Empowering Dental Professionals Across the Globe

“Individuals born with a cleft require various types of dental and orthodontic treatments throughout their lifetime. This webinar series is reflective of our continued commitment to empowering local medical professionals and enabling them to provide safe, quality and timely cleft care for cleft-affected individuals who depend on us.” ~Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia

Empowering Dental Professionals Across the Globe

Smile Train and GSK Consumer Healthcare Support Cleft Orthodontics Webinar by the Association of Philippine Orthodontists. Empowering Dental Professionals Across the Globe.

The world’s leading cleft-focused organization, Smile Train and GSK Consumer Healthcare supported a three-day Comprehensive Cleft Care Webinar series organized by the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO).  

There were 518 participants from 26 countries registered for the webinar series. The highly informative online sessions featured discussions on various stages of cleft treatment for a child born with a cleft, with particular focus on the cleft orthodontics.  The impressive panel of speakers included oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, prosthodontist, speech pathologist, and pediatrician, who have many years of cleft and craniofacial experience. Many of the speakers work or have been trained at Smile Train’s partner, the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines.   

Also joining the panel was Dr. Alvaro Figueroa, a member of Smile Train’s Global Medical Advisory Board. With more than forty years of experience in treating patients with complex dental problems and craniofacial anomalies, Dr. Figueroa shared his extensive knowledge on orthognathic surgery and treatment protocols for cleft and craniofacial patients.

“GSK Consumer Healthcare is proud to partner with Smile Train to increase awareness about clefts. Together we are committed to helping more people born with clefts to gain access to quality healthcare and to advance cleft care across the world.” ~Emerson Aguinaldo, General Manager, Southeast Asia and Taiwan, GSK Consumer Healthcare

To date our partnership has delivered 13,500 life changing cleft surgeries, training for over 8,800 healthcare professionals, and supported 38,000 families.

In 2021, with the support of GSK Consumer Healthcare and Smile Train, the World Dental Federation (FDI) released Oral Health Guidelines for comprehensive cleft care.    

“This webinar series enables orthodontists, and other cleft professionals, not only in the Philippines but in other countries to learn more about the specialized field of cleft orthodontics, and ensure they gain the necessary skills to support cleft-affected individuals. We are proud to work with Smile Train and GSK Consumer Healthcare, and thankful for their continued support as we strengthen the knowledge and capacities not only of our member dentists but also share that knowledge with our fellow practitioners across the region.” ~Dr. Janet Pandan, President of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists

For more information about the GSK Consumer Healthcare Smile Train partnership click here: https://www.gsksmiles.com/en-us/. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram, and like us on Facebook. And you help spread the smiles by donating to Smile Train here: www.smiletrain.org. 

About Smile Train

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.

About GSK / GSK Consumer Healthcare

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. We have three global businesses: pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and consumer healthcare products.

Our world-leading Consumer Healthcare business combines science and consumer insights to create innovative everyday healthcare brands that consumers trust and experts recommend for oral health, pain relief, cold, flu and allergy, digestive health and vitamins, minerals and supplements. We own some of the world’s best loved healthcare brands including Sensodyne, Parodontax, Polident, Volatren, Panadol, and Centrum.

About APO

The Association of Philippine Orthodontists is a specialty organization founded on the ideals of promoting and setting a high standard of excellence in orthodontic treatment and education. The APO is committed to its role in the comprehensive management of cleft patients and has continuously provided support to the orthodontic needs of cleft patients with Noordhoff Craniofacial Philippines since 2005. Its partnership with Smile Train since 2019 strengthens and reinforces its contribution to the rehabilitation of the cleft patient in collaboration with other specialists.

Kain Tayo Pilipinas launched to help address hunger and malnutrition

“The first 1,000 days of life are the most crucial to every child’s growth. We want to have nutritional intervention at the earliest stage because it’s not enough that Filipinos don’t go hungry, we also have to ensure that each individual is getting the right amount of nutrients to set them up for a healthy life. Walang magugutom pag lahat tutulong”’ captures the big role that the public plays in ensuring that we meet our goals for Kain Tayo Pilipinas. The group behind this undertaking comes from different leanings and backgrounds and are united by a common purpose: to help alleviate hunger and the nutritional gap among Filipino children. “We encourage the public to join us by helping us spread the word and by providing monetary support.” ~Kristine Go, KAIN TAYO PILIPINAS lead of Unilever Philippines

CEO of Publicis Groupe Philippines, Mr. Ken Lingan officially launched the Kain Tayo Pilipinas film.

