AirAsia Philippines and Operation Smile Philippines have recently announced the renewal of their partnership to serve children born with cleft lip and cleft palate, providing them with free medical surgeries and sponsored flights. This partnership, named alwaysREADY, is one of AirAsia’s health and community support pillars under its flagship corporate sustainability and social responsibility umbrella program, alwaysREADY: anytime, anywhere.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects in the Philippines. In a 2017 study published by St. Luke’s Medical Center, it was found that 1 out of 1,000 babies in the Philippines is born with this condition. These babies face significant challenges, such as difficulty in eating, breathing, and speaking, if their condition is not addressed early in life.
AirAsia and Operation Smile Philippines have been working together since 2021 to facilitate medical surgeries and transport medical experts, volunteers, and equipment from Manila to various parts of the Philippines, including Davao, Cebu, Tacloban, Bacolod, and Puerto Princesa. The partnership has successfully facilitated 201 medical surgeries to date, thanks to the commitment of both organizations to serve marginalized children in need.
Moreover, AirAsia’s employees have actively participated in Operation Smile Philippines’ fundraising events, such as the swing for a smile golf tournament, which raised PhP 1 million. AirAsia’s guests have also generously donated more than half a million pesos during their flights, demonstrating the spirit of “Bayanihan,” a Filipino term for communal unity and cooperation.
To further enhance this partnership, AirAsia and Operation Smile Philippines have set a target to increase the number of beneficiaries to 1,200 this year. This goal is a testament to both organizations’ dedication to providing a better future for marginalized children in the Philippines.
AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla shares: “This reinforced partnership with Operation Smile Philippines signifies our resolve to make it happen for the Filipino children and their families. Our vision in AirAsia of inclusive growth is very clear—-beyond connecting people, we want to be there for the people we serve, especially the marginalized. Each time you fly with AirAsia, you don’t just reach your destination safely, but you are able to change people’s lives for the better.”
Operation Smile Philippines Executive Director Emiliano Romano said, “I am ecstatic about renewing our partnership between Operation Smile Philippines and AirAsia. Our vision and cause of transforming lives cannot be done alone; instead, it takes a community of like-minded individuals to affect change. AirAsia has been an essential partner, a vessel, and a catalyst of change. We look forward to more projects in the many years to come.”
Operation Smile Philippines, in its continuous effort to make a difference in the lives of children with cleft lip and cleft palate, is pioneering a project that aims to quantify the number of patients with this condition and provide a patient mapping system. The project also includes incentives for patients through partners, sponsors, and donors.
Through this new initiative, Operation Smile Philippines hopes to improve the efficiency of its operations and reach out to more patients in need. The patient mapping system will allow the organization to identify areas where cleft lip and cleft palate are prevalent, making it easier for them to plan their missions and provide medical assistance.
On another note, AirAsia’s Allstar Cabin Crew, who helped achieve the highest inflight donations, were recently recognized for their efforts with a certificate of recognition. This recognition serves as a testament to the crew’s dedication to the cause and their willingness to go the extra mile to help those in need.
AirAsia’s commitment to Operation Smile Philippines is evident through its inflight donation program, which is available on all domestic and international flights. Passengers can easily donate any amount on board, and the airline’s cabin crew is always ready to facilitate the donation process.
Operation Smile Philippines and AirAsia’s partnership is not only changing the lives of children with cleft lip and cleft palate but also inspiring others to help those in need. With the new patient mapping system and incentive program, Operation Smile Philippines hopes to continue making a difference in the lives of even more children. AirAsia’s Allstar Cabin Crew is also leading by example, showing that a small act of kindness can go a long way in making a positive impact on society. Together, Operation Smile Philippines and AirAsia are truly making a difference and creating a better world for everyone.
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