Parents who availed of the program welcomed the return of the city government’s free circumcision initiative, expressing appreciation for the continued efforts of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. to support families through accessible health services.
The program, which kicked off on May 26, 2025, aims to serve 1,650 boys from the 33 barangays here.
Dubbed “Magpatuli para Pogi,” the program caters to boys aged 10 and above and will run until May 30, 2025, across the RHUs in Sto. Domingo, Pandan, Lourdes Sur East, Lourdes Northwest, Balibago, and Cutud.
Syrose Dimacali, father of 12-year-old Joshua Dimacali from Barangay Sapalibutad, said the service saved them from having to pay hospital fees.
“Nag-chat sa group chat namin si Kapitana na may libreng tuli kaya pumunta kami sa City Hall para magpa-register. Malaking tulong ito sa amin bilang magulang kasi hindi na kami gagastos. Maraming salamat po Mayor Pogi sa proyekto ninyong ito.”
Joana Marie Maneses, whose 11-year-old son Cyril Rish M. Lapuag joined the program, found out through social media.
“Nakita ko po sa Facebook. Siyempre malaking tulong kasi wala pong bayad. Maraming salamat po Mayor Pogi, sana tuloy-tuloy pa po ang ganitong mga operasyon para mas maraming matulungan.”
Ronald Aquino, guardian of 12-year-old Zian Tacutacu, noted the financial relief it brings.
“Nalaman ko po sa Facebook. Malaking tulong na libre na siya — kasi kung sa clinic aabot ng ₱2,000 hanggang ₱3,000 ang gastos. Thank you po Mayor Pogi, malaking ginhawa ito sa mga magulang at guardian.”
Since its launch in 2022, the citywide simultaneous circumcision drive has already provided free procedures to 8,091 boys, with the goal of promoting reproductive health, hygiene, and disease prevention.
“Hindi lang ito serbisyong medikal — ito ay pagtugon sa kalusugan at kaginhawaan ng mga magulang. Hangad po natin ang ganitong mga programa upang maseguro na walang batang Angeleño ang mapag-iiwanan,” said Mayor Lazatin.
Mayor Lazatin personally visited all six RHUs during the first day of the program to monitor its implementation, accompanied by City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra and Gender and Development Officer-in-Charge Mina Cabiles.
Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, who is supervising the program with Chief Adviser IC Calaguas, said each child received an aftercare kit containing antibiotics, mefenamic acid, and Betadine to help ensure proper recovery.
The operation is conducted by a team of 30 health professionals from the City Health Office (CHO) and Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC), including midwives, nurses, and doctors.
The “Magpatuli para Pogi” program continues to be one of the flagship health initiatives of Mayor Lazatin, reflecting the city government’s commitment to accessible and preventive healthcare for all Angeleños.
The free circumcision program was first launched in Angeles City during the stint of Mayor Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin from 2002 to 2007.