DR. Hector Santos Jr. (rightmost) lectures Lao doctors on screening requirements and procedures for cleft surgeries.

A smile is just as contagious as the flu one gets when dancing under the rain in one’s youthful days.

And just like diesel that lets a vehicle run, a smile is something that can fuel hope among those who are deprived of life’s ideal blessings.

The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, in close coordination with the Medical Corpsman Department of the Lao Ministry of National Defense and with assistance from the Global Shapers Vientiane Hub, organized the second Philippines-Laos Cleft Mission, which was conducted by the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) and Smile Train Philippines.

Ambassador to Laos Belinda Ante said the project is an instrument in strengthening the links between the two countries in terms of military and health activities.

DR. Mel Anthony Cruz (center in black uniform) conducts hands-on lecture and training on cleft lip surgeries for Lao doctors and nurses.

Lao Ministry of National Defense-Medical Corpsman Department deputy chief Colonel Vanpheng Phuangsawaddy expressed her sincerest gratitude for the return of the Philippine doctors.

She is also hopeful that the Lao medical personnel would will learn more about medical procedures and skills during the mission.

Thirty-eight cleft patients, mostly children, were given medical attention. Filipino surgeons conducted on-site lectures and training on surgery for the Lao doctors and nurses of the Military Hospital 103.

PBM is a private non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to provide medical assistance to underprivileged Filipinos.