Nineteen children with cleft lips and cleft palates who went through reconstructive surgery were recently presented to Kabankalan Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr., Vice Mayor Raul Rivera and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the SP session hall with certificates of recognition.

The Operation Smile 2003 surgical mission was conducted Aug. 27-30, at Dr. Jose Locsin Memorial Provincial Hospital, Silay City, a press release from Kabankalan City said.

Earlier, seven beneficiaries who were PhilHealth members underwent operation at the Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Bacolod City, the press release said.

It added that they were among the 60 patients identified by the mission spearheaded by the H.O.P.E., Foundation Inc., based in Bacolod City with the assistance of Gloria Melocoton, executive director, Dr. Jesus Rey Paltriguera, surgeon and Dr. Ceres Baldevia-Gay, pediatrician. Five surgeons came from Manila to assist in the operations.

The beneficiaries are Junjun Manlanat, Shiela Dohinog, Christian Cagud, Rose Anne Gabileño, John Lloyd Besillas, Cherry Pearl Besillas, Jovy Ann Cabarubias, Ivy Boaquiña, Jay Bello, Leo Salaver, Ryan Cajis, Karen Gold Lauron, Klim Alsagon, Even Sareno, Annierose De la Cruz, Jesusa Mae Buaya, Mailyn Tuando, Jake Balinas and Carlo Libre. The Kabankalan City government, and Kabankalan City Lions Club provided transportation and accommodation to the beneficiaries.*

back to top

Ground Zero
photo exhibit set

A photo exhibit commemorating the terrorist attacks on America will be on display at the Negros Museum's Phinma Gallery in Bacolod City from Oct. 23 to Nov. 14.

Entitled "After September 11: Images From Ground Zero," the exhibit is on its second world tour. The exhibition is presented by the Museum of the City of New York and the U.S. Department of State in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy.

The photo exhibit's 27 still shots by award-winning New York landscape photographer Joel Meyerowitz are dramatic and emotionally stirring. The pictures show wounded rescuers coping with the damage, the silhouette of the destroyed Manhattan skyline, and the world's expression of sympathy, a press release from the museum said.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said the exhibit's "photographs capture the horror and heroism of September 11 and its aftermath.

Meyerowitz, a renowned "street photographer", was the only artist given unimpeded access to "Ground Zero". The resulting photos document the initial rescue efforts, the recovery of bodies, and the demolition and excavation of the World Trade Center towers.

The exhibit, organized in cooperation with the Negros Museum and St. La Salle University through its American Studies Resource Center, will be open to the public from Oct. 23 to Nov. 14.*

back to top