‘Tuli na kayo, mga Inday!’ LGBTQ+ trio joins Cebu鈥檚 free circumcision drive
Layla, Lesley, and Hanabi pose for a photo with volunteers of Lapu-Lapu City’s Libreng Tuli program after undergoing free circumcision on May 30. (From the Facebook post of Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan)
MANILA, Philippines — “Tuli na kayo, mga Inday!”
In dresses, slippers, and proud grins, Layla, Lesley, and Hanabi stood against a wall and posed with crisp bills fanned out across their faces like victory fans. They weren’t at a pageant or a pride rally—but fresh out of minor surgery.
On Friday, May 30, these three members of the LGBTQ+ community in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu became the most unexpected stars of Lapu-Lapu City’s “Libreng Tuli” (Free Circumcision) program, held at the Hoop Dome in Barangay Gun-ob.
“Congratulations sa inyo Layla, Lesley at Hanabi! Tuli na talaga kayo, mga Inday!” Mayor Junard Chan said in a Facebook post in Cebuano.
The program’s slogan, “Walay apo ni Lapulapu nga pisot!” (No grandchild of Lapulapu shall remain uncircumcised), has underscored its blend of cultural revival and medical advocacy.
Tuli is a Filipino rite of male circumcision with deep cultural roots, often seen as a mandatory passage into manhood. In the provinces, the traditional method—known as “pukpok”—is performed without anesthesia. It involves forcefully cutting the foreskin using a knife guided by wood, making the experience painful and sometimes traumatic for boys.
This has led some Filipino males to skip the tradition and hide the fact that they are uncircumcised, as it is often seen as shameful and may expose them to ridicule or bullying from peers. However, adult circumcision is also viewed as unusual and equally embarrassing, further discouraging those who missed it in childhood.
Photo courtesy of Lapu-Lapu City Information Office
Chan emphasized that the city’s program promotes inclusivity and seeks to break the stigma surrounding adult circumcision, especially for those held back by fear, misinformation, or social pressure.
READ: Philippine ‘circumcision season’ underway after coronavirus delays
To encourage greater participation, particularly among adults, the city offers cash incentives: P10,000 for men aged 20 and above and P20,000 for senior citizens.
On May 22, a 67-year-old man from Barangay Calawisan availed of the free procedure and received the top-tier P20,000 incentive.
Beyond tradition, Chan underscored the medical benefits of circumcision—including reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and penile cancer.
Held annually, the Libreng Tuli program is run by the City Health Office and City Hospital. While it primarily caters to boys entering adolescence, this year’s iteration stood out for its inclusivity and adult engagement.
“Participants also enjoyed free burgers, ice cream, medicines, and candies, making the experience less intimidating and more enjoyable, especially for the younger boys,” said the Lapu-Lapu City Information Office. /jpv/dm
