The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 5 successfully released a total of P1,878,000 Cash Relief Assistance during the LAB FOR ALL (Laboratory, Konsulta at Gamot para sa lahat) launching in the Province of Sorsogon on July 18, 2024  at the Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium, Sorsogon City.

This program is a community-based health project that provides free primary healthcare services to the public, in accordance with the Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act. 

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos personally led the event in collaboration with the national government agencies, provincial government of Sorsogon and other participating private sectors.

Through the Assistance to Individuals In Crisis Situation (AICS) headed by DSWD Assistant Secretary for Regional Concerns, Paul Ledesma, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, and Dir. Edwin Morata, Director lll of Program Management Bureau (PMB), 939 indigent individuals from Sorsogon City (297), towns of Gubat (424), and Casiguran (218) received P2,000 cash each.

Apart from the cash assistance, DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) also provided relief supplies to each individuals.

The cash and relief assistance was specifically given to the indigent individuals or families who are severely affected by the inflation to help them with the challenges they are facing due to the increasing prices of basic commodities.

DSWD Bicol was able to assist thousands of people in-need during the said event which is part of their continuous service and commitment to help the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and displaced individuals.