Real Talk

A Smile for Every Child: What Filipino Parents Should Know About World Cleft Awareness Day

by Alexa Villano
July 21, 2025

The first World Cleft Awareness Day was commemorated on July 20 by advocates worldwide

For the first time, July 20 was declared World Cleft Awareness Day, a day, according to Smile Train, that hopes to “reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and amplify the voices of the millions worldwide who are affected by clefts.”

Why the World Needs Cleft Awareness

Globally, 1 in 700 babies is born with a cleft lip and/or palate, according to worldcleft.com. This condition can significantly affect a child’s ability to eat, speak, breathe, and thrive, particularly if left untreated.

But for many families, the impact runs deeper. Children with visible clefts often face bullying, social exclusion, and deep emotional scars.

Surgical intervention can drastically improve a child’s quality of life, but surgery is only part of the journey. Long-term support, such as speech therapy, dental care, and emotional guidance, is often needed to help children reach their full potential.

The Power of Partnership: How the Philippines Plays a Role

Smile Train has been a driving force in the cleft care movement for over 25 years, reaching over two million children in more than 95 countries. What makes their model unique is its sustainability: they empower and train local medical professionals to provide year-round care, right in their communities.

In the Philippines, Smile Train has partnered with several hospitals and clinics, bringing cleft surgeries and services to children who would otherwise have no access. It’s a model that builds trust, continuity, and cultural understanding.

Kids like Angel went through surgery with the help of Smile Train. Her mom, Joy, said in 2023: “They will go through many challenges, but no one should ever discriminate against children with clefts. They are all beautiful inside and out.”

A Day to Celebrate Every Smile

The official declaration of World Cleft Awareness Day on July 20 marks a significant step in changing the narrative around cleft conditions. As Miss Universe 2018 and Smile Train ambassador Catriona Gray shared: ” We’ll celebrate it every year on July 20th. What makes them different is their model of empowering local doctors to provide care all year round.”

The first World Cleft Awareness Day was commemorated on July 20 by advocates worldwide — Photo from catriona_gray

Joining her in support are Marian Rivera, Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 Dia Mate, and countless other advocates who are using their platforms to normalize cleft visibility and promote inclusion.

What Filipino Parents Should Know

If you’re a parent of a child with a cleft condition—or know someone who is—know that you are not alone. In the Philippines, cleft care is available and often free through organizations like Smile Train. Talk to your pediatrician, reach out to local partner hospitals, or visit smiletrain.org to learn more.

World Cleft Awareness Day isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about honoring the resilience of every family, doctor, nurse, and volunteer working to create a world where every child can smile without fear.