KAIN TAYO PILIPINAS is a flagship program under the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) movement, led by private corporations, media, NGOs together with the Department of Education, DOST-FNRI, and the National Nutrition Council. Kain Tayo Pilipinas launched to help address hunger and malnutrition. Private sector-led initiative intends to aid nutritional gaps among Filipino children through feeding and education. Launched during Nutrition month, this is a new milestone in the journey of the multi-sectoral movement which aims to uplift Filipino lives and help achieve Zero Hunger.

Kain Tayo Pilipinas Lead Kristine Go shared the value and relevance of education in addressing the country’s hunger and malnutrition issue.

The private sector, in collaboration with non-government organizations (NGOs) and government partners, launches Kain Tayo Pilipinas the flagship program of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom which invites everyone including the public to help feed more Filipino children and equip families with nutrition information to help alleviate malnutrition especially amongst children 5 years and below.

National Nutrition Council Executive Director, Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang further stressed how learning plays a vital role  in uplifting millions of Filipinos from hunger.  

Malnutrition could cause irreversible damages which can affect them for the rest of their lives. One in three Filipino children experience undernourishment, and more children are at risk due to the impact of the pandemic. The initiative aims to complement feeding initiatives with education on nutrition.

Partners from NGOs, private companies, digital and media organizations join together for Kain Tayo Pilipinas to help feed and equip Filipino families with nutrition education. In photo: KAIN TAYO PILIPINAS Corporate Sponsors (L-R) Ginggay Hontiveros of Aboitiz, Carlo Endaya of Century Tuna, Judith Tubil of Foodpanda, Grace Vera-Cruz of Grab, Raghu Krishnan of Johnson and Johnson, Keila Garcia of Lazada, Margot Torres of McDonald’s, Arlene Tan Bantoto of Nestle, Cris Tagle of Paymaya, Jie Combalicer of Standard Insurance, Kristine Go of Unilever, and Laurent Levan of Universal Robina Corporation

The initiative is a collaboration of NGOS: ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Kabisig ng Kalahi, Kusina ng Kalinga, Project Pearls, Rise Against Hunger, World Food Programme Philippines and Philippine Business for Social Progress; private sector companies: Aboitiz, Century Tuna, foodpanda, Grab, Johnson and Johnson, Lazada, McDonald’s, Nestle, PayMaya, SUN Business Network, Unilever, Universal Robina Corporation; media and digital partners: ABS-CBN, Academ-E, Facebook, GCash and GMA and communications and production partners: Publicis Groupe Philippines, Slingshot Manila, Film Pabrika and Greenbulb Communications

Partners from NGOs, private companies, digital and media organizations join together for Kain Tayo Pilipinas to help feed and equip Filipino families with nutrition education. In photo: KAIN TAYO PILIPINAS NGO Partners (L-R) Vicky Wieneke of Kabisig ng Kalahi, Mark Cruz of Kusina ng Kalinga, and Elvin Uy of Philippine Business for Social Progress

The three-fold approach of feeding, education and collaboration guides the movement in being able to holistically address the issue of hunger and malnutrition in the country. The feeding programs of the various organizations will be complemented by an education program to ensure that families are equipped to sustainably provide nutritious meals for everyone in the household. An analytics map will be utilized during the rollout to maintain zero overlap in the efforts of all participating partners of the movement. Another aspect is the call for the public’s participation to help reach more Filipino communities nationwide.

“It is very Filipino to use “Kain Tayo” as a greeting, and it is more often pleasantry rather than a real invitation to eat. We wanted to give a deeper meaning to this phrase, and it is our hope that by coming together and rallying all to help, we will be able to say “Kain Tayo” to millions of our hungry countrymen.” ~Ken Lingan, Publicis Groupe Philippines CEO

Partners from NGOs, private companies, digital and media organizations join together for Kain Tayo Pilipinas to help feed and equip Filipino families with nutrition education. In photo: KAIN TAYO PILIPINAS Media and Digital Partners (L-R) Mabelle del Mundo of ABS-CBN, Carlo Aguas of GCash, Gillian Largoon of GMA, and John Rubio of Facebook Philippines

• Educating parents for sustained impact

Aside from providing meals, the initiative also covers teaching sessions and distribution of educational materials on breastfeeding, maternal and child supplementation, dietary diversity, low-cost fortified food, and sanitation to arm parents with knowledge they can apply everyday.

