Anne Clutz—mother of children with cleft care—with her kids; Ken Tort, RSLP Head, Speech Language Pathology Unit of Operation Smile Philippines; Alde Po, Kenvue Philippines’ Franchise Head for Oral and Self-Care; Emiliano Romano, Executive Director of Operation Smile Philippines; Miggy Gamboa, Listerine Philippines Marketing Manager; Sharon Decapia, SAVP for Marketing, PR, and Sustainability of Watsons; Mikee Reyes, Listerine Ambassador
Having cleft conditions may impact both the physical and mental well-being of children with cleft, and even their families. Especially among lower-income households, operations to treat cleft conditions are perceived to be expensive thus preventing them from seeking treatment.
Recent studies have indicated that globally, one in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and palate; and many do not know that cleft conditions are more than just treatable.
That is why coming from National Cleft Awareness & Prevention Month, Listerine together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons launched the #GiftASmile campaign last September 4 to inspire Filipinos to make a difference and gift a smile to a child with cleft lip and palate.
Hosted by none other than Mikee Reyes, Listerine brand ambassador, the event aims to raise awareness about cleft lip and palate, and more importantly, to educate cleft patients and their families on the importance of good oral hygiene.
Together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons, the goal of the campaign is to increase support needed for the program through volunteers, referrals and donations.
To support Operation Smile Philippines’ efforts in providing speech therapy, Listerine will donate P10 to Operations Smile Philippines for every bottle sold* for speech therapy.
