Operation Smile launches medical mission

By Analiza S. Macatangay

Wednesday 8th of August 2012

NAGA CITY, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Aptly dubbed “ The Journey Home,” organizers of Operation Smile, an organization dedicated in transforming the lives of children born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities by sponsoring reconstructive surgery went back to its first medical mission held in Naga City after 30 years to launch its homecoming medical mission come November 2012.

The first medical mission held in Naga in 1982 was followed by successful medical missions and has since inspired the conduct of similar activities which benefited hundreds of children affected with the lip deformity.

On August 3, Operation Smile Philippine Foundation, Inc. journeyed home to Naga City to celebrate its 30th year of changing the lives of its beneficiaries.

Couple Dr. William P. Magge Jr., and his wife Kathleen, a nurse, – the founder of the foundation, was represented by its President and Operation Smile Philippines (OPS) Executive Director Roberto “Bobby” Manzano.

Naga City Mayor John Bongat expressed his appreciation to the gesture done by the organizers.

”We will always be appreciative of the Magee couple, the volunteers and the supporters of Operation Smile all over the world, for all the help they have extended not only to the people of Naga but also to the Filipinos in general. I find it very touching that this mission is out to help patients, specifically children here in Naga. Everything happens for a reason and I am really happy that they found the reason to help our unfortunate children here,” Bongat said in a statement.

The Journey Home, which will serve as highlight of Operation’s Smile 30th Anniversary, aims to mark the said celebration by going back to where it humbly started its mission that has become a global medical charity organization.

After the launching, “The Journey Home countdown will officially start the date towards the realization of 10 medical missions to be conducted in various parts of the world for three weeks. Here in Naga, the activity will be held from November 8 to 18 at the Bicol Medical Center (BMC).

The local government of Naga acknowledges the said endeavor is one of the best examples of public private partnership (PPP) which aims to help the community, particularly the indigents to avail of expensive medical treatment via private partners.

PPP is one of the President's flagship program which aims to encourage private-public business venture. (MAL/LSM-PIA5. Camarines Sur)