More than 500 residents from six barangays in Tabaco City, Albay received medical, dental, and livelihood assistance during a mission organized by the Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list on Monday.

AKB Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon said the mission, called the “Tarabangan Caravan,” aims to bring essential government services to remote areas. “We are visiting various towns across six provinces, and this is our 22nd Tarabangan Caravan,” Bongalon said.

In an interview, 59-year-old Alicia Brozo from Barangay Bantayan expressed gratitude for the free medical services that helped ease her pain.

“My legs have been hurting for some time, and check-ups are expensive. Thank you very much, AKB,” Brozo said in the vernacular.

Another beneficiary, Mercy Boncodin of Barangay Bangkilingan, said she came early to take advantage of the free check-up. “Everything was easy. My chest often hurts, so I’m happy I received a check-up and free medicine,” the 42-year-old shared.

Gigi Bon of Barangay San Antonio, who suffers from asthma, was thankful for the timely assistance. “I didn’t have the money for my asthma medicine, so thank you, AKB. I really appreciate this,” she said.

Aside from medical and dental services, the caravan also offered haircuts, massages, snacks, and distributed sacks of rice.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted training on basic solar power installation for residents. (PNA)