Christmas day is still a month away but two schoolchildren from typhoon-stricken San Remigio town will have their holiday wishes granted in advance by the Israeli government.
Nine-year-old Rex Niño Recto and Yanny Millor, 11, will fly to Israel tomorrow on an all-expense paid trip with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to undergo surgical procedure for cleft lip and palate repair.
Rex said he is thankful for the opportunity given by the Israelis.
Rex, with his grandmother Crisenciana Lopez and Yanny paid a visit to the Provincial Capitol yesterday.
“Nalipay ko kaayo nga ma-operahan ko. Mura na ni ug pinaskuhan ug birthday gift nila nako (I am very happy that I will get operated. This is like a Christmas gift and a birthday present for me),” said Rex, who will celebrate his 10th birthday in January.
Rex wants to become a policeman, while Yanny aspires to be a doctor.
Lopez said she was hoping the medical procedure would help the children fulfill their dreams.
The families of both kids rely on farming for their livelihood in the northern Cebu town.
Rex has five siblings while Yanny has nine.
The Israeli troops chanced upon the two boys in barangay Canagahan, San Remigio town while on their way to install a water purifier in the area, said Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera.
After seeing the boys’ condition, one of the Israelis approached the two and brought them to their tent hospital beside the Severo Verallo Memorial District Hospital for a checkup.
Upon examination, the Israeli doctors decided to bring Rex and Yanny to a hospital in Israel for reconstructive surgery and further medication.
With around 120 medical doctors, nurses, and paramedics, the makeshift medical facility in Bogo is able to hold 17 major surgeries and dozens of minor surgeries including orthopedic operations.
After their relief mission, the Israeli forces will turn over the tent hospital to a German-Austrian nongovernment organization, which will continue giving medical attention to those affected by the supertyphoon.
The Israeli forces have also donated $500,000 worth of medicines to the Cebu provincial government last Tuesday together with 20 water purifiers set up in various locations in northern Cebu.