Free cleft lip surgery to benefit 100 kids

CEBU, Philippines – At least 100 children with cleft lip and cleft palate will be able to avail of a free operation as the Rotaplast International offers its services here in Cebu this September 15 to October 3 at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Rotaplast International is a non-profit humanitarian organization providing free surgery and treatment to those with cleft palate in different countries.

During the 888 Forum yesterday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in Lahug, officers of the Rotary Club of Cebu Port Center, who will be hosting the activity, shared the various plans that they are considering in line with the free operation that is sponsored by Rotaplast International District 5050 and the province of Cebu.

Anton Florendo, former district governor of Rotary, said that this is the first mission of the Rotaplast outside South America where their missions are usually carried out.

Rotaplast, according to Florendo, comes from the words Rotary and plastic surgery and that it is a project based in San Francisco where members of the Rotary are tasked to conduct 15 missions yearly.

“This is the 7th year for the free operation for those with cleft palate and the organization chose to do it here in the Philippines, specifically in Cebu,” Florendo said.

The operation which usually costs P70,000 to P100,000 each will be done for free for children one-year old and above who need the operation and will pass the pre-screening this July 18 at the outpatient department of the VSMMC. Screening will be from 8 a.m. to noontime.

Rotary officials also welcome those who would like to help out through financial aid or sponsorship.

Benedict Uy, president of the RCPC, shared that they wish to be of help to more children in other projects, not just the free cleft palate operation.

According to Uy, the free operation is just the start as they have other livelihood and environmental projects as well and the sustaining of previous activities like the dental and tutorial projects.

Also, the group will be constructing a school building for Guinsay Elementary School in Danao City, wherein 250 armchairs will be donated. Further, they are to strengthen their plan of putting up a pediatric ward in the city worth over P29 million. – AJ de la Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)