Cleft conditions can really affect both the physical and emotional well-being of kids and their families. For many, especially those from low-income households, cleft surgeries seem too expensive, making it harder for them to seek the treatment their child needs. Globally, about 1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip or palate, but many people don't realize how treatable these conditions actually are. That’s why, following National Cleft Awareness & Prevention Month, Listerine teamed up with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons to launch the #GiftASmile campaign on September 4, encouraging Filipinos to help make a difference by giving a child with cleft lip or palate the chance for a brighter smile.
Hosted by content creator and Listerine brand Mikee Reyes, the event was all about raising awareness for cleft lip and palate, while also educating cleft patients and their families about the importance of good oral hygiene. Along with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons, the main goal of the #GiftASmile campaign is to gather more support for the program by encouraging people to get involved through volunteering, making referrals, or donating to the cause.
Listerine, a longtime partner of Operation Smile Philippines, emphasizes the critical need for proper oral health for kids with cleft conditions, as they are more prone to tooth decay and infections. Miggy Gamboa, Listerine’s marketing manager, shared that the brand advocates for good oral hygiene, especially for children with cleft, to prevent further complications.
Operation Smile Philippines’ executive director, Emiliano Romano, highlighted the 200,000 backlog of cleft surgeries in the country, urging the public to help refer patients. Sharon Decapia of Watsons Philippines, another strong partner, echoed the importance of their shared mission of transforming children’s lives through the #GiftASmile campaign.
Anne Clutz, a mom of a child with cleft, expressed gratitude for the life-changing surgeries made possible by Operation Smile and Listerine, praising the impact these partnerships have on less fortunate families.
Giving more kids the chance to live with healthier smiles is the main goal of #GiftASmile. Listerine’s commitment to promoting oral health, combined with Operation Smile Philippines’ free comprehensive cleft care—including dental services, nutrition screening, and speech therapy—and Watsons’ advocacy in bringing healthy smiles, is what these children need for their confidence to thrive.
To support Operation Smile Philippines’ efforts in providing speech therapy, Listerine will donate ₱10 to Operations Smile Philippines for every bottle sold* for speech therapy *for the first 50,000 bottles sold of any Listerine variant and size from Sept 22, 2024, until Dec 31, 2024. Per DOH-FDA CCHUHSRR Permit No. 0669 s. 2024. To learn more about the #GiftASmile campaign, simply access the link https://linktr.ee/OpSmilePhil or call (+632) 8351-1925. You may follow Listerine on Facebook @ListerinePhilippines for more information and check out the merchandising materials posted in select Watsons Drugstores nationwide.
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