PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Seven women from Zamboanga del Sur have successfully undergone free surgical procedures for gynecologic cancers, thanks to a visiting team of specialists bringing critical healthcare directly to the province.
The mission, held at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC), was timed to coincide with National Women’s Month. 10 members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SGOP) conducted the surgeries, marking the organization’s first outreach initiative for 2026.
One beneficiary, Rosamie Loyola, shared her appreciation for the local government and the medical team: “Nagpasalamat pud ko atong mga espesyalista nga miabot dinhi sa amoa para mag-opera ug kay Governor Divina nga naghimo ani nga programa,” she said. (I am thankful to the specialists who came here to operate on us, and to Governor Divina for making this program possible.)
Another patient, Claribel Tati, highlighted the financial relief provided by the mission. “Walay nagasto. Libre asta ang tambal. Pasalamat ko kay Governor kay siya gyud ang gipilian sa outreach nga muanhe [sa probinsya],” she said. (We did not spend anything. Even the medicines were free. I am thankful to the Governor because our province was chosen for this outreach.)
According to ZDSMC chief Dr. Anatalio Cagampang Jr., seven out of eight initially screened patients were cleared for surgery. The project aims to provide specialized cancer care to underserved regions, specifically targeting women who lack the resources to travel outside the province for treatment.
SGOP President Dr. Marie Aleli de Castro-Malig emphasized the foundation’s dedication to reaching isolated communities. “It has always been our mission to elevate the level of care in the Philippine setting, especially in areas without gynecologic oncologists,” she said.
The initiative serves as a timely reminder during Women’s Month of the ongoing efforts to prioritize women’s health and ensure essential medical services are accessible to those in need.| (JPA/HTB/PIA9 Zamboanga del Sur/ with reports from Victory Zamboanga del Sur)
