Businessman helps others win their smile back

Former ‘Operation Smile’ beneficiary Jose Villegas shows what he looked like with the tumor on his chin prior to undergoing corrective surgery.

JOSE Villegas had a two-pound tumor on his chin in 1981, causing him no small amount of discomfort and humiliation.

“I will never forget that at some point of my life that I told God to take me tonight but I saw hope when I heard about Operation Smile in 1985 and hoping to come in Manila,” Villegas told the reporters.

Operation Smile’s mission is to provide free surgery for children and young adults with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities.

In 1987, Villegas went to Manila and became one of the beneficiaries who were brought to the US for surgery.

His surgery was finished in 1990 because his jaw was needed to rebuild.

At present, the 57-year old businessman gives back to other beneficiaries of Operation Smile as he joined 301 volunteers from 17 countries that are taking part in the mission.

He also gave $250 dollars to the organization which is equivalent to one surgery of a beneficiary.

“It (Operation Smile) is all about hope and human spirit. When you help someone in need, we create the world as a better place to live,” he told the reporters.
Mission

In Cebu, about 203 people were screened and will undergo surgery at the Adventist Hospital or formerly known as Miller Hospital.

Its local partner is the Mariquita Salimbangon–Yeung Charitable Foundation.

Operation Smile Philippines president Wigbert Funtanilla said their mission adheres to the Filipino’s “bayanihan (community)” spirit.

“Imagine that there are people who can’t blow their candles, kiss their parents and being deprived from the opportunity,” Funtanilla told the reporters.

Robert Sun, general manager for Watsons Philippines, said proceeds from their “buy one, take one” promotion in their 430 branches nationwide will go to Operation Smile beneficiaries.