PORAC Vice Mayor Dexter David and Councilor Fritzie David Dizon hosted a medical mission for more than 450 patients at the Jose Songco Lapid Cultural and Civic Center.
The event featured free dental services for 150 patients and circumcision for 300 patients. The medical mission included free medicines for the beneficiaries.
Board Member Fritzie David Dizon said the medical mission aimed to address the dental needs of indigent residents and also to provide free circumcision services to young boys of the town.
Circumcision is a rite of passage in Philippine culture. Officials and some medical practitioners encourage it for various health benefits from circumcision, such as easier hygiene, decreased risk of urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections, and the prevention of certain penile problems, including penile cancer.
The circumcisions were performed by doctors using modern techniques with the aid of anesthesia to minimize pain and encourage faster healing. Such procedure is much safer and less painful than the traditional circumcision or what is commonly known as “pupok,” according to David.
Vice Mayor David said that the medical mission was made possible with the help of the Philippine Air Force Medical and Dental Team, Pampanga Health Office Dental Team, Philippine National Police Medical Team and the Porac Municipal Health Office.