Celebrating a Successful Collaboration with Operation Taghoy 2026

The partnership with Operation Taghoy 2026 from February 22-27, 2026, marks another significant achievement for Filipino children affected by cleft lip and palate. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity, and to all those who have contributed to the success of this mission.

Congratulations to Uplift Internationale for your steadfast support and dedication over the past 37 years in the Philippines. They screened 87 children (including a few adults), approximately 60 individuals received free surgeries for facial deformities, collaborated with 16 different clubs - Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850), Rotary Clubs of Forbes Park and Paranaque St. Andrew (D3830), Rotary Clubs of Pasay, Pasay Southeast, Pasay Liberated and Pasay Mia (D3810), Rotary Club of Legazpi, Metro Legazpi, Legazpi West, Legazpi North, Legazpi Central, Mayon, Metro Sorsogon and Riconada (D3820), including the Association of Reservists and Reservists Administrators (ARRAPI) Naga Chapter, Project ALAC, Kiwanis of Metro Legazpi, the Logia La Generation Nu. 30, Bicol Masons Group, Brgy. 50 Padang Legazpi City and LGU Legazpi City.

With over 50 volunteers coming from the different States of the U. S and the Philippines participating, this accomplishment marks yet another significant milestone for Team Uplift and our Rotary Clubs in four Districts across the country. 

The Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850) led by Pres. Nora Helber, are genuinely honored to have made a small contribution to this important cause. Kudos to our very own PP Megs Lunn, Uplift Internationale Executive Coordinator in the Philippines, for uniting all these amazing organizations under the "Unite For Good" initiative and for making a positive impact in the world.

Hats off to the host hospital, Ago General Hospital led by Dr. Angelita Ago, as well as to Dr. Steve Krebs, President of Uplift Internationale based in Denver, Colorado, USA. Together, you have consistently dedicated your efforts to serve Filipino children through this humanitarian initiative.

Operation Taghoy has been making a significant impact in the Bicol Region for seven years. This area is home to numerous patients in need, and this project has proven to be an invaluable response to their challenges. 

Uplift Internationale founder Filipino-American Dr. Jaime Yrastorza, also a Rotarian of Wheatridge, Colorado, is proudly celebrating 37 years of dedicated service in the Philippines.

This remarkable organization comprises of Filipino-American surgeons, nurses, biotechnologists, and non-medical volunteers who repeatedly return to the Philippines, embodying their motto: “Mending Faces, One Child at a Time.”

In the spirit of peacebuilding month, the mission extended a hand of goodwill, fostering a safer, and brighter future for every mother and child.