A 68-year-old man and a 34-year-old LGBT community member made headlines after undergoing circumcision during a public health campaign in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The procedure was part of “Operation Tuli,” a city-led initiative promoting hygiene and preventive care. What caught attention was not just their participation, but the cash incentives that followed.
City Councilor Emilio “Doc” Galaroza personally performed the operation with assistance from nurse Jamie Javier of Lapu-Lapu City.
The elderly participant, whose name was not disclosed, received a ₱20,000 cash incentive after the operation. Meanwhile, an LGBT community member identified only as “Alias Miya,” a 34-year-old resident of Barangay Mactan, received ₱10,000.
The move was praised by some locals for encouraging public health engagement, while others were surprised by the amount of incentive given.
While no official statement explained the reasoning behind the specific incentive amounts, the local government emphasized inclusivity and community support during the event.
The participation of an elderly man and an LGBT individual in a procedure often associated with adolescents sparked conversations online and within the city, with many pointing to the courage and openness of the participants.
The circumcision program continues to be one of the city’s health outreach initiatives, offering free services and, in this case, significant incentives.
