It’s that time of year again — when people go on vacation and when Pinoy boys are scheduled to undergo “tuli” or circumcision.
Despite medical data saying that the operation is not necessary, the practice remains popular among Filipinos.
In fact, according to a study done by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 93% of Pinoy males are circumcised. The rate much higher than for the rest of world, which is only at 30% to 33%.
That said, an Umagang Kay Ganda report cites the warning of the Department of Health (DOH) against non-medical professionals practicing the so-called “tuli de pukpok.”
In some parts of the country, people still send their kids to be circumcised by an “albularyo” or medicine man. Some say, the albularyo uses a chisel-like tool and pounds it on the tip of the penis until the skin covering it is removed.
The DOH says the practice leaves the boys susceptible to urinary tract infection and other complications.
As such, the DOH advises parents to have their kids circumcised in health centers and other reputable medical facilities by capable medical personnel.
