OSP-CDU Smile Fest 2024

The OSP-CDU Smile Fest 2024 is a 2-day event spearheaded by the OSP-CDU Chapter under Operation Smile Philippines, dedicated to raising funds for cleft lip and palate patients. This annual initiative started last May 2023 under the leadership of former OSP-CDU President, Mr. Ogie Legaspina. The annual fair plays a crucial role in the organization’s mission to bring smiles to those in need, nurturing and enhancing our commitment to this cause. 

The OSP-CDU Smile Fest 2024 was held May 9 and 10 this year with the leadership of Ms. Shera Angeli Saavedra, the current President of OSP-CDU for A.Y. 2023-2024. This year’s OSP-CDU Smile Fest commenced with the theme of “Parada ng Ngiti” which can be translated to a Parade of Smiles. This parade of smiles could be further highlighted with new surprises introduced by the working committees of OSP-CDU for the invited CLAP community members and the graced presence of esteemed executives from Operation Smile Philippines and Cebu Doctors’ University.

OSP-CDU owes the success of this event to all stakeholders who’ve made this event possible from the concessionaires who’ve helped raise funds for cleft lip and palate surgeries of CLAP members, the Cebu Doctors’ University offices who’ve allowed the event to take place in CDU, OSP-CLC for their support in our activities as an organization, the Executive Cabinet and working committees under OSP-CDU who’ve tirelessly worked hard to make all the components of the event come together, and the CLAP members who made time to celebrate the event with us in a parade of smiles!

We hope to see you all once again next year as we continue to celebrate smiles one day at a time!

Launching the First Nutrition Camp of Operation Smile Philippines: Empowering Families with Knowledge and Resources

Coinciding with the Batangas Surgical Program of May 2024, Operation Smile Philippines successfully conducted its first Nutrition Camp, an activity aimed at supporting deferred patients due to malnutrition and underage from the surgical program. This initiative marked a significant step forward in enhancing the health and well-being of children under five years old as they wait for cleft surgery. 

The primary objectives of the activity were to increase knowledge about cleft conditions, provide education on optimal nutrition, and equip parents and guardians with practical skills in safe food preparation.

Raising Awareness and Educating Families

The camp offered comprehensive information about cleft conditions, helping parents understand the importance of good nutrition in managing their child’s health and preparing for surgery.

Cooking Demonstration

A significant portion of the camp was dedicated to hands-on demonstrations of proper food preparation techniques. The parents and guardians were guided through the process of preparing balanced, nutritious meals tailored to the needs of children with cleft conditions. These practical sessions aimed to empower families with the skills needed to support their children’s health and recovery.

Provision of Nutrition Kits

In addition to educational sessions, each family received a nutrition kit packed with essential materials. These kits included resources such as nutritional guides, meal planning tips, and tools designed to help with food preparation. The goal was to ensure that families have the necessary support to create a conducive environment for their child’s pre-surgery preparation and recovery.

As the first event of its kind in the history of the organization in the Philippines, the nutrition camp sets a new standard for patient support programs. It addresses the immediate nutritional needs of children awaiting surgery and empowers their guardians to effectively manage their child’s dietary needs at home. 

Operation Smile Philippines is committed to continue its efforts in supporting patients and their families as part of its comprehensive cleft care approach. The nutrition camp has laid a strong foundation for future programs aimed at enhancing the overall health and quality of life for children as they await their life-changing surgery.  

Operation Smile Philippines Represented In East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) Multi-Sector Consultative Council

Operation Smile Philippines’ Executive Director Emiliano Romano was recently inducted as a council member for the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) Multi-Sector Consultative Council.

With the thrust of strategic governance and collaborative efforts across various community sectors, EAMC takes proactive steps towards its Transformation Roadmap.

With the goal of elevating the center to greater heights of proficiency in healthcare delivery, the council will play a key role in a collaborative effort in EAMC’s governance mechanism for the proper and efficient implementation of their future plans.

Together with Emiliano, the council members are as follows:

  • SEC TEODORO “TED” HERBOSA – Secretary of Health
  • SEC RENATO U. SOLIDUM, JR.. PhD – Secretary, DOST
  • DR. PAULYN JEAN BUENAFLOR, ROSELL-UBIAL – Adjunct Professor of the UP College of Public Health
  • MARIA LINDA BUHAT, RN, MAN, Ed. D – President Emeritus, Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines
  • DR. RAYMUNDO P. ARCEGA, CESE – Chairman, National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies NNQAA
  • ATTY. RENE S. GRAPILON, MD – QC Assistant City Administrator for General Affairs
  • DIR. NOEL V. SALUMBIDES – CSC Acting Director III
  • EARL JASON VISTRO – Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, Management & Logistics, EEI Corporation
  • MR. TIRSO RAYMOND “MON” GUTIERREZ, JR – Chief of Staff, E-Government, DICT