BACOLOD City – More than 200 women from Sagay City and nearby towns in Negros Occidental received free medical and surgical services during a two-day gynecologic oncology mission held at the Alfredo E. Marañon Sr. Memorial District Hospital (AEMSMDH).
The August 22-23 mission was spearheaded by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP) as part of its community service program, in partnership with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS)–Negros Island Region Chapter, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists.
A total of 218 patients benefited from the initiative, which included 96 gynecology consultations, 54 pap smears, 19 visual inspections with acetic acid, and 49 breast examinations. One patient required hospital admission.
Fifteen gynecologic oncology surgeries were also performed, ranging from tumor debulking and complex hysterectomies to other specialized procedures. Patients came from the cities of Sagay, Cadiz, and Victorias, and Manapla and Toboso towns in northern Negros.
The SGOP team was led by Community Service head Dr. Melchor Dela Cruz, along with Dr. Cristine Palma, Dr. Lilibeth Sia Su, Dr. Helen Yambao, Dr. Rey Delos Reyes, Dr. Lizette Strebel, Dr. Weng Montinola, Dr. Lilia Tinio, Dr. Joy David-Vallega, and Dr. Martha Parroco.
“We, the gynecologic oncologists, are beyond grateful to Cong. Alfredo ‘Thirdy’ Marañon III, Mayor Bebo Cueva, and Dr. Fe Marañon for their unwavering support,” Dela Cruz said.
Negros Occidental 2nd District’s Rep. Alfredo D. Marañon III thanked the SGOP for its dedication to serving underprivileged patients and for sharing its expertise with the community.
Sagay City mayor Leo Rafael Cueva likewise expressed his appreciation, saying the medical mission gave women access to healthcare services that they otherwise might not be able to afford.
AEMSMDH Officer-in-Charge and Chief of Hospital Dr. Cyrille Adraneda also extended gratitude to the SGOP and to the hospital’s OB-GYN team led by Dr. Mae Villalba.
Additional support came from specialists and operating room teams from Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital, Riverside Medical Center, and Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital. Medical equipment was also augmented by Lopez District Hospital, Cadiz District Hospital, Vicente Gustilo District Hospital, and Valladolid District Hospital.
During the medical mission, Sagay City also inaugurated the newly renovated emergency room at the district hospital./PN
