Spreading ‘Lab’

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visited Baler, Aurora on Tuesday to bring her “LAB for ALL” project to the province.

She was joined by her youngest son, Vincent, as they delivered much-needed healthcare services and government support to the residents.

“My son Vincent would always rave about the waves in Baler but today it was the warmth and kindness of the people that stole my heart,” she wrote in a social media post.

The First Lady led the distribution of medicines, oral health family packages, food packs, and rice.

“We brought LAB for ALL to Aurora to make healthcare and government support more accessible — right where it matters most. I hope we brought a little help and a lot of hope to the community today,” she added.

Mrs. Marcos expressed her appreciation to Governor Rey Tolentino, Aurora Lone District Representative Rommel Angara, and the Angara family for welcoming her and her team to the province.

The wife of former senator and current Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Elvira “Tootsy” Angara, thanked the First Lady for bringing her project to the province.

“We are sincerely thankful to the First Lady for bringing Lab for All to Aurora. We would be delighted to welcome you back with open arms anytime,” Angara said.

Supporters of Mrs. Marcos expressed their support for her visit to Aurora. “This is a big help to our fellow kababayan,” a commenter said.

After the LAB for ALL event, Mrs. Marcos took a peek at the soon-to-open National Museum of the Philippines in Baler.

“There’s something truly special about seeing our history come to life, especially for students. This museum will be a place where the people of Aurora can connect with our heritage, reflect on our journey, and celebrate the richness of who we are as Filipinos,” she said.

FL not joining BBM in U.S.

Meanwhile, for the first time since 2022, the First Lady will not be joining President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his upcoming trip to the United States from 20 to 22 July.

This was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro in a brief statement: “Hindi po (No).”

Castro did not elaborate on the reason Mrs. Marcos won’t be joining the President, saying he had already selected the members of his official delegation.

“Yes, he will have some people with him, but I’m not sure if I have the authority to disclose the details. It might be better to ask the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) about that,” Castro said in a radio interview.

But she did say the President’s economic team will be in the delegation.

Marcos’s meeting with US President Donald Trump is expected to touch on key issues such as the 20-percent tariff imposed on Philippine goods, a proposed free trade agreement, national security, the West Philippine Sea, and further strengthening the bilateral ties between Manila and Washington.

Since President Marcos assumed office in 2022, the First Lady had accompanied him on all four of his previous visits to the US.