CEBU CITY, Philippines — Driven by its mission of “Touching Lives Through the Healing Ministry of Christ,” Adventist Hospital-Cebu opened its doors Wednesday as the host facility for the 21st Rotaplast International Cebu Medical Mission.
The hospital’s fourth and fifth floors in the San Nicolas district have been transformed into a “Pre-Clinic” and screening center, where hundreds of families began arriving at 7 a.m. to be evaluated for free reconstructive surgeries. During an early-afternoon inquiry, over 200 clients had already been evaluated.
Following Wednesday’s intensive “Pre-Clinic,” the surgical team begins the first round of operations Thursday and is scheduled to run through March 19.
This annual collaboration among Adventist Hospital-Cebu, Rotaplast International, the Rotary Club of Cebu Port Centre, and the San Jose Rotary Club aims to provide life-altering care for children and adults with cleft lip and palate.
“Rotaplast International’s Libreng Operasyon sa mga Bungi” (Free Operations for Clefts) has served the country for over two decades, with 10 years at Adventist Hospital-Cebu as the host. By hosting the mission, our institution integrates high-level surgical expertise with its core spiritual commitment to holistic healing,” Joven Arcelo, one of AH-C’s officers, said.
To ensure the care is accessible to the most vulnerable, the mission organizers are providing eligible patients with free transportation, meals, and accommodations throughout the surgical period.
In an interview, Charmylaine Ortiguesa, AH-C, infectious control head, told the Hope Channel Central Philippines team that children who avail of pre-surgery screening must undergo a series of meticulous evaluations by surgeons, pediatricians, dentists, and speech therapists.
One mother shared, “It’s really humbling to see the extent of this mission by the Rotaplasts and partners. Several families who have clefts and are reached by AH-C’s page are here, and I know they are blessed.”
Moreover, Julie Ann Sevilleno-Ibot, a project development officer from the Department of Education in Masbate, shared how discovering the mission inspired her to seek sponsorship for a child with a cleft to travel for care.
“He is part of my Special Needs Education Program, and I can see his sense of self-worth slipping away. It’s painful to stand by and watch a child’s mental health decline because of a condition they didn’t choose,” she added.
Engr. Nonoy Almoete Jr., a grandfather of one of the reconstructive surgery qualifiers, shared that he was worried sick about his grandson’s condition until he learned about the mission through a friend from the Rotary Club. The latter invited him to come to AH-C for the screening. “I believe that knowing about this mission is not coincidental, but God’s leading,” Almoete said, overjoyed that his son passed the evaluation.”
As the mission continues through March 19, Adventist Hospital-Cebu and its partners remain dedicated to ensuring that every patient leaves with more than just a physical transformation. By addressing both the surgical needs and the emotional well-being of these children, the collaboration demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to community outreach.
“For the families currently walking through the hospital doors, these next few days represent the end of a long struggle and the beginning of a future filled with new smiles and restored hope,” Arcelo added.
Lyn Lucero /ECPUC Communication Department