In a powerful display of service and solidarity, the AMA School of Medicine (ASM/AMASOM) took part in the third leg of the nationwide “Lab for All” program held in San Juan, La Union. The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady under the leadership of Liza Araneta-Marcos, continues to expand access to essential health and social services for underserved Filipino communities.
Bringing Government Services Closer to the People
The “Lab for All” program reflects a vision of inclusive, people-centered governance—one that ensures no community is left behind. Designed to deliver integrated services directly to grassroots areas, the initiative offers medical care, social protection, livelihood support, and digital assistance, particularly benefiting families in remote and marginalized sectors.
For residents of 41 barangays in San Juan, the outreach was more than just an event—it was an opportunity to receive quality healthcare without the usual barriers of distance and cost.
1,476 Lives Touched Through Free Medical Services
As part of its mission to develop socially responsive and globally competitive medical professionals, ASM deployed a dedicated medical team to provide:
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- Free medical consultations
- Basic health screenings
- Risk assessment services
The effort successfully served 1,476 patients and community members, underscoring ASM’s commitment to real-world, community-based healthcare delivery.
A Strong Network of Collaboration
The success of the program was made possible through close coordination among several government agencies and local partners, including:
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- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
- Department of Health (DOH)
- PhilHealth
- Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
- Department of Agriculture (DA)
- Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
- Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)
- The Local Government Unit of San Juan, La Union
This inter-agency collaboration highlighted how coordinated public service can create meaningful and measurable impact at the community level.
Leadership in Action
Leading the medical mission was Dean Michael Maniwa, alongside faculty physicians Dr. John Rey Gonzales, Dr. Jonathan Iledan, and Dr. Eric De Leon. Their presence exemplified ASM’s standards of clinical excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care.
Supporting them were four foreign medical clerks enrolled at ASM—an inspiring reflection of the institution’s growing international community. Assigned to the Risk Assessment Station, the clerks conducted preliminary screenings, patient triage, and coordinated with partner agencies. Their involvement not only strengthened service delivery but also provided invaluable hands-on experience in community health work.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
ASM’s participation reinforced its strong emphasis on experiential learning. By engaging both local and international students in national public health initiatives, the school fosters cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and patient-centered competencies—essential qualities for modern physicians.
More than just a medical outreach, the “Lab for All” program served as a living classroom—where academic knowledge met community realities, and where future doctors learned the true meaning of service.
A Continuing Commitment to Public Health
Through its active involvement, the AMA School of Medicine reaffirms its role as a vital partner in advancing accessible, responsive, and integrated public services. As part of the AMA Education System, ASM continues to strengthen its position as a leading medical institution that integrates academic excellence, global perspective, and social responsibility.
Looking ahead, ASM remains committed to supporting future legs of the “Lab for All” program—contributing to preventive care, population health, and collaborative public service while shaping competent, compassionate, and community-oriented physicians for the Philippines and beyond.
