Over 200 women aided in Sagay oncology mission

BACOLOD CITY — More than 200 women from Sagay City and nearby towns in northern Negros received free medical and surgical services during a two-day gynecologic oncology mission held at Alfredo E. Marañon Sr. Memorial District Hospital.

The mission was spearheaded by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines as part of its community service program.

It partnered with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society–Negros Island Region Chapter, the Philippine College of Surgeons and the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists.

A total of 218 patients were served, including 96 gynecology consultations, 54 Pap smears, 19 visual inspections with acetic acid and 49 breast examinations.

One patient was admitted for further treatment.

Fifteen gynecologic oncology surgeries were performed, ranging from tumor debulking to complex hysterectomies and other specialized procedures.

Patients came from Sagay, Cadiz, Manapla, Toboso and Victorias.

The team of SGOP specialists was led by Community Service Head Dr. Melchor Dela Cruz, along with Dr. Cristine Palma, Dr. Lilibeth Sia Su, Dr. Helen Yambao, Dr. Rey Delos Reyes, Dr. Lizette Strebel, Dr. Weng Montinola, Dr. Lilia Tinio, Dr. Joy David-Vallega and Dr. Martha Parroco.

“We, the group of gynecologic oncologists, are beyond grateful to Congressman Alfredo ‘Thirdy’ Marañon III, Mayor Bebo Cueva and Dr. Fe Marañon for their unwavering support,” said Dela Cruz.

Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo D. Marañon III thanked the SGOP team for their dedication and for sharing their expertise with underprivileged patients.

Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva also expressed appreciation to the SGOP for choosing Sagay as the host site and for their generosity in delivering much-needed healthcare services to women.

Dr. Cyrille Adraneda, officer in charge of AEMSMDH, thanked the partner organizations, particularly the SGOP and the hospital’s OB-GYN team led by Dr. Mae Villalba.

Additional support came from specialists and surgical teams from Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital, Riverside Medical Center and Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital.

Medical equipment was also provided by Lopez District Hospital, Cadiz District Hospital, Vicente Gustilo District Hospital and Valladolid District Hospital.

As part of the program, Sagay City also inaugurated the newly renovated emergency room of the district hospital.

Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Dr. Mel Alexis Serondo was also present during the opening program of the medical mission.