Cebu marks 456th founding anniversary

CEBU CITY — Cebu Province is celebrating its 456th founding anniversary on Monday with a month-long lineup of activities anchored on public service — most notably, a province-wide medical mission aimed at reaching underserved communities.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro is leading the celebration, which began earlier this morning with a flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol grounds, joined by Vice Governor Glenn Soco, provincial board members, local mayors, national agency directors, and Capitol officials. The event was followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for Tabo sa Kapitolyo 2025, an agri-fishery trade fair that will run until 8 August.

But beyond the formalities, the heart of this year’s celebration lies in a sweeping medical outreach program. On 2 August, pre-surgical screenings were conducted in the cities of Danao and Bogo, and in the town of Balamban, ahead of a series of major and minor operations scheduled throughout the month.

The Cebu Provincial Health Office has organized surgical missions across multiple provincial hospitals: in Bogo on 9 to 10 August, Bantayan on 15 to 16 August, Danao on 16 to 17 August, Balamban on 23 to 24 August, Carcar on 30 to 31 August, and in the island towns of Poro and Pilar in Camotes on 7 to 8 August.

Procedures will include thyroid and breast surgeries, hernia repair for both children and adults, gallbladder removal through laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gastrostomy, treatment for peri-anal abscesses and anal fistulas, orthopedic operations, hemorrhoid removal and parotid surgeries. Minor procedures such as cyst excision will also be offered, alongside free dental checkups, vision services from optometrists and ophthalmologists and HIV screenings.

The celebration began earlier with a wellness program for Capitol employees on 1 August, underscoring the province’s focus on health and well-being.

Adding to the lineup of events is the Agri’Konek Food Summit 2025, organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 4-5 August. The summit is expected to bring together agri-food innovators, farmers, MSMEs, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the Visayas.

The provincial government has allocated P25 million to fund the month-long celebration, ensuring that this year’s founding anniversary leaves a lasting impact not just through festivities, but through meaningful service to Cebuanos across the province.