SMILE Train brought its “Smile Wall” activation to select Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) stations in Manila as part of its World Smile Day campaign, giving commuters a space to share messages, drawings and reflections on what makes them smile.
The activation was held on Oct. 2 at LRT 1 stations in EDSA, Vito Cruz and FPJ.
The interactive “Smile Wall” encourages commuters to pause, share messages and drawings, while raising awareness about children born with cleft lips and palates.
For commuters heading to work, school, appointments or home, the “Biyaheng Ngiti” campaign offered a simple invitation to stop, smile and share what brings them joy.
Smile Train said the campaign also sought to draw attention to challenges faced by children born with cleft lips and palates, including stigma, bullying and self-consciousness.
“A smile can be something we all share, but for a child born with a cleft, feeling confident enough to smile can be influenced by how the people around them see and treat them,” John Manuel Flores, area director for Southeast Asia of Smile Train, said.
“Through the Smile Wall, we want to remind everyone that creating a more accepting world begins with small acts of empathy like listening, understanding and making space for every child to feel that they belong,” Flores added.
Smile Train said the campaign also carries significance ahead of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. This year’s World Health Organization theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” highlights the importance of listening to people’s lived experiences and ensuring that their voices help shape communities and support systems.
The organization said its campaign aims to make cleft palate awareness part of everyday conversations and encourage people to look beyond a smile, and recognize the experiences and possibilities behind it.
Smile Train empowers local medical professionals through training, funding and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally, according to the organization.
It also allows people to refer patients for cleft care and provides information through Smile Train Philippines’ social media pages for those who want to get involved. DAN MADRAZO
