SGF Homepage > Cleft Homepage > FAQs
Contact
Who to contact and how to refer a patient?
Email: info@sulugardenfoundation.org and message the Sulu Garden Foundation Facebook page for fastest response. You may also message our Mission Coordinator—Mr. Pepito Miagao at phone number, +63 998 903 6858.
How can I refer a child for assessment?
Referrals are accepted from families, local health workers, barangay officials, and partner organizations; please email patient details and photos (if available) to the contact above.
Mission Location and Schedule
Where will the next mission be held?
The mission is planned for Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique; final venue and dates are announced once targets are met and local facilities are confirmed
How often do you run missions?
Missions are scheduled based on funding, partner availability, and hospital coordination; follow our announcements on the website and Facebook for updates.
Will there be other missions outside of Antique and other islands?
Missions have been done in different locations, but so far they have been concentrated in Central Philippines and nearby islands where need is greatest. If funded, we can have medical missions in Panay, Negros Island Region, Southern Leyte, Ormoc, Baybay Leyte, Surigao Del Sur, Surigao Del Norte and Cebu. Hopefully, we can expand in more regions in the country. For an overview of where we have been, read here: https://sulugardenfoundation.org/our-impact-cleft-surgeries-philippines-medical-mission-matters/#tracker
Eligibility and Patient Selection
How are children identified and selected?
Children are located through Face Hunters, local government units, and partner agencies including the Philippine Army, plus community referrals and outreach screenings. Please watch this Youtube video on Face Hunters for more information: https://youtu.be/8zZam9kefYk
What is the minimum age for surgery?
Age eligibility depends on the child’s health and the type of repair; specific age and medical criteria are determined during pre-op assessment by the surgical team. We have operated as young as 3 months and as old as 89 years.
Who is eligible for surgery?
Children and adults with cleft lip and/or palate from underserved communities; eligibility is confirmed during screening based on medical fitness, nutritional status, and surgical priority.
Are adults treated?
Yes; adult repairs and secondary procedures are considered case-by-case depending on medical assessment and available resources.
What preoperative checks are required?
Medical history, physical exam, basic blood tests, nutritional assessment, and an anesthesia evaluation are completed before scheduling surgery.
Can patients with other health issues still undergo surgery?
Yes, but each case is carefully evaluated. Children with conditions such as malnutrition, heart disease, or respiratory illness may need stabilization or clearance before surgery. The medical team prioritizes patient safety.
Clinical Team and Capacity
Who operates on the child?
Operations are performed by board-certified reconstructive plastic surgeons supported by anesthesiologists, nurses, and allied health staff; the mission team also includes nursing and support personnel. Please watch this video to learn more about our surgeons: https://youtu.be/_DIjYLklmg8
What does the mission team comprise?
Typical teams include 3 reconstructive plastic surgeons, about 12 nurses, and kitchen/support staff to care for patients and families during the mission. For more information, visit: https://sulugardenfoundation.org/our-work-cleft-surgeries-medical-mission-matters/#team
How many patients are treated per mission?
On average 60+ patients receive surgery or procedures; but we have done more than 100 in one medical mission. Numbers of patients per mission in this link: https://sulugardenfoundation.org/our-impact-cleft-surgeries-philippines-medical-mission-matters/#tracker
Surgical Process and Outcomes
What is the typical surgical timeline?
Screening → pre-op assessment → surgery → immediate recovery (inpatient) → discharge with follow-up schedule. For more information, read our mission flow: https://sulugardenfoundation.org/our-comprehensive-services-cleft-surgeries-philippines-medical-mission-matters/#surgery
How long until the child can eat normally?
Feeding guidance is provided; many children resume soft feeds within 24–48 hours, with gradual progression as advised by the clinical team.
How do you ensure patient safety during missions?
Safety is ensured through pre-op screening, sterile surgical protocols, anesthesia monitoring, and post-op care. The team includes certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, and trained nurses.
Outcomes and Follow-up
How successful are the surgeries?
The program reports a high success rate for primary repairs and functional outcomes; each patient receives post-op monitoring and scheduled follow-up care.
What happens after the operation?
Patients receive immediate post-op care, wound checks, feeding and speech guidance as needed, and scheduled follow-up visits for monitoring and additional interventions.
Logistics, Costs, and Support
How long must patients stay in the hospital?
Typical inpatient stay ranges from 1–3 days depending on the procedure and recovery; more complex cases may require longer observation.
How is donated money used?
Typical inpatient stay ranges from 1–3 days depending on the procedure and recovery; more complex cases may require longer observation.
Funds cover surgical supplies, hospital fees, anesthesia, medications, patient accommodation and meals, transport, and team logistics; detailed financial summaries are available on request.
If funds received exceed the target, how will the Foundation use the extra fund?
The Foundation will save the funds to prepare for the next mission or add more children into the mission.
History and Partnerships
How long has cleft missions been done?
The foundation, in partnership with Medical Mission Matters and other organizations, has been conducting cleft outreach and related community programs since 2014.
How were the missions funded before?
Most of the missions done were previously funded by Smile Train, but since 2024 they have paused funding worldwide and we have more than 500 children waiting for the chance. Hence, crowdfunding and other pathways are looked into in the hopes of changing these children’s future. The medical missions that we have done have been recognized in 2016 as a Smile Train Global Leader. Learn more here: https://sulugardenfoundation.org/our-work-cleft-surgeries-medical-mission-matters/#awards
