On June 14, 2024, a successful community health event entitled Operation Manhood: Free Circumcision was conducted at Pedro H. Escueta Memorial Elementary School, located in San Antonio, Biñan, Laguna. This program aimed to provide free circumcision services to young boys in the community and promote public health, hygiene, and awareness.
The event was organized by the University of Perpetual Help Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University (UPH-DJGTMU) Alumni Association, Inc., under the leadership of Mr. Erich Allan Fernandez, who currently serves as the president of the Alumni Association and also acts as the adviser of Nightingale’s Promise of Care, one of the key partners in this mission.
The program was made possible through the cooperation and joint efforts of several organizations. These included the Biñan Lions Club, Perpetual Help Medical Center Biñan (Jonelta Clinical Division), UPH-DJGTMU Community Outreach Program, UPHSL Community Outreach Department, UPHDJGTMU College of Pharmacy Alumni, and the Unified Laguna Pharmacists Association Inc. (ULPHA Inc.). The involvement of all these groups made the event more organized, efficient, and successful.
During the program, many young boys from San Antonio and nearby areas received free circumcision services. The medical and volunteer teams ensured that each child was given proper care, medical attention, and post- operative medication. Parents and guardians were also given instructions on how to care for the boys after the procedure to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.
The role of Nightingale’s Promise of Care was especially significant in the success of the event. Their team helped ensure that all participants received complete and compassionate care. Their commitment to service greatly contributed to the smooth flow of the activity and the comfort of the children involved.
Aside from the circumcision procedure itself, the event also provided an opportunity to educate the community about proper hygiene, health practices, and the importance of accessible medical services. Volunteers and organizers worked hand-in-hand to create a safe, clean, and supportive environment for everyone present.
The success of Operation Manhood is a clear example of what can be achieved through unity and service. It showed how healthcare professionals, alumni, volunteers, and local organizations can come together to serve the needs of the community. Events like these not only promote physical health but also strengthen the bond between the medical institutions and the people they serve.
Operation Manhood was a well-executed and meaningful health mission that made a real difference in the lives of many young boys and their families. The organizers and partners deserve recognition and appreciation for their dedication, generosity, and teamwork. This event serves as an inspiration for future outreach activities that continue to prioritize the health and well-being of the community.
