NAC Foundation Inc., the philanthropic arm of Nickel Asia Corporation, in partnership with St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation Inc., the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar and the Municipal Government of Guiuan, conducted a four-day intensive surgical services programme at Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital from February 16 to 19.
The initiative delivered specialised surgical care to residents of Eastern Samar, highlighting collaboration between the private sector, healthcare institutions and local government units to improve access to medical services in underserved communities.
A total of 38 major operations and 28 minor procedures were performed by the St. Luke’s surgical team, addressing conditions including anterior neck masses, hernias and cleft lip cases.
St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation President Dr. Benjamin S.A. Campomanes Jr. said the programme helps bridge healthcare access gaps in the province.
“The main purpose of all our work in the foundation is equitable health. Because the patients can’t come to the hospital, we bring the hospital to the patients. And one thing special with Nickel Asia is that they have committed to help with surgical missions once a year,” Campomanes said.
In addition to surgeries, the programme included Basic Life Support training aimed at strengthening community emergency response capabilities.
Through the St. Luke’s Healthcare Academy, 282 participants completed BLS for Bystanders training. Attendees included barangay officials, local government personnel, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management units and the Philippine National Police.
Nurse Richard Calingasan II of the St. Luke’s Healthcare Academy underscored the importance of community empowerment.
“What we really want, in accordance with the mission and vision of SLMCFI is to empower the community that’s why I’m here to give knowledge, and knowledge can save lives,” he said.
NAC Foundation President Jose Bayani D. Baylon said the initiative reflects the company’s long-standing focus on health and education in its host communities.
“When Manuel B. Zamora, founder of Nickel Asia Corporation, entrusted me with leading NACFI, he emphasised two priorities: health and education. Education, he said, empowers people to rise above poverty; health, because many carry not just the burden of economic hardship, but also the heavy cross of illness. It is our hope that through this partnership with St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc., we can help lighten those burdens and bring meaningful, lasting care to the people of Guiuan,” Baylon said.
Guiuan Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan expressed appreciation for the support.
“My heart is full of happiness and gratitude for the love that you gave to my people. In good times and in bad, Nickel Asia Corporation and Hinatuan Mining Corporation are always there for us,” she said.
The surgical mission forms part of Nickel Asia’s broader contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being, by expanding access to quality healthcare and strengthening local capacity for emergency response.
Through sustained partnerships with government and medical institutions, NACFI and SLMCFI aim to continue delivering comprehensive healthcare services and long-term capacity-building programs to communities across Eastern Samar and beyond.
