MOH-BARMM Provides Free Circumcision Services to Residents of Basilan Province
COTABATO CITY (April 29, 2025) — Over 670 young boys in Lamitan City received free circumcision services during a three-day Oplan Tuli—Serbisyong Angkop sa Mamamayan (Oplan SAM) campaign held from April 22 to 24, 2025. This initiative was a collaboration between the Ministry of Health – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) and the City Health Office of Lamitan, forming part of the MOH-BARMM’s “Kasama MOH sa Kalusugan Program (KMS-k).”
The campaign was launched at the Sta. Clara Rural Health Unit (RHU) and led by Guiamalia A. Dimaren, RN, Nurse V, and KMS-k Coordinator of MOH-BARMM, as well as Dra. Mikaela Maria T. Puri, the Officer-In-Charge City Health Officer of Lamitan. They received support from Mayor Roderick H. Furigay and the local government. Medical teams operated at various locations, including the Lo-ok RHU and the City Health Office.
On Day 1 at the Sta. Clara RHU, a total of 205 boys were circumcised. Day 2 at the Lo-ok RHU saw 97 boys circumcised, and on Day 3 at the City Health Office, 368 boys underwent the procedure.
Oplan SAM acknowledges the cultural and religious importance of male circumcision in the Bangsamoro region, viewing it as a rite of passage and an act of purification. The program promotes hygiene and infection prevention while ensuring access to this significant cultural practice.
Dra. Puri stated, “This program ensures that our communities, especially those in underserved areas, receive culturally sensitive and accessible healthcare.” She added, “It reflects our shared commitment to health, tradition, and dignity.”
The success of the campaign underscores MOH-BARMM’s dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare services that respect and integrate cultural practices. (USM OJT Student: Melody N. Flores, BMN/Bangsamoro Today)
