Operation Smile Philippines will lead this year’s first ever celebration of Smile Day Philippines on Saturday, November 7 at the Eastwood Mall Open Park in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.
Patterned after the Smile Day celebrations held towards the end of the year in other countries such as Australia, Smile Day Philippines will officially become an annual event to highlight the importance of smiles that mirror one’s confidence and beauty.
Operation Smile Philippines is the first local foundation organized by Operation Smile to provide free reconstructive surgery for Filipino children with cleft.
An opening in the lip, the roof of the mouth or the soft tissue in the back of the mouth, cleft is due to factors such as maternal illness, drugs or malnutrition. It is more than just a cosmetic problem as it causes starvation, respiratory ailments, ear infections, as well as psychological and sociological implications. In the Philippines, it is estimated that one in every 500 children has cleft or other congenital facial deformity.
Since 1988, Operation Smile Philippines has been mounting all-Filipino medical missions in the smaller municipalities not reached by the annual international mission of Operation Smile. To date, the organization has enabled more than 100,000 patients to get free comprehensive healthcare evaluation and over 25,000 to receive free reconstructive surgeries.
The organization further refines a health care delivery model that works to identify and address solvable health problems, provide education and training to physicians and forge public and private partnerships.
“Although many patients with facial afflictions have already received help, twice as many remain in need. This is why we continue to fight for those who still suffer with such correctable deformities. And this is possible through seeking partnerships with people and groups who share and support our spirit and our missions,” said Gian L. Trebol, executive director, Operation Smile Philippines.
This year, the organization partnered with real estate giant Megaworld for the perpetual venue of Smile Day Philippines. With how Megaworld develops its townships like Eastwood City to be a growing community where residents, BPO workers, students and mall-goers can experience life with a smile, Operation Smile Philippines found the townships a befitting place for the celebration.
Aside from Eastwood City, Smile Day Philippines will also be held simultaneously in McKinley Hill, Southwoods City, Iloilo Business Park and The Mactan Newtown.
Will you be at the Smile Day Philippines this Saturday?
