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Young boys in Barili town availed themselves of free circumcision during the summer community outreach program of the Microfinance Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI Micro-finance) held last April 14, 2018 at the Barili Gymnasium, Barili, Cebu.

“Tuli” or circumcision, considered a rite of passage to manhood, is a Filipino tradition usually done during summer when boys are on a school break. Aside from being part of tradition, circumcision is also good for the hygiene.

One of the patients, James Ewican was all smiles when he walked out of the operating room.

“It didn’t hurt but I still got scared. I’m happy it’s over now. I can now call myself an adolescent,” he added.

His mother Cheryl expressed her gratitude to RMF and to the volunteers for the free circumcision and medicines that were given to them after the procedure.

Three doctors, five medical student volunteers, and three nurses from the local RHU unit of Barili facilitated the operation.

Other free services offered during the outreach program were breast and cervical screenings for early detection of breast and cervical cancer, dental services, optical services, blood typing, blood sugar testing, and medical consultations. There were also free massages, orientations on livelihood opportunities and government services.

The event was made possible with the help of the following partners: Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center, Banilad Center for Professional Development, Pilmico, Pau de Arco, AMSA-SOMA of Cebu Institute of Medicine, volunteer doctors and nurses, and PhilHealth.

RMF conducted another community outreach program last April 28 in Canlaon, Negros Occidental.

The Microfinance Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI Micro-finance) provides financial and non-financial services to micro-entrepreneurs with a mission of elevating lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities through stable and rewarding livelihood.