AMA Education System brings medical education to the frontlines

The AMA Education System (AMAES) joined the “Lab for All” initiative led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during its Cavite leg in Tanza, marking the first time a private educational institution participated in the nationwide outreach program.

Held at the Tanza Convention Center, the activity brought together healthcare services, legal assistance, and social services for residents, particularly those from underserved communities. The “Lab for All” program — short for Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot para sa Lahat — is a flagship initiative of the Office of the First Lady that provides free medical consultations, diagnostic and laboratory services, medicines, and health education through a community-based approach.

AMAES participated through AMA University and the AMA School of Medicine, making it the only private educational institution involved in the Cavite outreach. The institution said its participation reflects its commitment to extending education beyond the classroom and contributing to public service.

The AMA School of Medicine delegation was led by Dean Atty. Michael Maniwa, MD, along with Drs. John Rey Gonzales, Janice Paras and Eric De Leon. They were joined by medical clerks Chandu Aragonda, Dhivagar Muruganantham, Bhargav Regeti, Ravi Prasad Naik, Gopal Krishnan, and Pranay Kumar Reddy, who assisted in providing medical services and gained hands-on experience in community healthcare delivery.

According to AMAES, the activity allowed medical students to apply their training in a real-world setting while emphasizing patient-centered care, social responsibility, and compassion in medical practice.

The Cavite leg of “Lab for All” was supported by several government agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, PhilHealth, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Commission on Higher Education, among others.

AMAES said it intends to continue supporting future “Lab for All” activities as the program expands to more communities nationwide, underscoring the role of academic institutions in supporting public health initiatives and nation-building efforts.

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