The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Center for Health Development actively joined this year’s first LAB for All initiative of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos bringing free health services and public health support to residents of San Juan, La Union on January 27, 2026,
As part of the whole-of-government approach under LAB for All, DOH Ilocos provided free laboratory tests, free medical consultations and free medicines and basic health services particularly benefiting indigent and underserved populations.
The LAB for All program, initiated to bring vital health services closer to communities, continues to strengthen access to preventive and primary care services. Since the launch of the program, Ilocos Region has already conducted a total of five (5) LAB for All activities, covering various provinces and cities across the region.
DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa Sec. Herbosa highlighted the importance of bringing essential health services closer to ordinary Filipinos — especially in provinces where access is limited. “This is our government’s commitment to public health. Ang ilapit ang mga essential services lalo na ang mga medical services upang lahat ng tao na nangangailangan ng alagang pangkalusugan ay mapagsilbihan at walang maiiwanan.”
Herbosa also emphasized that patients of DOH hospitals are now covered by Philhealth’s zero balance billing. “Dito sa La Union sa ITRMC po ay pwedeng kayong maka-avail nito upang wala po kayong babayaran kung sakaling kayo ay na-admit.”
There are a total of 1556 residents who availed of various health services. The regional office also distributed 300 Jerry cans and chlorine tablets, 300 oral health packages, 100 hygiene kits, 50 nutriboxes, 10, wheelchairs, 5 cane and 5 walkers for identified PWDs.
OIC Regional Director Dr. Pretchell Tolentino emphasized the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in improving health outcomes saying that through LAB for All, the health department were able to bring essential health services directly to communities, especially to those who need them the most.
“We remain committed to supporting this program by ensuring that quality medical services are accessible, timely, and responsive to the needs of our people,” Tolentino assured.
She added that the continued participation of DOH Ilocos in LAB for All activities reflected the Department’s commitment to Universal Health Care, preventive health services, and the national government’s thrust to reduce health inequities.
The DOH Ilocos Center for Health Development continues to work closely with local government units, national government agencies, and partners to expand the reach of LAB for All and further strengthen community-based health service delivery throughout the region. NLMonitor