Partners from NGOs, private companies, digital and media organizations join together for Kain Tayo Pilipinas to help feed and equip Filipino families with nutrition education. In photo: KAIN TAYO PILIPINAS Workstream 2 Members (L-R)  From Unilever: Kristine Go, Brian Chanyungco, Meyrick Principe, and Jerika Vilan; Crismer Tiria of Johnson and Johnson, Jie Combalicer of Standard Insurance, Rommel Gonzales of Philippine Business for Social Progress, Ken Lingan of Publicis Groupe Philippines, and Margot Torres of McDonald’s

These educational efforts are aligned with the ongoing community and national nutrition programs developed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health’s National Nutrition Council (NNC) and Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). Kain Tayo Pilipinas will produce NNC and FNRI-approved materials such as a Mother’s Book for self-care and proper dietary planning in the child’s first 1,000 days as well as educational videos to complement the discussions on-site.

“We are grateful for the unwavering commitment of the private sector to join the zero hunger movement. The Kain Tayo Pilipinas program will go a long way in addressing the hunger and malnutrition problems especially among mothers and children who are 5 years and below.” ~Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Task Force Zero Hunger (TZFH) Chairman

• Call for Public Participation

Any individual can donate as low as P25 to help bring meals and educate more Filipinos.

The launch was graced by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles who chairs Task Force Zero Hunger, National Nutrition Council Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, Private Sector Lead of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom Margot Torres, Kain Tayo Pilipinas Lead Kristine Go, and Mark Lawrence Cruz of Gawad Kalinga. Other guests included representatives from Aboitiz, ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation, Century Tuna, Facebook, foodpanda, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Grab, Johnson and Johnson, Kabisig ng Kalahi, Kusina ng Kalinga, Lazada, McDonald’s, Nestle, PayMaya, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Project Pearls, Rise Against Hunger, SUN Business Network, Unilever, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), World Food Programme Philippines.

Donate now via http://kaintayopilipinas.com/.

If you are a company or organization that wishes to contribute to eradicating hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines, contact us at kaintayo@pbsp.org.ph.

Free Breakfast from Community Almusal Team!

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." ~Psalm 23:1-2

The COVID-19 pandemic put most of us in many ups and downs for morethan a year now. It also made us realize the importance of many facets of life, including living a grateful and compassionate life. Apart from frontliners like healthcare workers, security guards, delivery personnel among others, there are also people who made the choice to rise above the challenge and help the community. These are the people from Community Almusal.

FREE Almusal every "7 o'clock in the morning of SUNDAY" has always been a top agenda of the Community Almusal TEAM, providing free breakfast for different communities in the Metro. Community Almusal started last May 2, 2021, of this year.

People behind the team includes:

• ALMANZOR a.k.a. Kuya Bojok TAMPIS
• WINSTON "Pres-ton" CUNANAN
• ELISEO "JonJon" EDUSADA JR.
• JONATHAN "Tatcho" ROXAS
• ANEL CRISTOBAL GARCIA
• CONNIE LARON CRUZ
• FLORIDA "Jhoan" CABUJAT

The community almusal started with just a simple bread and coffee, until there was soup, rice with ulam, and lugaw. Giving a little help and happiness to their friends even in a simple way they can especially in this time of pandemic, which is the main goal of the team.

They each contributed for their community almusal, every sunday the team gives free breakfast to 250 to 300 people.

Commnity Almusal have shown selfless and admirable acts – big or small – within and beyond their community.

For more information and kind donations you may contact this number +63 9284848101 or visit Community Alamusal’s official Facebook page.

*Community Almusal Team practice health protocols during their free almusal with face mask and face sheild.


