Operation Smile Int’l Mission 2008 - Cavite

Manuel M. Canlas, RN

A wonderful opportunity once more to take part with Operation Smile Philippines, International Mission simultaneously in Cebu, Bacolod and Cavite. Indeed, volunteering for the mission makes the difference, making children smile once more and letting them feel that we can help them live life in our own little ways. Being associated with the team of international volunteers from different countries has enriched my own life by discovering and exploring the true meaning of volunteerism. As the Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc. forged an agreement with Operation Smile Philippines in the person of Dr. Hector Santos back in 2006, volunteer members of the association took part in both local and international missions. The fulfillment of changing lives of children benefitting from sponsored missions is same with the fulfillment for volunteers doing missions. Operation Smile mission consistently provides fulfillment and satisfaction of all sorts, happiness, and learning for both patients and volunteers as well.

Cavite Team headed by Dr. Lawrence Loh (Operation Smile Philippines President), Dr. Nikki Valencia (Surgery), Dr. Bong Capitan (Mission Coordinator), Ms. Merlina Pugay, Mr. Rex Retolado (Operation Smile- Nursing Council ),  Dr. Nikki Valencia took part during the mission. ORNAP Vice President Marilyn Aro with other association members based at De La Salle University Medical Center represented the mission. Seeing the continuous involvement of our association indeed is true fulfillment for me, opening doors with Operation Smile was a dream come true, I know and I believe that we are one with the mission of changing lives through involvement in humanitarian endeavor-like Operation Smile.

De La Salle University Medical Center Operating Room was venue for all the surgery. I am moved with the warm accommodation and reception of all personnel of the unit headed by Sr Marian Rosario Ponce, SPC  Sister Supervisor,  Ms. Gelia Martinez, Unit Nurse Supervisor and all the staff nurses who volunteered as scrub and circulating nurses.

Like children undergoing repair of cleft lip and palate, it is so much more than improving one’s appearance, same with us volunteers, at the end of a week-long mission, our lives like the children has changed forever. Thank you Operation Smile International, Operation Smile Philippines, thank you volunteers!