LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) during its regular session on Monday, November 11, approved a resolution that gives authority for Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) for the implementation and promotion of the cleft care program in the province.
The PBM is a non-stock, non-profit, and non-government organization established in 1937 that conducts medical and surgical missions throughout the country.
PBM has chosen Pangasinan as one of its target areas to spread its mission of providing free cleft surgical services to underprivileged children who are born with cleft lip or palate deformities.
As stated in the resolution authored by SP Members Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, the surgical services will be held on schedule to be agreed upon by the PBM and the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, Western Pangasinan District Hospital, and Mangatarem District Hospital, depending on the number of patients in Pangasinan.
“The program would greatly help in promoting the well-being of less-fortunate Pangasinenses, especially in boosting the self-esteem and confidence of those harelip and cleft palate patients from various parts of the province,” the resolution partly stated.
Meanwhile, the target dates for the Cleft Surgical Outreach Mission Project to be held at Pangasinan PPH will be January 11, 19, 20, 21, and 22, with around 20 to 30 patients.
The MOU will be signed by the governor and Ms. Persida G. Benedictos, PBM executive director.
(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)
