The first surgical mission of the Cebu Provincial Government, under a new administration, was carried out in the City of Bogo in line with the 456^th Founding Anniversary of Cebu.

Among the services offered are free surgical procedures, a few of these were major operations carried out on August 10, 2025.

Beneficiaries arrived early at the City of Bogo Provincial Hospital for the medical mission launched in line with the founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu on August 6, 2025.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro and local officials led the health caravan that offers various medical services, such as free consultation and distribution of medicines, eye checkup and free reading eyeglasses, as well as dental services.

Surgical procedures offered include removal of gallstones, hernia repair, among others.

“They are highly sought after surgeons, highly specialized, ngilngig ni ilang techniques and they're giving it for free,” Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, Capitol pro bono consultant on public health, said.

One of those who benefitted from the operation is the conductor of the City of Bogo Rondalla, who performed together with the students he trained prior to the surgical mission.

After the program, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak chanced upon the conductor at his hospital room preparing for the operation for the removal of gallstones.

“Super dako gyud nga tabang, ako nga taga-Bogo, so definitely naa mas duol as compared mobiyahe kas siyudad, takes a lot of time and money,” Slavsky Ybañez, one of the beneficiaries, said.

Another resident, Ploriza Malinao, accompanied her husband who sought consultation for cataract.

“Operahanan gyud sa iyang cataract, paadtoon siya sa Cebu, i-schedule lang daw...dako kaayo'g tabang kay makatabang sa katawhan,” Malinao said.  

Baricuatro vowed to conduct a bigger medical mission to cater to more constituents in the next round of the health services caravan.

The surgical mission is set to take place in other provincial hospitals within the month-long celebration of the founding anniversary.

“Diri naa gyud siya'y surgical, ang didto sa Camotes purely medical consultations, hopefully madala nato ingon ani nga kind of medical mission to the islands as well,” Baricuatro said.

The activity has also extended the medical services to persons deprived of liberty in jail facilities of Bogo City and Medellin.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) provided legal consultations as well.

“Kung ano man po ang hindi namin kayang ibigay sa legal matters, sa dental matters, medical, at least napunuan po,” said Jail Senior Inspector Kelven Baclea-an, warden of Bogo City Jail.