Over 200 screened for free cataract surgery, leg prosthesis in Cebu City

CEBU CITY, Philippines — More than 200 Cebu City residents seeking free cataract surgery and leg prosthesis assistance underwent screening and assessment on Friday, June 5, at the Cebu City Hall Social Hall, exceeding organizers’ initial expectations.

The activity, organized by the Cebu City Government in partnership with private organizations, aims to identify qualified beneficiaries who may receive free cataract operations and prosthetic limbs through the city’s health assistance programs.

Dan Lopez, administrator of the City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (Champ), said organizers initially expected around 200 participants based on pre-registration records.

However, the number of attendees surpassed that figure during the morning session.

Despite the turnout, Lopez assured residents that all applicants who came to the venue would still be accommodated.

“Yes, we will still accommodate them,” he said when asked whether individuals who arrived on-site would still be entertained despite exceeding the expected number of participants.

Screening process continues until December

Champ Executive Director Raychie M. Lomongon said the profiling and assessment of beneficiaries for the cataract surgery program will continue from June until December this year.

He explained that applicants must first undergo a cardiopulmonary (CP) assessment and secure medical clearance before they can be declared fit for surgery.

Lomongon added that there is currently no set limit on the number of beneficiaries who may qualify under the program, provided they participated in the June 5 assessment.

He also noted that 67 patients successfully underwent cataract surgery through the program last year.

The executive director said the city government allocated P350 million to Champ this year to support its various health assistance initiatives, including but not limited to the cataract surgery program.

Restoring sight, easing financial burden

For 59-year-old Robert Borromeo of Barangay T. Padilla, the program offers an opportunity to regain his vision without the financial strain of paying for surgery at a private facility.

Borromeo, a habal-habal driver, said he previously benefited from the same program when he underwent cataract surgery on his right eye in December 2025. He returned on Friday, hoping to qualify for treatment for his other eye.

He expressed gratitude to the city government and its partners for making the procedure accessible to residents who may otherwise struggle to afford it.

“If we go to a private clinic, we really have to spend money. At the very least, it would cost around P5,000,” Borromeo said.

Hoping to walk and work again

Among those seeking assistance under the leg prosthesis program was 77-year-old Antonio Espinosa Labra of Barangay Guadalupe, who arrived at the venue accompanied by his two grandsons.

Labra said a friend informed him about the program and encouraged him to undergo an assessment in hopes of qualifying for a free prosthetic limb.

“I hope I will be included because this would be a huge help to me. Maybe I could find small jobs again,” he said.

He added that the support of his family motivated him to attend the screening and pursue the opportunity.

If selected as a beneficiary, Labra said he hopes to share his experience with future applicants to encourage others facing similar circumstances.

READ: Cebu launches Right to Care Program through new executive order

Bringing services closer to residents

Lomongon emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the city government’s health programs, saying Champ remains open to engaging with communities and various sectors to reach more residents in need of assistance.

He said informing the public about available services allows more individuals to access programs that could improve their quality of life.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. also visited the venue during the event to show support for the participants.

READ: DOH, Philhealth to let poor patients avail of free cataract surgery

After delivering a short message, the mayor spent time interacting with residents who attended the screening and assessment activity.

The city government’s Prosthesis Assistance Program is implemented in partnership with the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, A.L. Buenavista Enterprises Inc., and Art Leg PH.

Meanwhile, the Cataract Surgical Charity Event is also carried out in collaboration with the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, together with Aces Eye Referral Clinics and Charity Vision.

READ: Cebu’s free surgery drive delivers up to ₱12M worth of operations

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