 

Represented, Leading, Involved: McDonald’s Celebrates its #MPowered Women

“We are proud to exemplify the talents and strengths of Filipino women at McDonald’s especially during these challenging times. We survived 2020 due to the exemplary leadership that the women of McDonald’s have shown-- the roles they played in initiatives that have propelled our business and brought us closer to different communities. As we celebrate our female employees this Women’s Month, I would like to enjoin leaders and see the importance of championing a culture and workplace that enables everyone, whatever gender it may be, to grow and have equal opportunity. McDonald’s Philippines will remain steadfast in our commitment to gender equality, diversity and workplace inclusion. We are proud to say that from the crew room to the board room, it’s the women who take charge.” ~Kenneth Yang, McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO

Fastfood giant’s latest campaign puts the spotlight on its women who make a difference. World-famous menu items, meals, and heartfelt service are signatures of the McDonald’s Philippines experience. And while the public continues to enjoy the company’s industry-leading standards on food and customer-centricity, the women of McDonald’s are taking on more leadership roles and increased involvement behind the counters, which has made all this come to life. These women are at the forefront of #MPowered, McDonald’s newest campaign this National Women’s Month. The initiative lauds McDonald’s women leaders and team members who have shown strength, confidence, and courage amid a trying year, steering the company throughout the pandemic. The campaign is also headlined by McDonald’s representation numbers, which show its lead from the current global benchmarks for a gender-equal workforce. At McDonald’s, women account for 55% of the total employee population. Out of this number, 56% manage the company’s over 650 stores. In the boardroom, women from the executive committee take up 50% of the company’s top leadership posts, while 73% of senior management and 54% of its franchise owners are women. At the forefront is a female managing director, and women thriving in roles that are traditionally handled by men like real estate, construction, legal, IT, and franchising.

• Making waves in the company, society

Among the women in the #MPowered campaign are leaders who have driven landmark projects for McDonald’s and in partnership with other stakeholders amid the pandemic. Managing director Margot Torres co-led Ingat Angat, the country’s biggest consumer confidence campaign for Task Force T3, a consortium of private companies that support and partner with the government for its test, trace, and treat initiatives against COVID-19. She continues her work on another national project, this time focusing on alleviating hunger and malnutrition. She is the private sector lead for Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, a multi-sectoral initiative in partnership with the government’s Task Force Zero Hunger--all while continuously overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations.

Following the strict lockdowns last year, McDonald’s was able to continue its operations, drive-thru, McDelivery, and dine-in at a limited capacity, through its M Safe Program, led by corporate communications manager Puch Agodon. Through efforts of internal communications to align and rally its people on M Safe, the program captures how the company elevated its commitment to quality, service, and cleanliness for a safe and worry-free dining experience for its employees and customers. Rounding the list of notable female leaders amid COVID-19 is Ronald McDonald House Charities executive director Marie Angeles, who was at the helm of McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen. Initially intending to feed 50,000 frontliners and individuals from vulnerable sectors, the project progressed to feeding over 400,000 through the concerted effort of RMHC and its corporate partners including Metrobank, Coca-Cola, HAVI, and Angkas. The McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen remains committed to serving more meals for more Filipinos this 2021. 

“It is not enough to look at just the projects that gain media exposure because the more compelling work of women at McDonald’s happens every day, in the kitchens of all our restaurants in the Philippines. McDonald’s Philippines takes pride in having women as leaders, and as a woman myself, each day I am inspired by the skill and tenacity of our restaurant managers and crew, whom I believe, through their unique strengths, are pivotal for the success that has brought McDonald’s to where it is today and in the future.” ~Margot Torres, Managing Director, co-led Ingat Angat, the country’s biggest consumer confidence campaign for Task Force T3

According to its latest figures, McDonald’s has over 25,000 women, wherein 56% belong to restaurant and safety management positions in company-owned stores, and each one in charge of leading her co-employees and customers through the M Safe Program. Meanwhile, among 114 independent franchisees, 54% are also women. 

McDonald’s Philippines master franchise holder, Dr. George T. Yang, opened the first McDonald’s store in Morayta, Manila in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a strong and relevant player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of 656 across the country. McDonald’s Philippines continues to elevate its community relevance thru Ronald McDonald House Charities and McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen in response to covid-19 crisis.

Smile Train with Southeast Asia Director Kimmy Flaviano and Medical Partners

Smile Train recently launched virtual speech therapy sessions with its volunteer Ms. Veronica Yu CSP-PASP, a Speech-Language Pathologist and a faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences. The world’s leading cleft organization, Smile Train Philippines recently held a virtual speech therapy session with its Global Ambassador, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, in an effort to reach and continue educating more patients with a cleft lip and/or palate amid the enhanced community quarantine.

