Philippine Army Awards Operation Blessing as NGO of the Year

The Philippine Army recently awarded Operation Blessing (OB) as Non-Government Organization (NGO) of the Year for 2007, for its efforts in promoting peace and nation-building in impoverished provinces in the country.

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Home More Stories Transformed Smiles Shine in Davao
Transformed Smiles Shine in Davao
Thursday, 11 February 2010 06:09


DAVAO CITY — A wide-open grin that reaches up to the ears and radiates with cheer. That’s the kind of smile two children from Samal Island wish they have, and not the disfigured smiles they see in the mirror every day.

Transformed Smiles Shine In DavaoAldrin Francisco, 12, and his sister Jessa, 10, were born with clefts or gaps in their lips and palates. This congenital deformity, occurring approximately in one every 700 births, makes them vulnerable to speech problems, ear infections, and the harsh ridicule of their schoolmates.

A simple surgical procedure can solve Aldrin and Jessa’s problem, but their parents simply can’t afford it. Their mother Evelyn weaves mats and works in a copra farm, but earns barely enough for their daily needs. Her husband, a fisherman, can only hope for his lot to improve as well. A poor catch means no school allowance for Aldrin and Jessa.

“For years, I’ve been praying for my children to have the operation,” Evelyn said. “My heart just goes out to them.

When a local pastor brought their plight to Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines (OB) in Davao City, OB agreed to shoulder all expenses for Aldrin and Jessa’s corrective surgeries, including lab tests, medicines, and hospital fees. This life-changing sponsorship was done in partnership with Davao Medical Center.

Both brother and sister had their operations last October, with Operation Blessing staff assisting them along the way. And when Evelyn finally saw her kids’ new smiles, she felt as if she’s the happiest mother alive.

Aldrin and Jessa Francisco before their surgery“I thank God that He used OB as an instrument to help my kids. My children can now live normal lives,” an overjoyed Evelyn said. “I am so thankful and amazed at what God has done!”

Aldrin also expressed his gratitude to OB now that he and her sister are now free from the stigma of their defect.

“Thank you so much for helping us! I won’t be shy anymore. Now my sister and I can play with other children and have fun in school,” said Aldrin.

Last December, Aldrin and Jessa got to meet and play with other kids who are also beneficiaries of OB’s cleft lip and palate program. They got to try their new smiles during OB’s Holiday of Hope and Cheers, a fun-filled morning of gift-giving and games.

Aldrin and Jessa Francisco after their surgeryOperation Blessing, the humanitarian arm of the Christian Broadcasting Network Asia, is committed to serving underprivileged Filipino children through its many programs. OB provides them with medical assistance, nutritious meals, and education—all for free.

Because of fervent support from its partners, Operation Blessing is able to uplift the poorest of the poor through medical missions, disaster relief, microenterprise activities, skills training, community transformation, water and sanitation programs, and children’s outreaches.

Operation Blessing’s Davao office is located at 370 3rd Street corner 5th Street, Ecoland Phase I, Matina, Davao City, with telephone number (082) 297-3080.