The Sipalay City government, through the City Health Office and the City Mayor’s Office – Community Affairs Unit, together with H.O.P.E. Volunteers Foundation Inc., in partnership with Operation Smile Foundation Inc., conducted pre-screening and orientation for free reconstructive surgery for indigent patients with cleft lip and cleft palate from the city at the New Government Center on August 17.
Fifteen beneficiaries were selected for the pre-screening and hope to receive the free surgery. The City Health Office and Nutrition Office then gave the beneficiaries free vitamins to boost their immune system and prepare them for the operation, while H.O.P.E. provided the transportation allowance and snacks to the beneficiaries for their final screening in Bacolod City.
Supported by the provincial government of Negros Occidental, the program aimed at spreading awareness and changing the lives of children born with a cleft deformity.
Present during the screening were H.O.P.E. Volunteers Foundation Executive Director Rose Jessica Octaviano, Administrative Assistant Kimberly Lozada, Patient Coordinator Sol Telic, Volunteer Jessie Gonzaga, Secretary Cloty Alcala, City Health Officer Dr. Florencio Juplo II, Executive Assistant Engr. Praem Mediodia, City Nutrition Program Coordinator Judyliza Cepe, Community Affairs Officer Gretchel Pedrosa, barangay midwives and health workers.*
