General Santos City, Philippines — First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos spearheaded the launch of the “Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat” (LAB for ALL) Project, a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to bring free healthcare services to the most vulnerable sectors in the community. In collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies, the project aims to make essential healthcare accessible to those who need it most.
During her address at the event, First Lady Araneta-Marcos expressed her dedication to improving healthcare access, saying, “Ginawa ko po ang inisyatibong ito upang ipalapit sa taong bayan ang libreng tulong pangkalusugan para sa lahat at matulungan ang higit na nangangailangan, katuwang ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng ating gobyerno. Sama-sama tayong babangon para sa Bagong Pilipinas.” This sentiment underscores her commitment to a new vision for the Philippines, where healthcare and livelihood support reach the grassroots level.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 12 distributed a total of PHP 3 million in cash aid and family food packs to 1,500 households across 26 barangays. Each household received PHP 2,000 in cash, along with essential food supplies, bringing immediate relief to those struggling to meet their daily needs. Beneficiaries of this aid were identified by the Department of Health (DOH) following thorough medical check-ups, ensuring assistance reaches the most deserving individuals and families.
One of the day’s highlights was the aid extended to Margielyn Dimco, a 36-year-old student from the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS) program. Margielyn, a resident of Brgy. City Heights, faces challenges due to a cleft palate but has not let her speech impairment hold her back from pursuing an education and a career in bartending. The PHP 2,000 cash assistance will help her continue her schooling as she works toward her NC II certification in bartending. “Dako nga tabang kag bawas sa gasto ni mama ang kani nga assistance,” she expressed, emphasizing the support’s significance to her family.
In addition to the healthcare focus, the event showcased the government’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods. The DSWD awarded over PHP 600,000 in livelihood grants to two Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) associations in the area. The CUPA SLP Association received PHP 189,080 to bolster their meat and egg-selling enterprise, while the Sinawal Women’s SLP Association was awarded PHP 453,840 for agrivet supplies, enabling these groups to expand their income-generating initiatives in agriculture, handicrafts, and retail.
Participants in the Sustainable Livelihood Program also presented their products, with the Maranao Vendors SLP Association displaying traditional handicrafts and Antonio F. Pacin showcasing intricate beadwork. These displays highlighted the DSWD’s dedication to empowering local communities through culturally resonant economic opportunities.
The event drew a number of high-ranking DSWD officials, including Undersecretary Ulysses Aguilar, Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma, Regional Director Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya, and Assistant Regional Directors Bonifacio V. Selma and Emerita Dizon, alongside Promotive Services Division Chief Nanig C. Sanoy. Their attendance reflected the department’s strong support for integrating livelihood assistance with healthcare initiatives, aimed at fostering holistic community development.
The LAB for ALL initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving lives through accessible healthcare and sustainable economic support, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities in General Santos City and beyond are not left behind in the country’s journey towards progress.
