Parents across Angeles City are expressing gratitude to Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. for the return of the city’s free circumcision initiative, which continues to ease the burden on families by providing accessible health services.
The “Magpatuli Para Pogi” program officially began on May 26 and will run until May 30, aiming to serve 1,650 boys aged 10 and above from all 33 barangays. The procedures are conducted across six Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Sto. Domingo, Pandan, Lourdes Sur East, Lourdes Northwest, Balibago, and Cutud.
Syrose Dimacali, father of 12-year-old Joshua from Barangay Sapalibutad, said they learned about the program through their barangay group chat. “Malaking tulong ito sa amin bilang magulang kasi hindi na kami gagastos. Maraming salamat po Mayor Pogi sa proyekto ninyong ito,” he said.
Joana Marie Maneses, who brought her 11-year-old son Cyril Rish, found out about the program on Facebook. “Siyempre malaking tulong kasi wala pong bayad. Sana tuloy-tuloy pa po ang ganitong mga operasyon,” she said.
Ronald Aquino, guardian of 12-year-old Zian Tacutacu, shared the financial relief it brings. “Kung sa clinic, aabot ng ₱2,000 hanggang ₱3,000 ang gastos. Malaking ginhawa ito sa mga magulang at guardian,” he said.
Since its relaunch in 2022, the citywide circumcision drive has benefited 8,091 boys, promoting reproductive health, hygiene, and disease prevention.
“Hindi lang ito serbisyong medikal — ito ay pagtugon sa kalusugan at kaginhawaan ng mga magulang,” said Mayor Lazatin, who visited all six RHUs on the first day to monitor the program’s rollout. He was joined by City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra and GAD Officer-in-Charge Mina Cabiles.
Each participant received an aftercare kit with antibiotics, mefenamic acid, and Betadine, supervised by Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel and Chief Adviser IC Calaguas. The operations were carried out by 30 health professionals from the City Health Office and Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center.
Originally launched by former Mayor Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin from 2002 to 2007, the circumcision program remains one of the city’s flagship public health efforts under Mayor Pogi Lazatin, reflecting his administration’s dedication to preventive and inclusive healthcare for all Angeleños.
