LAB for ALL Program Provides Aid to Families Affected by Tropical Storm “Kristine”
TALISAY, BATANGAS – The “Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat” (LAB for ALL) program, led by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and DigiPlus Interactive, has distributed vital assistance to families mourning the loss of loved ones in the wake of Tropical Storm “Kristine.” The program provided affected families with food, essential supplies, and cash aid on Sunday to support their recovery.
Government’s Commitment to Disaster Relief
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, through a message from Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping communities devastated by the storm. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, involving the national and local governments as well as private organizations like DigiPlus Interactive, in delivering aid effectively.
“Just like what our beloved President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. always says, our government is ready to help until you can rise again and return to your normal way of life,” Gatchalian expressed. He further highlighted the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the partnership between government and society, which aligns with the goals promoted by President Marcos.
Aid Distributed to Bereaved Families
Through the LAB for ALL initiative, essential items were distributed to families who lost loved ones to the severe weather. Each family received a package containing 25 kilos of rice, water, medical kits, grocery items, and family food packs. DigiPlus Interactive contributed additional cash assistance to cover burial expenses and support home repairs, helping families rebuild after the storm’s destruction.
The DSWD had previously provided P10,000 in burial assistance to each affected family during an earlier visit from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Gatchalian. This financial aid aimed to ease the immediate financial burdens facing these families.
Officials in Attendance
During the distribution event, several officials joined First Lady Araneta-Marcos to extend their support. In addition to Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, DSWD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group Diana Rose Cajipe, Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma, and DSWD-CALABARZON Regional Director Barry Chua attended. Local leaders, including Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Talisay Mayor Nestor Natanauan, and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, were also present to demonstrate solidarity with the affected communities.
Emphasis on Technology in Expanding Healthcare Access
In a related development, First Lady Araneta-Marcos recently met with officials from CareSpan Asia Inc. to discuss the role of digital technology in expanding healthcare access. The meeting underscored the company’s alignment with the LAB for ALL program’s goal of delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities across the Philippines.
“My meeting with CareSpan Asia reminded me so much of why we started our ‘Lab for ALL’ program—to bridge the gap in healthcare access for every Filipino,” said Mrs. Marcos. “With initiatives like theirs, we’re moving closer to a digitalized future where quality care is just a click away, reaching even the farthest communities.”
CareSpan Asia’s digital care platform incorporates telemedicine, electronic health records, and other digital tools to improve healthcare delivery. By making medical services available to those in remote areas, this integrated platform is set to transform healthcare in the Philippines, expanding access and reducing barriers to medical care for underserved populations.
Looking Forward
As the LAB for ALL program continues its outreach, it underscores the government’s dedication to supporting disaster-stricken communities. Through partnerships with both public and private sectors, the initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also seeks to build a resilient healthcare system that serves every Filipino. With ongoing efforts from programs like LAB for ALL and advancements in digital healthcare, families affected by disasters can expect continued support in the face of future challenges.