Village Connect
In the coastal town of San Juan, La Union, healthcare came closer to the people as the AMA School of Medicine (ASM) joined the third leg of the nationwide “Lab for All” program—an initiative led by the Office of the First Lady under First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Designed to bring essential government services directly to underserved communities, the program transforms public spaces into one-stop hubs for medical, social, and livelihood assistance.
For residents across 41 barangays, the event was more than a government caravan—it was an opportunity to access healthcare without the usual barriers of distance or cost. A total of 1,476 patients and community members received free medical consultations, basic health screenings, and risk assessment services. Through this outreach, ASM reaffirmed its belief that medicine must extend beyond classrooms and hospitals, reaching families where they live and work.
As part of the AMA Education System, ASM carries a mandate to develop socially responsive and globally competent physicians. Its participation in “Lab for All” reflected this mission in action. Leading the delegation was Dean Michael Maniwa, joined by faculty physicians Dr. John Rey Gonzales, Dr. Jonathan Iledan, and Dr. Eric De Leon. Together, they delivered patient-centered care grounded in clinical expertise and compassion—qualities that define the institution’s standards of excellence.
The initiative also became a living classroom for four foreign medical clerks enrolled at ASM. Assigned to the Risk Assessment Station, they conducted preliminary screenings, assisted in triage, and coordinated referrals with partner agencies. Their presence underscored ASM’s growing international community and commitment to multicultural medical education. Beyond technical skills, the students gained valuable exposure to the realities of grassroots healthcare—where cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and adaptability are as crucial as clinical knowledge.
The success of the San Juan leg was made possible through collaboration among multiple government agencies and the local government unit. Working alongside ASM were the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, PhilHealth, TESDA, DICT, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Public Attorney’s Office, and other partners. This coordinated effort embodied the program’s core vision: integrated and people-centered service delivery.
For ASM, involvement in “Lab for All” is not a one-time engagement but part of a broader commitment to nation-building through healthcare. By aligning academic training with community outreach, the institution strengthens both public health outcomes and medical education. It demonstrates that producing competent physicians also means cultivating empathy, civic responsibility, and a readiness to serve diverse populations.
As future legs of the program unfold across the country, the AMA School of Medicine stands prepared to continue its role—bringing preventive care, health education, and collaborative service to communities in need. In doing so, it not only supports a national vision of accessible healthcare but also shapes a new generation of doctors defined by skill, compassion, and purpose.
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