Kiwanis Club of Cebu to Hold Free Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery Mission in August

Invites Negrense patients

The Kiwanis Club of Cebu, in partnership with Operation Rainbow Australia (ORAL), will conduct a free cleft lip and cleft palate surgical mission from August 9 to 15, 2026, at Adventist Hospital (Miller Hospital), 400 Tres de Abril Street, San Nicolas, Cebu City.

The organization is inviting children from Negros Island, particularly those from Bacolod City and neighboring municipalities, to avail themselves of the free medical mission. A screening and medical assessment for prospective patients will begin as early as July, leading up to the official screening on August 8, 2026, when children will undergo evaluation to determine their eligibility and readiness for surgery.

For the past 15 years, Operation Rainbow Australia and the Kiwanis Club of Cebu have worked together to transform the lives of children born with cleft lip and palate. Each year, Australian plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and volunteers travel to Cebu to perform life-changing surgeries at no cost to patients and their families. Beyond the surgical procedures, the program provides comprehensive care, including pre-operative consultations, post-operative treatment, and follow-up support to help ensure successful recovery and improved quality of life. Qualified beneficiaries will also receive assistance covering round-trip transportation expenses and free accommodation for the patient and one accompanying family member throughout the treatment period.

The initiative is made possible through the support of partner organizations, including Operation Rainbow Australia, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Abounding in Love, Adventist Hospital, and ICM.

Marie Anne Espina, a volunteer with the Kiwanis Club of Cebu, assured families in Negros Occidental that interested patients from the province, including Bacolod City, would be accommodated. She added that if necessary, she and the volunteer team are willing to arrange pick-up for patients in Bacolod City to help them travel to Cebu.

“We wanted to reach communities in Negros to extend this opportunity beyond Cebu. Patients don’t need to worry about anything because we will assist them from the pre-operation stage through the post-operation process,” Espina said.

Families with children who may benefit from the program are encouraged to register as early as possible.

For registration and inquiries, interested families may contact: 0921 548 4848 or 0926 038 7724.

The annual medical mission continues to bring hope to children born with cleft lip and palate by providing life-changing surgical care and giving them the opportunity to smile, speak, and live healthier, more confident lives.* (Kristine G. Alonso)