"Through my talent, I am reminded that my condition will never be a hindrance to inspire people." - Desserrei Salinga Panugot (NCFPI Patient) We got to know NCFPI because of my father's colleague. When he found out I was born with a cleft he immediately went to our home to show us some NCFPI flyers. I was only two weeks old that time when they took me to Our Lady of Peace Hospital to have some assessment. Now, I am turning thirteen this coming October. The foundation helped me to avail for free the three operations I had. Ever since then, I gained back the confidence I'd lost -- not intimidated anymore to socialize with other people. But you know what? God still never fails to amaze me. Even though…

"Kahit sa panahon ng pandemic ay patuloy pa rin ang NCFPI sa kanilang pagtulong kaya't buong puso ang aking pasasalamat dahil bumalik ang magandang ngiti ng aming munting prinsesa." - Jaynabelle M. Alcantara (NCFPI Patient's Mother) Nang ipinanganak ko si Arci Isabelle M. Alcantara noong Dec.7,2019 ay hindi namin inakala ng asawa ko na magkakaroon ng cleft lip at Alveolus ang aming prinsesa. Noong sinabi ng Doctor na may bingot daw ang sanggol na aking isinilang ay lubos akong nagtaka dahil naging maingat ako sa aking pagbubuntis at sa tatlong ultrasound ko ay hindi nakita na may ganoong kondisyon si Arci. Sa unang sulyap ko palang kay Arci ay kagandahan na agad niya ang nakita ko, may pangamba man sa aking dibdib sa magiging reaksiyon ng asawa at pamilya ko…

"Wala sa edad ang pagtulong, ang mahalaga ay ang pusong naghahangad na makapagbigay ngiti sa kapwa" - Mergie Tibay (NCFPI Volunteer) Taong 2010, nang nakilala ko ang NCFPIs pamamagitan na rin ng pagiging volunteer ko sa Tahanang Walang Hagdanan. Marami na akong karanasan sa pag volunteer hindi lamang sa NCFPI pati na rin sa mga taong nangangailangan ng tulong na lumalapit sa akin. Lubos kong priyoridad ang mga may kapansanan sapagkat dahil may anak din akong PWD, siya ay isang visual impaired. Napakasarap sa pakiramdam na maging kabahagi ka ng isang foundation tulad ng NCFPI na may mababait na staff, doctors, at iba pang volunteer. Lubos rin ang aking kasiyahan na matulungan ang mga magulang at pasyente lalo na't ang araw ng kanilang operasyon ay kanilang napagtagumpayan. Tuwing Lunes, 4am…

“Always remember that you are beautiful inside and out. Some people might judge us. They might see us differently. But we are special in our own way.” - Joanna Mae B. Pobleto (NCFPI patient) I was born in Bacolod City and people there have always been curious about my medical condition. I have a cleft and a big hole in my face. I can't even drink milk properly so my parents decided that I need to stay at the hospital for the insertion of an orogastric tube (OGT). But due to a lack of resources, my parents decided to look for a foundation that can help me. Someone contacted my parents to help us to post my condition in a newspaper. My parents were so thankful because a lot of…

Hi. I'm Cherry Mariano, 22 years old, and [I'm] one of the thousands of patients out there that was fortunate enough to be a recipient of Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines. It greatly helped me in my operation [for] cleft lip and palate. I'm one of those who suffered relentless bullying because of this condition, but who at the same time, remained firm in continuing through despite this. (more…)

This cleft journey has been complicated. It’s been challenging and uncomfortable, physically and emotionally. However, it’s also been truly amazing. I have learned to appreciate my strength and celebrate my bravery. I’ve used what was once painful and worked to turn it into something lovely. But the best and most beautiful part of this journey has been the people. I’m Katrina A. Pilla, 20 years old. I was born with complete left cleft lip and palate. (more…)