Nickel Asia Corporation’s philanthropic arm brought hospital-level services directly to Eastern Samar through a four-day Intensive Surgical Services program in Guiuan.
NAC Foundation, Inc. (NACFI), in partnership with St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc. (SLMCFI), the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar, and the Municipal Government of Guiuan, conducted the medical mission at the Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital from February 16 to 19, 2026.
The initiative forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts focused on improving access to healthcare in its host communities.
During the mission, the St. Luke’s surgical team performed 38 major operations and 28 minor operations, addressing urgent medical conditions such as anterior neck mass, hernia, and cleft lip.
SLMCFI President Dr. Benjamin S.A. Campomanes, Jr. emphasized the goal of equitable access to 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,” he said.
Beyond surgical interventions, the program also focused on strengthening emergency response capacity in the community.
Through the St. Luke’s Healthcare Academy, 282 participants completed the Basic Life Support (BLS) for Bystanders training. Participants included barangay officials, local government personnel, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, 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 President Jose Bayani D. Baylon stressed the foundation’s focus on health and education, recalling the priorities set by Nickel Asia Corporation founder Manuel B. Zamora.
“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,” Baylon said.
Guiuan Municipal Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan expressed appreciation for the continued support of the company.
“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 program forms part of NAC’s broader contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through expanding access to healthcare and building local emergency response capacity.
As companies expand operations in host communities, how can sustained healthcare partnerships further strengthen trust and long-term community development?
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