35 children get free cleft-lip, palate surgeries in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A total of 35 children born with cleft-lip and palate benefitted from the free surgeries provided by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and a non-government organization Friday in a military base here.

The Westmincom, with the coordination of the Advance Craniofacial Project Philippines Inc., conducted the five-day program since Monday at Camp Navarro General Hospital inside Camp Don Basilio Navarro, headquarters of Westmincom.

“The objectives of the activity are to provide hope to children with cleft deformities and advocate equity by targeting underprivileged families,” said Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Westmincom.

Rosario said the doctors from Manila spearheaded the surgeries on the patients who were screened last January 24. Those who passed the screening process were billeted at the adjacent Naval Force Western Mindanao barracks and provided with an antigen test as part of the health protocols against the spread of coronavirus disease.

The operation program was coordinated by Lt. Col. Wendell Basat, assistant chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Rosario said.

“We are happy to be instruments of this life-changing event that brought joy to the children with cleft-lip and cleft palate and their families,” Rosario added.

The Westmincom commander also expressed his gratitude to the ACPPI doctors and promised to work with the team in providing similar free surgeries to underprivileged residents in remote areas in southern Philippines.