In effort to extend a helping hand, Watsons joined forces with Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) to conduct a medical mission in Cauayan, Isabela. The mission benefited 60 beneficiaries, all children with cleft palate condition, and gave meaningful experience for the Watsons employees who volunteered and took part in this endeavor.
A total of 35 employees left their official tasks momentarily and joined the Isabela OSP mission. It was one extraordinary experience that left a lasting impression on everyone.
Volunteer employees of Watsons during the Operation Smile Medical Mission in Cauayan, Isabela
Pharmacy manager Ellyrose Simplina of Watsons Isabela talks about her experience of being a part of the mission. "As a volunteer for OSP Mission, it is very rewarding,” she says. “When we see the smiles of the patients and the parents after a successful operation gives happiness to our hearts and gives us a sense of purpose. Indeed you can find happiness by helping others.”
The mission also helped in making the team effort best work together and how they can be hands-on in taking care of the beneficiaries. The volunteers helped in different aspects such as doing the final screening of the patients, interviewing parents, filling up the patient records, and even post-operative hygiene care to assist the patients properly and make the process easier.
“My experience as a volunteer of the OSP mission taught me empathy, compassion, and teamwork,” pharmacist Sabrina Faye Reyes shares. “Working with people whom you have never met before can be intimidating at times but it helped me strengthen my communication skills and to see the smile of each patient makes it valuable and rewarding.”
Volunteer employees of Watsons assisting patients and their families during the Operation Smile Medical Mission in Isabela.
“We are delighted to witness the profound impact of our partnership with Operation Smile Philippines. Through this collaboration, we are not only transforming lives but also reaffirming our commitment to employee volunteerism and making a positive difference in the communities we serve,” says Assistant Vice President for Marketing of Watsons Philippines Sharon Decapia.
Watsons takes great pride in sharing this humbling and inspiring experience with its entire team. This partnership in the Philippines exemplifies A.S. Watson's global commitment to bringing 10,000 perfect smiles in collaboration with Operation Smile. With two successful medical missions completed this year, Watsons has plans to organize an additional medical mission in the coming months, with a mission in Tacloban already scheduled.