The session was well received as it allowed viewers to ask questions about their family members experiencing difficulties with their conditions. With the support and collaboration of its donors, partners, and ambassadors around the world, Smile Train is able to transform the lives of patients with cleft and help improve their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Even during the ECQ, Smile Train continues to find sustainable solutions such as social media to help their beneficiaries.

Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity, aims to further its mission in providing free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children in need throughout the Philippines and the world.

A new Beepcard design with Smile Trains details to add to your collection with a cause with Marian Rivera on the card and a cleft patient.

Every day, 540 babies around the world are born with a cleft which is a serious health condition with potentially life-threatening complications such as difficulty eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. 

With Dr. Edmund Mercado, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, and Ms. Giorgia Danga Speech-Language Pathologist

Dr. Edmund Mercado, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Ms. Giorgia Danga Speech-Language Pathologist

With Dr. Nikki Salvano-Valencia, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dela Salle University Medical Center Ms. Veronica Yu, Speech-Language Pathologist, Faculty, University of Santo Tomas, College of Rehabilitation Science.

With the support and collaboration of its donors, partners, and ambassadors around the world, Smile Train is able to transform the lives of patients with cleft and help improve their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Even during the ECQ, Smile Train continues to find sustainable solutions such as social media to help their beneficiaries.

Along with its medical partners, Smile Train Philippines would like to raise awareness and share ways in which communities can help these children smile and live a normal life.  

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph.

To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on  FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM. For more information about Smile Train’s work in the Philippines, please contact philippines@smiletrain.org.

Global Ambassador Catriona Gray Joins Online Speech Therapy Sessions for Cleft Patients Smile Train

“I was able to work closely with Smile Train for the first time during my reign as Miss Universe and it inspired me to help the organization change the lives of many people around the world. Now as the newest global ambassador, I am committed to supporting its patients in the Philippines during this pandemic through the organization’s online speech therapy classes.” ~Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018, and Smile Train Global Ambassador

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray joins the organization’s online Speech Therapy session to reach and educate more patients with cleft lip and palate amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Smile Train recently launched virtual speech therapy sessions with its volunteer Ms. Veronica Yu CSP-PASP, a Speech-Language Pathologist and a faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences. The world’s leading cleft organization, Smile Train Philippines recently held a virtual speech therapy session with its Global Ambassador, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, in an effort to reach and continue educating more patients with a cleft lip and/or palate amid the enhanced community quarantine.

The session was well received as it allowed viewers to ask questions about their family members experiencing difficulties with their conditions. With the support and collaboration of its donors, partners, and ambassadors around the world, Smile Train is able to transform the lives of patients with cleft and help improve their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Even during the ECQ, Smile Train continues to find sustainable solutions such as social media to help their beneficiaries.

She led the discussion on the effects of cleft disability on speech and the impact of feeding difficulties on the physical well-being of children. Ms. Yu also demonstrated her patients’ progress on proper pronunciation, which they were able to accomplish during the separate one-on-one online therapy sessions.

In her welcome message, Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray acknowledged the efforts of the organization to continue providing free comprehensive cleft care including speech therapy, while free surgeries and physical therapy sessions are on hold. She plans to support Smile Train’s upcoming initiatives during the ECQ.

Smile Train Volunteer Ms. Veronica Yu, CSP-PASP, a Speech Language Pathologist, faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences, explored topics about the effects of cleft on speech and its impacts on the physical well-being of children.

With the support and collaboration of its donors, partners, and ambassadors around the world, Smile Train is able to transform the lives of patients with cleft and help improve their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Even during the ECQ, Smile Train continues to find sustainable solutions such as social media to help their beneficiaries.

“Smile Train has always been committed to exploring various avenues and utilizing technology to reach more patients and communities in the Philippines, especially during this ECQ. With the support of Catriona, we hope to reach more patients and families so that we can continue to provide them with the care that they need, even during a pandemic.” ~Kimmy Flaviano, Smile Train South East Asia Director

Smile Train plans to hold more sessions in the coming weeks to address concerns of patients or parents about receiving cleft treatment during this time and talking about staying positive and productive during the ECQ. 

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph

To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on  FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines. For more information about Smile Train’s work in the Philippines, please contact philippines@smiletrain.org.

About Smile Train

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive.