MEDICAL MISSION TRIP IN THE PHILIPPINES
OPERATION NUEVA ECIJA: JANUARY 2013
In January 2013, Dr. De La Cruz embarked on a profound medical and surgical mission trip to Nueva Ecija, Philippines, driven by a deep sense of empathy for impoverished children suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate. Despite facing daunting challenges, including limited medical supplies and a scarcity of available anesthesiologists, Dr. De La Cruz and his dedicated team successfully performed an astounding 22 surgical cases per day, while also providing care for over 425 patients daily. Their tireless efforts were fueled by an unwavering commitment to helping those in desperate need, and their impact on the lives of these vulnerable children was truly extraordinary.
Recognizing Dr. De La Cruz's remarkable dedication and compassion for humanitarian work, he has been honored with several prestigious awards. St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital bestowed upon him the esteemed "Helping Hands Award," recognizing his significant contributions to improving the well-being of children in need. Furthermore, in Stockholm, Sweden, he was presented with the prestigious "We Are One Humanitarian Award," acknowledging his tireless efforts in fostering global unity and compassion. Additionally, Global International recognized Dr. De La Cruz as an "Outstanding Corporate Citizen," underscoring his exceptional philanthropic endeavors. In 2018, the United States Congress also bestowed upon him their recognition, further validating the profound impact of his humanitarian work.
Continuing his mission to bring joy and transformation to the lives of those afflicted by cleft lip and cleft palate, Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz has steadfastly dedicated himself to regular visits to the Philippines over the past several years. In various cities, he tirelessly performs surgeries on these children, offering them not only physical healing but also a renewed sense of hope for a brighter future. Driven by a deep empathy for their plight, his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in their lives serves as an exemplary demonstration of his extraordinary compassion.
Dr. De La Cruz's exceptional surgical skills, unwavering dedication to humanitarian work, and profound commitment to improving the lives of those in need have firmly established him as a highly respected and revered figure in the field of plastic surgery. His empathetic approach and genuine care for the well-being of these children are a testament to his remarkable character and unwavering desire to make a lasting impact.
OPERATION ANTIQUE: FEBRUARY 2015
During Operation Antique, our medical team had seen over 2,000 patients and we performed over 300 surgical procedures to help the indigent population in Antique, Philippines. We had help children with congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and cleft palate, and congenital hand anomalies. We also helped indigent patients with breast cancer and thyroid cancer.