𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄-𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄-𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
BANTAYAN, Cebu — Hundreds of residents in Bantayan Island received “life-saving and life-changing healthcare services” during a three-day surgical and medical mission held from February 20 to 22, 2026.
The multi-specialty mission, spearheaded by medical teams from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), in collaboration with the staff of the Capitol-run Bantayan District Hospital, brought much-needed surgical, medical, and diagnostic services directly to patients who would otherwise need to travel to mainland Cebu for treatment.
The initiative forms part of the Cebu Provincial Government’s continuing efforts to bridge healthcare gaps in geographically isolated areas while long-term reforms are underway to strengthen hospital facilities, manpower, and systems across the province.
26 MAJOR SURGERIES, 43 MINOR PROCEDURES COMPLETED
A total of 26 major surgical procedures were successfully performed during the mission. These included five gynecologic surgeries, one direct pelvic laparoscopy, three cholecystectomies, five hernia repairs, eleven thyroid surgeries, and one occipital mass excision.
In addition, doctors conducted 43 minor surgical procedures, addressing various conditions that required immediate yet less invasive interventions.
RESTORING SIGHT AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO EYE CARE
Ophthalmology services were also a major component of the mission, benefiting 65 patients. Of these, 36 underwent procedures for pterygium, while 29 received cataract surgeries—restoring or significantly improving their vision.
Meanwhile, 177 individuals received optometry services and eye check-ups, ensuring early detection and management of vision problems.
PREVENTIVE CARE AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Beyond surgery, the mission emphasized preventive and primary care services. A total of 89 individuals underwent HIV screening—an important step in prevention, early detection, and timely access to treatment.
Dental services were likewise provided to 50 patients, addressing oral health concerns that often go untreated in remote communities.
COLLABORATION ACROSS SPECIALTIES
The mission was made possible through the coordinated efforts of VSMMS’c general surgeons, OB-GYNE specialists, anesthesiologists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and Capitol hospital personnel, whose combined expertise ensured safe and efficient delivery of services.
The Department of Health also showed support for the initiative, with DOH Regional Director Joshua Brillantes visiting Bantayan District Hospital during the mission.
HEALTHCARE BEYOND INFRASTRUCTURE
Dr. Nikki Catalan, the Capitol’s public health consultant, underscored that while infrastructure upgrades and manpower expansion remain ongoing priorities of the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro, missions like this serve as critical stop-gap measures to ensure that no Cebuano is left behind.
“As we continue reforms to upgrade our provincial hospitals, expand manpower, and institutionalize services, missions like these remind us that healthcare is not just about infrastructure, it is about people who show up, care deeply, and save lives,” Dr. Catalan said. | CAPITOL PIO, Photos by ASC
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