Operation Tulî: Lapu-Lapu’s Inclusive Health Program Celebrates LGBT+ Participation

The energetic city of Lapu-Lapu is breaking boundaries with its groundbreaking “Operation Tulî” program that’s not just providing essential health services but actively celebrating diversity! In an exciting development this week, a 34-year-old member of our LGBT+ community joined the program and received a P10,000 cash incentive for their participation. Talk about inclusive healthcare that actually rewards courage!

Operation Tulî, the city’s free circumcision program, has been running at full speed at the Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob, where approximately 1,000 children received free procedures on just the first day. But what’s making this year’s program truly special is the warm welcome extended to adults and members of diverse communities who might have missed this cultural milestone in their youth.

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

The revolutionary program offers substantial cash incentives, P10,000 for adults 20 years and above and an impressive P20,000 for senior citizens, all aimed at destigmatizing adult circumcision. On May 20, a 27-year-old construction worker from Barangay Bankal received his P10,000 reward for participating, while a 67-year-old senior citizen from Barangay Kalawisan walked away with P20,000.

But it was the afternoon highlight when an LGBT+ community member, a resident of Barangay Mactan, stepped forward to participate in the program and received their P10,000 cash incentive, along with free medicines and care packages. This bold move signals a new era of inclusivity in traditional health programs.

More Than Just Medical Care

Beyond the medical service, Operation Tulî has transformed into a community celebration! Participants are treated to ice cream, snack items, family food boxes, and that sweet cash bonus that acknowledges their courage. The atmosphere at Hoops Dome has been electric, with families gathering and community leaders showing support.

Barangay Basak Chairwoman Jasmine Chan, who serves as president of the Association of Barangay Councils, has been personally handing over cash rewards to participants, emphasizing the city government’s commitment to this initiative.

Mark Your Calendars!

Can’t make it this week? No worries! Operation Tulî will continue with its third staging on May 30, 2025, right back at Hoops Dome. For our friends on Olango Island, the program will come to you on June 3, 2025.

While some critics suggest the funds could be allocated to other health initiatives, supporters praise Mayor Junard Chan’s program for breaking social stigma while promoting hygiene and health among adult males, regardless of their identity.

This is the kind of inclusive health programming our community deserves, one that celebrates courage, breaks down barriers, and wraps medical care in community spirit! Tag us if you go! #OperationTuli #InclusiveHealthcare #LabuLabuLove