TO promote more “smile makers” in the Philippines, cleft charity Smile Train yesterday launched an exhibit, #SmileMakerAko, at the Ayala Center Cebu. Located in the mall’s level one, the exhibit runs until Sunday, July 30.
Smile Train partnered with Ayala Malls to help bring more awareness and advocacy for children born with clefts.
The exhibit features the beneficiaries’ success stories after undergoing cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care through the help of the organization. It also showcased images of Smile Train’s volunteers, supporters, patients and ambassadors, including local celebrities Marian Rivera and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
“Smile Train recognizes the need to reach more people in Cebu and surrounding countries in the Philippines. Our goal is to continue to spread awareness about Smile Train and to educate people about clefts and the impact cleft repair surgery has on a child,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train Philippines country director. “Holding this exhibit served as an invitation among Filipinos to bring more smiles to children with clefts.”
In Cebu, Smile Train’s partner hospitals are Cebu North General Hospital and Perpetual Succour Hospital.
Since 2001, Flaviano said that the charity has operated on more than 50,000 kids with cleft nationwide.
For more information about Smile Train's global efforts and to donate, visit smiletrain.org. Follow Smile Train on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.