. Operations are expected to resume after the polls on 12 May.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across various government sectors.
“The most valuable resource of our country is its people and their health. All departments, offices, and local government units must work together to ensure the health and well-being of our citizens,” he said.
From 26 to 28 April, approximately 1,000 residents from Barangays Bilidan, Bolalacao, and Jelicuon benefited from over 3,800 medical services provided under the program.
Key officials who joined the First Lady in New Lucena included Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, New Lucena Mayor Liecel Mondejar Seville and Iloilo Board Member June Mondejar.
The Lab For All program, a flagship initiative of the President and the First Lady, brings essential health services to underserved communities nationwide.