Watsons brings perfect smiles to Isabela through Operation Smile

"Martha, take care of your teeth. It will get you far in life."

My mom has always made it a point to take care of my teeth and to encourage me to do the same growing up. Money wasn't abundant, but my mother made sure that she allots enough money for a bi-annual dental visit for me and brother. She has really put a lot of effort into taking care of me and my brother's teeth. 

I'm proud to say that I have a really nice set of teeth, thanks to my mother's efforts and influence on me. Having a good set of teeth is a sign of good health and regular check ups will help prevent diseases related to dental problems; also, you can't deny, having beautiful teeth has a positive impact on your confidence, which affects self- perception and public impression.

However, not everyone is as privileged as I am. Sometimes, I would jokingly tell friends that if I become a billionaire, I will put up free dental clinics for the poor where they will only pay what they can afford.

That's why I'm happy to hear that Watsons has finally resumed their partnership with Operation Smile Philippines to bring more smiles to underserved communities, especially to the communities in Isabela.

After a break of nearly two years due to the pandemic, Watsons resumed its partnership with Operation Smile Philippines in November 2021. Through this partnership, Watsons has helped transform the lives of 2,036 patients for nine years and another 50 patients when the program resumed in 2021.

Watsons, in partnership with Johnson and Johnson Philippines and Operation Smile Philippines, recently went to Isabela to help 30 patients with cleft and lip palettes by providing them with free surgeries. “Our promise to Look Good Do Good Feel Great has always included doing good and uplifting the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Viki Encarnacion, PR and Sustainability Director of Watsons.

“Watsons dedication to transforming lives despite the pandemic is really admirable and Operation Smile is happy to be doing this with them," said Emiliano Romano, Executive Director of Operation Smile Philippines.

Joining the 40 volunteer doctors in the medical mission at Isabela United Doctors Medical Center are 20 Watsons volunteer employees. 

Watsons Philippines pharmacists and employee volunteers also assisted the patients’ families by conducting hygiene orientation seminars online on the subject of post-operation feeding, oral, and lip care. Watsons also provided Hygiene Care Kits with oral and hand care products to the 50 kids post-operation.

“It only takes 45 minutes to transform the smile of a child born with lip or cleft palate. It takes so little to help them. Watsons is extremely proud to be in partnership with Operation Smile Philippines, J&J, and in Doing Good for our communities.” said Encarnacion.

This partnership in the Philippines is part of A.S. Watson’s global commitment to bring 10,000 perfect smiles in partnership with Operation Smile. This is the first Operation Smile medical mission for the year and Watsons is planning two more within the year, one in Cebu and another in Naga.

For more information, please visit WATSONS PHILIPPINES on Facebook.