Cleft lip, palate patients receive free surgery in Masbate
LEGAZPI CITY — At least 41 patients, mostly children with cleft lip and palate from Masbate province, can now smile with renewed confidence and hope after benefiting from a surgical and medical mission, officials said.
The project is called “Golden Smile, Brighter Tomorrow.”
It is organized by the Phil. Gold Processing and Refining Corp. (PhilGold), in partnership with the Masbate provincial government and Operation Smile Philippines Foundation Inc.
“We believe that caring for the community goes beyond providing opportunities—it means restoring dignity, confidence, and hope,” PhilGold president Ryan Rusk said in a statement.
“Through Operation Golden Smile, we are committed to giving each child and every patient the chance to smile again and live a fuller life,” it noted.
The Golden Smile program recently provided free cleft lip and palate surgery to patients aged 2 months to 49 years, along with post-surgery care, treatment, medicines and transportation and accommodation support.
A team of 40 fully credentialed medical volunteers was deployed to perform the procedures at the Masbate Provincial Hospital.
The team comprised plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, operating room nurses, a pediatrician/intensivist, dentists, speech pathologists, a biomedical technician, a patient imaging technician/photographer, and a child life specialist.
Emiliano Romano, outgoing executive director for the Philippines at Operation Smile International and incoming regional director for Asia, said the foundation has already performed 350,000 surgeries worldwide, along with comprehensive care.
In the Philippines alone, its team of accredited, board-certified, and experienced volunteer medical and healthcare professionals has performed 35,000 surgeries since 1988.
He said the foundation focuses on provinces with a high number of patients, such as Masbate, which led to the decision to bring the program to the province.
PhilGold senior medical superintendent Dr. Alexis Bautista noted that beyond surgery, the program provides comprehensive care, including speech therapy, nutrition counseling and dental services.
“We continue the support, which for us is more important because the operation is just the start. The result we aim for is the life-changing experience,” Bautista said.
He added that the experience can also inspire others to undergo the procedure and not be ashamed of their condition, to live with a golden smile. /apl
(With a report from Carlo Martin Cruel, OJT/PNA)
