Watsons Philippines and Operation Smile Philippines recently held their 36th surgical mission, which provides free cleft surgery and comprehensive care to children.
Held at Cebu City Medical Center from October 5 to 9, the from Cebu and nearby provinces.
Held at Cebu City Medical Center, the mission gathered more than 100 volunteers, including Watsons employees from Manila and Cebu, AS Watson Hong Kong volunteers, and Operation Smile medical teams.
Aside from surgery, eligible patients received access to follow-up services, including speech therapy, nutrition, dental and oral health care, and psychosocial support. These services help address the broader needs of children born with cleft conditions, who may also face teasing and bullying that affect their confidence and social interactions.
“Experiences like this remind us that caring for our communities goes beyond the products and services we offer in our stores. Through volunteerism, our employees gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the families we serve. It also reinforces the importance of education and health advocacy, including helping expectant mothers understand the role of proper nutrition and encouraging them to seek guidance from healthcare providers,” said Maria Adelfa De Ramos, Director for National Sales Operations, Watsons Philippines.
Watsons volunteers assisted with patient registration, assessments, family briefings, post-surgery guidance, and hygiene kit distribution.
The partnership began in 2013 and has since supported 2,689 cleft surgeries for Filipino children. In 2026, Watsons is backing 185 surgeries in celebration of the 185th anniversary of parent company AS Watson.
Customers can contribute through Operation Smile donation cans at participating Watsons stores, purchases of P1 paper bags, and donations of Watsons Club Rewards points.
