As one of its avowed mission, the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America just concluded its annual surgical mission to the Philippines. This time it was in Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines, January 22-28 2017. Logistical arrangements for the surgical mission was through the efforts of Dr. Edgardo Gamboa and his wife Dr. Lucy Gamboa, both of whom practice in California and who are from Cebu. 

The mission was sponsored by the Cebu Institute of Medicine and the Velez General Hospital, the Perpetual Succour Hospital , and the Santo Nino Charity Clinic in Pasil, Cebu. Despite some logistical snafus that materialized during the mission week, 364 procedures were performed by the surgical mission group that included dental, ophthalmological, general and obstetrics surgeries as well as anesthesia , nursing and volunteer groups most of whom came from US and Canada as well as local missionaries from the Philippines.

Several businesses and civic organizations as well as local NGOs contributed to the mission. Dr. Ed Barcelona and Dr. Ed Quiros, co-chairs of the Surgical Mission Committee thanked all who participated giving everyone certificates of appreciation during one of the dinner events. Next surgical mission venue will be either Palawan or Legaspi, Albay. Definite location will be decided at the SPSA’s Spring Board Meeting next month.

Pictured above are some members of the surgical mission in front of Betania Retreat House where most stayed.