VIGAN CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur (PGIS), in collaboration with the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) Phi Sigma Gamma Medical Foundation, conducted the “Operation Free Tuli” for kids aged 7-17 in the province on February 12.

According to the Provincial Health Office of Ilocos Sur, there were 275 recipients of the free circumcision held at the Gabriela Silang Grounds of the Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital.

The PGIS and the UST-FMS also provided post-medication for the children.

Isagani Paet, father of 13 and 11 year-old recipients from Barangay Taleb, Bantay said: "We are grateful to the PGIS and UST-FMS for organizing the free circumcision project because we have been waiting for this. I have two sons, and it would cost us a fortune to have them circumcised by private doctors."

On the possibility of conducting another round of Operation Free Tuli, Doctor Trina Tabboga-Talaga, Provincial Health Officer and Chief of Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital-Gabriela Silang (ISPH-GS), said that they will "definitely conduct a Part 2" of the project. 

She said, "We saw the response of the people and how excited the kids are. We will carry out another one on the local government units, in order to bring the project closer to the public."

Meanwhile, those who were unvaccinated, and/or vaccinated but presented symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were subjected to antigen testing prior to the operation.

Three children tested positive and were immediately assisted by healthcare workers at the site.

The ISPH-GS chief said that during the initial surge of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the province in January, there was a significant number of kids who were infected. 

Dr. Tabboga-Talaga stressed that the COVID-19 cases are currently declining regardless of age, and different age groups are equally infected. (JCR/JPD/ATV PIA ILOCOS SUR)