Published in the Negros Daily Bulletin newspaper on July 22, 2017

Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares III met with Nikki Lopez Benitez to plan the groundwork for a major 3-day medical and surgical mission, to start November 9, at the Teresita Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Close to a 50-man medical team from the Makati Medical Center Foundation, including surgeons and operating room nurses, will operate on major and minor cases, including thyroid, hernias, cleft lip and palate, gallbladder stones, OB gynecological cases such as ovarian cysts and small breast masses, among others, a press release from Talisay said.

Benitez’s team was accompanied by Drs. Erwin Dizon and Jake Manalastas, and Jeceryl Jover, and was met by the mayor, Vice Mayor Sam Siote, Councilor Nicolai Jalandoni, Ismael Penado, Talisay City Health Officer, Dr. Joy Gladys Guanzon, Josel Faisan and Marlyn Simondo.

The schedule for the first screening of patients will be on October 7, and the final screening on November 7, the press release added.*