CEBU, Philippines - International fashion designer Monique Lhuillier is the new face of Operation Smile, a development that is expected to bring awareness to rebuilding efforts for the Cebu City Medical Center.
“Perting lipaya. And I’m super proud kay Cebuana and sikat baya siya. And she’s also very down to earth. Daghan jud kaayo ni siya og matabang,” said Mariquita Salimbangon – Yeung, proponent of Operation Smile.
The project, implemented annually by Yeung’s foundation, aims to help people with facial deformities.
Because surgeries are being done at CCMC, the project also wants to give focus on helping rebuild the city-run hospital.
The hospital is currently occupying a building of the Bureau of Fire Protection after its original structure was damaged severely by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake October last year.
Yeung also said that Lhuiller is a great help since she will bring awareness to foreigners that Cebu City is need of a hospital.
Lhuillier earned a name for herself in the United States after her designs were worn by top Hollywood stars. She said her parents have always taught her to give back to the community.
“My parents always say to me – give back to your community. And that is why I accepted being the ambassador of the Operation Smile in order also to bring awareness to the people outside the country to help. I also wanted see what they are doing and I want know what they’re doing in Operational Smile. This Operational Smile with Ms. Mariquita made me aware of the hospital’s situation,” she said.
Lhuillier commended the CCMC staff for their efficient service despite their many limitations at present.
“I was impressed in a way, at the same time, touched, and I could see that people are being cared for. This is now a new awakening call so I could be more of help to the city,” she said.
“As of now, my only contribution is to bring awareness of what is happening in Cebu and maybe things will progress faster. I’m looking forward to revisiting and seeing the facilities, being able to help more patients here in the hospital. I was here at first for Operational Smile and seeing the condition of the hospital, I will try to really extend the best of my ability to help,” she added.
CCMC chief Dr. Gloria Duterte said the hospital is grateful of Lhuillier’s visit and is hopeful that her presence can indeed generate more attention to the hospital’s plight.
Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos, head of the ad hoc committee, that supervises the construction of the new CCMC building, is hoping that construction will not experience delay.
“We hope that CMMC when will be done very soon so that we can really cater more of our Cebuanos who cannot afford in private hospitals,” she said. — /JMO (FREEMAN)