Some 85 children from different areas in Cebu province can now show their beautiful smiles after undergoing free cleft palate surgery.

The free surgery happened when Kiwanis Club International conducted a surgical-medical mission at the YMCA Building in Cebu City in June 2024 with their partner medical team, Rainbow Australia, who administered the procedures and treatment for the children.

DSWD 7 has supported the mission by extending cash assistance to cover fare, food expenses, and other needs during pre- and post-operations.

Kiwanis Club International and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas forged a partnership agreement in May 2024 to help families of children with cleft lip and palate who will undergo surgery.

After several meetings, the two organizations agreed to provide children with the necessary interventions for children with clefts.

Represented by DSWD7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero and Kiwanis Club International President Elvira P. Goll, both organizations agreed to help families of children with clefts unload the burden of medical expenses.

Kiwanis is a global volunteer-led organization that helps children and communities by providing them with the support they need. The organization has a motto, “Serving the Children of the World,” which resonates deeply with DSWD’s mission to protect vulnerable children.

The Kiwanis Club International provides Filipino children with oral clefts access to quality and comprehensive free-of-charge surgery and treatment. This service has been active for several years in Cebu City in the form of the “Adopt a Bungi” Project, which started in 2009.

Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, or AICS program, DSWD ushered into a new partnership with Kiwanis by extending financial aid to the families of children who will undergo their free surgery.

The partnership will help families buy medicines, pay for laboratory procedures, or acquire assistive devices if necessary.

Director Lucero said during the signing that the DSWD is welcome to engage in endeavors that benefit children in need. “Our doors are open for partners whose mission is to help vulnerable sectors. With Kiwanis Club International, our hearts are filled with joy knowing that children with oral clefts will soon smile better,” she said.

The team assessed 130 children with cleft lip and or cleft palate, and 85 received free surgery and financial aid of PHP 5,000. ###

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