Saturday, October 15, 2021

Butuan boys benefit from 'operation tuli'

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Unconscious of the pain they might get from the operation, the young boys from Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City accepted the challenge and put smiles on their faces after availing themselves the free ‘operation tuli’ (Circumcision Operation) organized by Brigada News FM Butuan, together with the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army and ‘Bisaya Gyud’ Partylist who extended assistance to ensure the success of the said activity.

Some 50 male children of different ages had safely undergone the circumcision operation and were thankful for the intervention and initiative of the organizers.

Kids during this time of health crisis are prohibited to be exposed outside their homes to prevent them from the transmission of the dreadful virus. Yet, these organizations had seen the need for children to still get the health and physical care they need as they grow. Hence, the group has organized this particular operation for the welfare of the male children.

Alias ‘Joey’, a 10-year-old boy, who was one of the beneficiaries, thanked the organizers for giving them due attention and providing them with the free service to the male children in their barangay. “Daghang salamat sa mga nitabang sa amo nga ma-tuli (Thank you so much to all who tried to help us be circumcised),” he candidly expressed.

According to Julius Lacerda, station manager of Brigada News FM, this Operation Tuli is part of their corporate social responsibility to the people in the community especially to the most vulnerable ones, which include the children.

“We are grateful that our objective to help the children during this time of health crisis was realized with the help also of our partners from the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, and of course, our very own 'Bisaya Gyud’ Partylist who truly cares and promotes the rights and welfare of the Visayan people not only here in Caraga region, but including those who are in other parts of the country. In unity, I believe we could all surpass this pandemic knowing we have them who are willing to extend the needed help to fulfill our objectives,” said Lacerda.

He also expressed his hope that more humanitarian activities such as this will be organized again that will benefit different sectors of society. “May our friends from the Bisaya Gyud Partylist be able also to reach out to more people and help them uplift their lives. Any help would be of great contribution to any sector who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

Meanwhile, Franco Caliguid, lead volunteer/representative of the Bisaya Gyud Partylist in Butuan City elaborated that the group wanted to reach out to more sectors and serve as inspiration to the Bisaya people in Caraga region and promote the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and volunteerism. “We need to take an active part in addressing the concerns of our co-Bisaya people, and that is the main purpose and mission of the Bisaya Gyud Partylist. Let’s support each other as we continue to strive and survive in these trying times. Our efforts will continue as Bisaya Gyud reaches out to the most vulnerable sectors in the region,” he said.  

Colonel Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, also congratulated the organizers of the operation tuli and highlighted that the Army unit is all willing and ready to provide the needed technical assistance in this kind of humanitarian activity. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)