FORTY-TWO patients have benefitted from the three-day free cleft lip and palate surgical procedures initiated by the Advance Craniofacial Project Philippines, Incorporated (ACCPI).

The three-day activity, held from March 7 to 9, 2023, at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City, was facilitated by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Of the 42 beneficiaries, 18 were females, while the remaining 24 were males.

Nasher Omar, 47, was among the patients who underwent free surgical operations.

He underwent Cheiloplasty, a surgical modification of the lips.

Nasher was very happy after seeing that the deformity on his lip was gone.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and facilitators of the activity.

The parents and patients were very grateful to the ACCPI and Westmincom for helping those in need.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Roy Galido, commander of Westmincom, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the ACCPI when the group led May Ann Padilla, the chief executive officer, for initiating the activity.

“It is a great sense of fulfillment to show our love, care, and concern for those who suffer from this condition. Through this free cleft lip and palate surgical operation, we allowed them to experience a better life, free from bullying, humiliation, and ostracism,” Galido said. (SunStar Zamboanga)