A 27-year-old resident of Sitio Humay-humay in Barangay Pajo walked away with P10,000 in cash after undergoing a free circumcision under the city’s “Operation Tulî” program on May 20, 2025.
According to a GMA Regional TV report, the amount was handed over by Barangay Basak Chairwoman Jasmine Chan, who also serves as president of the city’s Association of Barangay Councils.
The initiative, held at the Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob, caters to both children and adults, with special incentives for older participants: P10,000 for those aged 20 and above, and P20,000 for senior citizens. The city government hopes the bold move will help destigmatize adult circumcision and encourage more residents to access proper medical care.
Circumcision remains a widespread cultural practice in the Philippines, typically done during a boy’s early adolescence. The city times its program during school breaks to accommodate the large number of children participating.
According to Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, the overwhelming interest in the program prompted the local government to extend it over three days—May 20, 22, and 30—with a separate session set for residents of Olango Island on June 3.
The City Health Office led the operations, assisted by government agencies and local medical schools.
Marvin Sancho, a father of three boys aged 11, 9, and 7, accompanied his sons to the venue. “Habang may mga batang umiiyak o natatakot, mayroon ding iba na naglaro lang ng cellphone para maibsan ang kaba,” he shared.
To make the experience more bearable, the city also offered participants free ice cream and snacks from a popular fast food chain. By noon, the number of circumcised boys had already reached 1,000.
