THE Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental holds a five-day free cleft mission in Tagoloan, for 180 patients with lip cleft and cleft palate, serving as its biggest operations this year.
The capitol, in partnership with Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc.-Smile Train, invited at least four doctors to operate on 5 batches of patients or almost 200 patients, who are not only from Misamis Oriental, but also those from Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Tarlac City, among others.
The operations were conducted at St. Paul Hospital in Tagoloan.
Maryden Ocot, head of Misamis Oriental Cares System (MisOrCares), said the operation is open to children and elderly. She said the oldest person to undergo the operation is 78 years old.
“No age limit as long as makapasar sila sa screening, if they pass, they are good to go,” she said.
Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano meanwhile said the aim of the cleft mission is to give better future for the children who are suffering from the condition.
“Gusto nato makita na kining mga bata nga sila pud mahatagan ug maayong kaugmaon. Articulately, kung kining mga bata wala matabangi sa operasyon, when they apply for work in the future, bisan daghan pa sila ug maayo nga abilidad, pero kung makita na dunay gamay nga problema sa hulagway, sigurado ko dili tanan madawat, kay dili sila mahimong asset sa kompanya,” he said.
“They will not be given a decent chance to have a livelihood that they deserve, but today the 180 patients were given a better future,” the governor said in his speech.
Tagoloan Mayor Heckert Emano for his part said, thanked the Maharlika foundation for bringing doctors all the way from Davao City to provide free service for the disadvantaged kids.
“Today will be the last day na maexperience ang kalisod, paghuman sa operation your smile will be as beautiful as ever. Makasulti na ug tarong ug maka-communicate well,” he said.
“We will continue to support programs like this to empower the people not only in Tagoloan but also for the neighboring towns in the province of Misamis Oriental,” he adds.