ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thirty-five children born with cleft lip or cleft palate benefitted from the free surgery project of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in partnership with the Advance Craniofacial Project Philippines Inc. (ACPPI).

The ACPPI is a non-profit organization that gives free operation to people with cleft lip or cleft palate.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Westmincom, said in a statement Saturday the patients underwent surgery Friday at Camp Navarro General Hospital (CGNH), the military hospital in the city.

Physicians from Metro Manila led the surgery of the patients. The screening of the patients ran from January 24 to 26.

Rosario said the objective of the project was to provide hope to children with cleft deformities and advocate equity by targeting underprivileged families.

Those who qualified to avail of the program were billeted at the barracks of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) at Romulo Espaldon Naval Station prior to the surgery.

“It is in adherence to the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) protocol. They also had their antigen testing to ensure everybody’s safety,” Rosario said.

He commended the Civil-Military Operations office of Westmincom headed by Col. Wendell Basat for facilitating the activity.

“We are happy to be instruments of this life-changing event that brought joy to the children with cleft lip and cleft palate and their families,” Rosario said.

“We hope to work with them again soon,” Rosario added, thanking the ACPPI and the volunteer physicians. (PNA)