Operation Smile to return to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Brighter smiles await children born with cleft lips and cleft palates in the Province of Cebu.

Sugbo TV, the official news leg of the Cebu Provincial Public Information Office (PIO), reported that a meeting was held between the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation, Inc. (MSYFC) and Governor Gwen Garcia for plans of Cebu hosting Operation Smile once more.

Operation Smile is a medical program that provides reconstruction surgery for children who were born with cleft lip and cleft palate.

Founded in 1982, the organization has reached 37 cities in the Philippines, including Cebu with the help of volunteer medical and non-medical personnel.

Since its founding, it has served 6,000 children all over the nation.

This year, Yeung, known Cebuana philanthropist, intends on bringing Operation Smile back to Cebu with the help of the governor.

Yeung said Garcia has already committed to helping spread the word of the upcoming charity program.

Also present during the meeting was Dr. Vivina C. Chui, MSYCFI medical director.

According to Chui, the services will not only be limited to Cebuanos but also to patients from neighboring cities and municipalities.

The registration period will be on March 20 and will run until March 28. (FREEMAN)