NAC Foundation, St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation deliver surgical services to Eastern Samar

via Graphic Plus — NAC Foundation, Inc. (NACFI), the philanthropic arm of Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), in partnership with St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc. (SLMCFI), the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar, and the Municipal Government of Guiuan, successfully conducted an Intensive Surgical Services program at the Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital in Guiuan, Eastern Samar from February 16-19, 2026.

The four-day medical initiative delivered surgical care to residents of Eastern Samar, underscoring a strong collaboration between the private sector, healthcare institutions, and local government units to improve access to specialized medical services in underserved communities.

A total of 38 major operations and 28 minor operations were performed by the St. Luke’s surgical team, addressing a wide range of urgent medical conditions such as anterior neck mass, hernia, and cleft lip. 

SLMCFI highlighted the significance of bringing advanced surgical services directly to the province, noting that such programs greatly reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.

“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,” said SLMCFI President Dr. Benjamin S.A. Campomanes, Jr.

Beyond surgical interventions, the program also focused on strengthening community emergency response capabilities through Basic Life Support (BLS) training.

Through the St. Luke’s Healthcare Academy, 282 participants from the community completed the BLS for Bystanders training. It equipped frontline responders and community leaders with essential lifesaving skills to manage emergencies while awaiting professional medical assistance. Attendees included barangay officials and LGU personnel, as well as members of the Philippine Coast Guard, local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management units, and the Philippine National Police. 

“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,” said Nurse Richard Calingasan II of the St. Luke’s Healthcare Academy.

NACFI emphasized that the initiative reflects the company’s continued commitment to the health and well-being of its host communities.

“When Manuel B. Zamora, founder of Nickel Asia Corporation, entrusted me with leading NACFI, he emphasized 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,” said NACFI President Jose Bayani D. Baylon.

“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,” said Guiuan Municipal Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan.

The Intensive Surgical Services program forms part of NAC’s broader contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by expanding access to quality healthcare and building 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.