DAVAO CITY — Eighteen kids from various parts of Mindanao were treated for craniofacial deformities by a medical group from Taiwan and the United Davao Specialists Hospital and Medical Center Inc. during a medical mission on 19-24 November.

The free craniofacial surgery was spearheaded by the Noordhoof Craniofacial Foundation Inc., or NCF, a non-profit organization group providing subsidies for the treatment and hospitalization of craniofacial, cleft lip, or/and cleft palate patients.

Dr. Dax Carlo Pascasio, the team leader of the Filipino professional counterpart of NCF, said that the 18 kids who benefited from the free surgery have complicated cases.

"We're very happy that most of the patients that we were able to service in this mission, these are patients who were turned down for various reasons in the different medical institutions," he added.

Pascasio said they were not accommodated because the foundation could not cover them or their cases were too complicated, and the institution does not have the capable personnel to handle cases as complicated as theirs.

"I am honored, and we expressed our gratitude to the team who conducted the surgical medical mission led by NCF. I extend my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for the great contribution made by the NCF through the years," Teng-Shi Yang, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office minister, said in a press briefing.

He added that the foundation has been dedicated to aiding children with congenital craniofacial defects and those with cleft palate.

"The foundation has contributed to the advancement of medical care in Taiwan," he said.

Dr. Lun-Jou Lo, the team leader of the Taiwanese professional counterpart, said he is happy that the operation of the 18 kids became successful as he also thanked the parents and the Filipino counterpart doctors.

"We wish in the future we can establish the relationship and we can continue to come back and work again with you," he said, hoping that post-surgery care will continue.

"Please come back for a follow-up to remove the stitches," he added.

Vilma Obial, a parent of a three-year-old patient, thanked the team for giving her child fresh hope.

"Thank you so much for including us. This is the best gift my child got for her birthday," she added.