More than 300 officers and their dependents from the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) benefited from free medical, dental, and social services provided by the Philippine National Police Officer Ladies Club Foundation Inc. (PNP-OLC), Bicol Chapter, du Sring the Lab and Blessings (LAB) Virus event on Wednesday.
In her speech at the ceremony, Teresa Bausa, president of the PNP OLC Foundation Inc. PRO5 Chapter, emphasized the organization’s mission as a noble cause of service, concern, and hope, assuring PNP personnel that they are not alone.
“Despite health challenges and the silent battles of life, we are here, ready to help in any way we can, whether small or large. Through this project, we offer not just a cure, but comfort; not just service, but solidarity. Through medical consultations, dental check-ups, and health lectures, we aim to meet your needs and promote a healthier and stronger PNP community,” Bausa said in Filipino.
She reassured beneficiaries that they have not been forgotten.
“You matter. This day is proof that there are people and institutions ready to help, who care, and who believe in your strength and resilience. To all members of PRO5, doctors, nurses, dentists, volunteers, and partners in this cause, we sincerely thank you for your unparalleled dedication. Your presence today is a powerful reminder that true service is not just a duty, but a work from the heart,” she said.
The services included free circumcision (operation “tuli”), breast examinations, health lectures, free dentures, dental consultations, medical check-ups with basic laboratory services, eye examinations with free reading glasses, pneumococcal vaccines, fluoride applications, and the distribution of dental kits.
Participants also received nutrition counseling, psychological support, stress and anger management sessions, human papillomavirus (HPV) screenings, and health and wellness lectures.
One of the beneficiaries, Pat Merlyn Arcega, 27, from Oas, Albay, thanked the OLC for the financial assistance she received to support her ongoing medical treatment for gastroparesis.
“This is a big help for me. I need to go to Manila for my check-up every weekend, and the transportation costs are overwhelming. I didn’t think I would be included in the assistance, but with help and prayers, I was, and I’m very thankful for it. The assistance will ease my financial burden, as I also take medications and have a special diet,” she said in an interview.
Arcega thanked the OLC for providing financial help as well as groceries, a sack of rice, and toiletries.
“To all the OLC officials and advisers in the PNP family, I am thankful for this program. This is not just financial assistance but an answer to our prayers for health care. I hope you continue this program and touch the lives of many,” she said.
Police Executive M/Sgt. Clarita Luis also expressed her gratitude to the OLC for their initiative to support members of the PNP.
“Ma’am Mary Rose Marbil, you have given us great help. Thank you for continuing the program and for helping those PNP personnel with illnesses. On behalf of the Kasurog cops, thank you so much,” she said.
Rose Vicky Dizon, adviser of the PNP OLC Foundation Inc. PRO5 Chapter, said that LAB Virus is more than an acronym as it represents “Our core mission brought vibrantly to life.”
“This simultaneous nationwide wave of compassion and service is a testament to the unity and shared purpose that binds us as part of this noble PNP family. It is a resounding declaration that the spirit of service, emanating from the hearts of our personnel and their families, is a force for immense good throughout our nation,” Dizon said.
“Here in PRO-5, we have always embodied a special warmth and a strong sense of community. As we participate in our own LAB Virus initiatives today, we reaffirm this commitment,” she added. (PNA)
