Cebu Province Hits Milestone: 60 Major Surgeries in One Day at Free Medical Mission
Free Medical and Surgical Mission in Bogo Delivers Millions Worth of Care to Nearly 1,000 Beneficiaries
Bogo City, Cebu – In what officials describe as a landmark achievement for public healthcare in the province, the first day of the Cebu Provincial Government’s free medical and surgical mission at the Cebu Provincial Hospital–Bogo (CPH-Bogo) saw 60 major surgeries successfully completed in just 24 hours.
The feat was made possible by operating three surgical rooms with five operating tables running non-stop, coordinated by a network of skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff from across the province and beyond.
Millions in Healthcare Value, Delivered Free
Dr. Manuel Villamor, one of the mission’s lead organizers, estimated that each of the major surgeries performed would have cost between ₱150,000 to ₱200,000 in a private hospital—excluding doctors’ professional fees. This means that in one day alone, the mission provided an estimated ₱9 million to ₱12 million worth of surgical services, free of charge to patients who otherwise could not afford such operations.
“This mission is about making sure that no Cebuano has to forego necessary surgery just because they cannot afford it,” Dr. Villamor said.
Complex Procedures, Expert Teams
The surgical roster included laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones, adult and pediatric hernia repairs, and other complex cases typically requiring specialized facilities. These were handled by highly experienced surgeons from:
Sui Generis Missions (SGM)
Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery Core Group
SGM anesthesia, nursing, and auxiliary teams, with the support of industry partners
Dr. Henry Chua credited the seamless teamwork for the day’s success, highlighting that operating at such capacity without compromising quality demanded precision, coordination, and endurance from every member of the medical team.
A “Premiere” Healthcare Experience for All
Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan praised the dedication of the participating medical professionals and partner organizations:
“This mission showed what can be achieved when expertise, resources, and compassion come together. We were able to bring premiere-level healthcare directly to the people who need it most.”
She added that the mission underscores the strong collaboration between the provincial government and the medical community under Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s leadership.
“Our healthcare vision is not limited to urban centers,” she said. “It extends to underserved communities where access to specialized care is often scarce.”
Beyond Surgeries: A Full Spectrum of Services
While the 60 major surgeries were the headline achievement, the mission also provided a wide array of medical and support services, including:
Medical and Dental Services (Partial Census as of 4 p.m., August 10, 2025)
Minor surgeries: 161 patients
General consultations: 178 patients
Ophthalmology services: 191 patients
Dental services: 103 patients
Jail Outreach Medical Services
Bogo Jail: 33 legal consultations, 38 optical services, 31 dental services (48 tooth extractions)
Medellin Jail: 56 optical services, 44 dental services (61 tooth extractions)
HIV Screening
41 individuals screened
4 enrolled in PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention
In total, 970 individuals benefited from the first-day services, receiving everything from specialized surgical care to legal consultations and public health screenings.
Legal Aid and Public Health Combined
In a notable expansion of the traditional medical mission format, the program also incorporated free legal consultations through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu Chapter.
This ensured that access to justice was part of the wellness equation, particularly for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), who often face hurdles in securing legal assistance.
This integrated approach mirrors findings from the World Health Organization that social factors, including access to justice, significantly affect health outcomes and overall well-being.
Healthcare as a Pillar of Governance
Governor Pamela Baricuatro has made healthcare accessibility one of her administration’s top priorities, with a focus on:
Zero-billing policies in provincial hospitals
Expansion of specialized medical services to rural areas
Partnerships with private and non-government medical teams for large-scale outreach
She emphasized that such missions are part of a month-long celebration of Cebu Province’s founding anniversary, and that similar events are scheduled in CPH Danao, Balamban, and Carcar over the coming weekends.
“Our goal is simple,” Governor Baricuatro said. “Every Cebuano should have access to life-saving care, no matter their financial situation or where they live.”
Collaboration as the Driving Force
The success of the Bogo medical mission rested on seamless cooperation between government agencies, hospital staff, volunteer medical teams, and industry supporters who contributed equipment, medicines, and logistical resources.
Dr. Catalan noted that the mission’s high patient volume was only possible because of tight planning, disciplined execution, and a shared commitment to patient welfare.
Patient Stories Put the Numbers in Perspective
Behind the impressive statistics are personal accounts that illustrate the mission’s impact.
One patient, a farmer from northern Cebu, said he had endured gallstone pain for over a year but could not afford surgery. Another was a single mother who had been on a waiting list for hernia repair at a government facility; the free mission allowed her to have the procedure done within days of diagnosis.
Both patients expressed relief not only from their physical ailments but also from the anxiety of medical expenses.
Sustaining the Momentum
Public health experts, including those from the Philippine Statistics Authority and Department of Health, point out that consistent follow-up is essential to maximize the benefits of surgical missions. This means post-operative care, medication support, and health education must accompany the immediate intervention.
CPAC has confirmed that patients from the mission will receive scheduled follow-ups and that future outreach events will include preventive care to reduce the recurrence of common surgical conditions.
Conclusion
The 60 major surgeries completed in a single day at CPH-Bogo are more than just a medical milestone, they represent a profound statement about what accessible healthcare can achieve when government, professionals, and communities work together.
By delivering millions of pesos worth of care free of charge, integrating medical, dental, ophthalmological, and legal services, and reaching nearly 1,000 individuals in a single event, the Cebu Provincial Government has set a benchmark for what public service can look like in action.
As the medical and surgical mission continues to other towns, it carries with it the message that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that in Cebu, that right is being actively upheld.
