CARMONA, Cavite – The local government unit (LGU) launched a free circumcision drive at the Carmona Community Center in Barangay Cabilang Baybay on Tuesday, April 12.
The project, called Operation Manhood, offers the procedure for boys aged 10 years and above.

Municipal Health Office (MHO) nurse Serwin Quiohilag told the Manila Bulletin that they are expecting 800 to 1,000 boys to avail of the free circumcision service this year.
In 2020 and 2021, the LGU held Operation Manhood on Wheels, which used a medical bus in going around barangays for circumcision procedures amid the pandemic.
However, the bus only had space for one to two procedures at a time. In addition to that, the mobile circumcision program posed a personal challenge to some kids.
"'Yung iba po kasi, ayaw nila sa lugar nila, siguro nahihiya 'yung ibang bata 'pag nakita na nasa tapat ng bahay nila 'yung pila (Some kids get shy when people see them in line for circumcision in their neighborhood)," Quiohilag shared.
"'Yung iba naman na bata, gusto kasabay 'yung mga tropa nila (Some kids want to get circumcised with their friends)."
The MHO took advantage of the less-restrictive Alert Level 1 this April to hold the project on-site to be able to accommodate more patients.

After the circumcision procedure, patients are given free antibiotics and pain reliever medications.
Their guardians are also briefed about proper care and wound dressing, and are given a number to call in case they need a follow-up teleconsult.