PRO 11 Operation “Ngiting R-PSB” brings brighter future for IPs

A genuine smile that no one can ever replace – this is the commitment of the “Ngiting R-PSB” (Oplan Ngisi Para sa Kalinaw og Maayong Kaogmaon). This is an initiative of the Police Regional Office 11 under its sterling Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay Program in partnership with the volunteer doctors of Camp Sgt. Quintin M Merecido Hospital (CSQMMH).

This program aims to provide hope to children with cleft deformities and advocate equity by targeting Indigenous People who cannot afford the financial burden of cleft pallet operations. Residents from the conflicted affected barangays and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) are the primary recipients of this program. The children from the different tribes in the Davao Region who needed most the free operation was one of their priorities.

On February 3, 2022, Lea Mae Tampos Tanjay, a 3-year old girl and the first recipient of the Ngiting R-PSB program underwent Cleiloplasty (lip surgery to fix cleft lip conditions) at the PRO11 Ambulatory Surgical Clinic. Lea’s father extended his gratefulness to the stewards of the “Ngiting R-PSB” Program as this will surely usher to a normal life of her daughter free from any fear of discrimination.

PBGen Filmore Escobal, PRO11’s Regional Director is quoted saying, “We are happy to be instruments of this life-changing event that brought joy to the children with cleft lip and cleft palate and their families.” He further reiterated that it would be a lifelong commitment of PRO 11 R-PSB and CSQMMH to help improve citizens’ lives, especially in the Davao Region, and continually win the hearts and minds of the community through genuine police services and engagements in which PNP Chief PGen Dionardo B Carlos lauded.