In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access for children, seventeen young residents of Tacurong City have qualified for fully sponsored surgeries through a partnership between the Davao City-based Christian non-profit Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong. This program, designed to provide essential medical services to children from low-income backgrounds, officially launched at the Tacurong City Mayor’s Office with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The MOA signing ceremony was led by Tacurong City Mayor Joseph George L. Lechonsito, along with key figures such as Nancy Bawe from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD), Juvy Lazado, RN, MPA, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) head, and Gab Dolorfino, RSW, the Persons with Disability Focal Person. This event marked the start of a mission to provide much-needed medical intervention to children with conditions that affect their quality of life and hinder their full potential.
Following the MOA signing, a mobile screening session and program were conducted at the City Cultural and Sports Center, where children were evaluated by medical professionals. The screening identified various treatable conditions, including cleft lip and palate, orthopedic issues, clubfoot, and hernia. The children’s conditions were categorized as follows: one case of cleft lip, five cases of cleft palate, four cases of combined cleft lip and palate, five orthopedic issues, two cases of clubfoot, and one case of hernia.
These surgeries, sponsored by Tebow CURE, will be complemented by additional support from the Tacurong City Government. The Local Government, through PDAO, has committed to providing transportation to Davao City for the surgeries, as well as cash assistance to further ease the burden on families.
Mr. Peter L. Cowles, Executive Director of CURE Philippines, Inc., addressed attendees during the event, underscoring the initiative’s potential to transform lives. “Our mission is to deliver medical care that not only improves physical health but also renews hope for a brighter future. These surgeries can open doors and bring new possibilities for these children,” Cowles stated. He also expressed gratitude for the active support of the Tacurong community in making these operations possible.
Also present were Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chairperson on Social Welfare Hon. Geraldine L. Collado and Hon. Nestor Casador, both of whom voiced their support for the program. Renan C. Beñola, Patient Services Coordinator at Tebow CURE, guided parents and guardians through the next steps and provided an overview of the surgical procedures to prepare them for what lies ahead.
The event concluded with a presentation of certificates to participants and contributors, recognizing the collective effort of various stakeholders committed to improving healthcare access for children in Tacurong City.
The initiative was made possible in part by the personal contributions of Juvy Lazado, who invested her own resources to bring Tebow CURE Foundation to Tacurong. “I went the extra mile to make this happen, even at my own expense, to ensure our children in need of surgery get the help they deserve,” Lazado shared, reflecting on the noble effort.
This partnership between Tebow CURE and Tacurong City marks a significant step in extending medical care to those who might otherwise lack access, reaffirming a shared commitment to the welfare of the community’s youngest members.
