Metrobank and Toyota Turn Over Mobile Labs in “Lab for ALL” Project

Written by Harry Creo on October 3, 2024. Posted in About Metrobank Foundation, Grants, News, Press Release, Programs

In a continuation of their commitment to enhancing healthcare access, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) have handed over their second, third, and fourth mobile laboratories under the “Lab for ALL: Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat” program, an initiative led by the Office of the First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos.

The turnover ceremony took place on October 3, 2024, at Rizal High School in Pasig City, with the mobile labs benefitting the people of Pasig City, Tacloban City, and the municipality of Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur. The event was graced by the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who showed his support for the initiative and its mission to bring healthcare closer to Filipino communities.

“Lab for ALL” aims to provide free and accessible healthcare services to Filipinos, particularly in underserved communities. The mobile laboratories donated by MBFI and TMPF are equipped with modern medical devices such as ECG machines, ultrasound, and x-ray technology and will be utilized to meet the healthcare needs of residents in the mentioned areas. The units were officially received by Pasig City Mayor Vico N. Sotto, Tacloban City Health Officer Dr. Gloria Fabrigas, and Santa Catalina Vice Mayor Niño R. Realin.

This turnover follows the first mobile laboratory donation of MBFI and TMPF to Bacolod City in June, marking a significant partnership of the private sector with the Office of the First Lady on a shared mission to improve healthcare accessibility nationwide. This event is part of the total commitment of five (5) converted Toyota Coaster units from the Metrobank and Toyota group.

“Delivering healthcare for all is a huge task for the government to handle alone. That is why, our teams at the Metrobank Foundation and Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation are working together to bridge this gap, to ensure that even the most underserved communities will get the medical care that they need and deserve,” stated GT Capital Holdings, Inc. Vice Chairman Alfred V. Ty during the ceremony.

The mobile laboratories are designed to deliver on-the-go healthcare services, ensuring that even remote or disaster-stricken areas have access to essential diagnostics and medical consultations. These efforts align with MBFI’s 45-year legacy of community service and TMPF’s commitment to improving local healthcare facilities through public health programs as well as medical and surgical missions.

In his speech during the turnover ceremony, President Marcos emphasized the importance of health, stating, “Ang kalusugan ay kayamanan. Walang silbi ang lahat ng yaman kung hindi maayos ang ating kalusugan. Ang mga proyektong tulad ng “Lab for ALL” ay isang malaking tulong para sa ating mga kababayan. Layunin nito ang makapaghatid ng serbisyong medikal para sa lahat, lalong lalo na sa mga nangangailangan.”

President Marcos also acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in partnering with the government to ensure access to healthcare in communities, “Nais ko rin ipahayag ang taos-pusong pasasalamat mula sa pribadong sektor gaya ng Metrobank Foundation at Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation. Sila po ang namahagi at nag-donate ng tatlong mobile van na may kumpletong pasilidad.”

“The joint effort of MBFI and TMPF with the Office of the First Lady symbolizes the belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing the country’s healthcare needs. These mobile laboratories represent the next step toward ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of location, can access the medical care they deserve,” Aniceto Sobrepeña, Metrobank Foundation President emphasized.

In the photo:
From left to right: Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation First Vice President Josephine Villanueva, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation President Lito Aligada, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation President Masando Hashimoto, GT Capital Holdings, Inc. Vice Chairman Alfred V. Ty, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr., Lone District of Pasig City Congressman Roman Romulo; Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña, Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Acosta, and Metrobank Foundation Executive Vice President Philip Dy.