AirAsia Philippines Swings with Operation Smile Philippines, underscores importance of early intervention for children with cleft palate

Manila, Philippines, 26 May 2022 – AirAsia Philippines partnered with Operation Smile Philippines in the first-ever “Swing for Smiles” Golf Tournament which aimed to raise funds for the benefit of children and individuals with cleft lip and palate.

The charity event, which was held at the Tagaytay Midlands, was supported and attended by 142 golfers from all over the country, generating a total of Php500,000 which will be used for the beneficiaries’ palatoplasty procedures.  

Adding thrill to the event is the awarding of four AirAsia round trip tickets to the top scorers, covering all of the airline’s 15 domestic destinations. 

AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan said, “We have been a proud partner of Operations Smile for  years now and we are glad that we get to support them once again in this initiative. Through the Swings for Smile Golf Tournament, we are able to raise awareness and necessary funding for early intervention for children with cleft palate. We thank all the 142 golfers that participated and chose to be part of this cause.”  

Operation Smile Philippines Executive Director Emiliano Romano said, “We are thankful of our benefactors who generously support our advocacy.  Our deepest gratitude to AirAsia Philippines for heeding to our call for support.  Truly, their support goes beyond flying children with cleft lip and cleft palate for surgery.”

Present during the tee off are AirAsia Philippines Corporate Social Responsibility Executive Kevin Samonte, Operation Smile Executive Director Emiliano Romano and Development Manager Carolynne Arriola.

Aside from the thrilling one-day tournament, golf aficionados were also treated with themed games and giveaways from AirAsia Super App Philippines and other partner brands in the event.
AirAsia Philippines has also continuously supported Operation Smile through a donation drive in all of its domestic flights.  The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, through the alwaysREDy to go the extra mile for a smile program, continues to fly Operation Smile doctor volunteers and children with cleft lip and palate from their hometowns to Manila to avail of necessary medical facilities and procedures.