Smile Train Expands Comprehensive Cleft Care Services Across Philippines

(ARC Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City serving as the first Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) in Cebu)

Smile Train, the world's largest cleft organization, announced today the establishment of four Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) centers across the Philippines to increase accessibility of treatment to cleft-affected individuals and their families.

Every day, more than 540 babies are born with a cleft around the world, an ongoing reality that calls for comprehensive solutions to help them overcome challenges and live a happy, healthy life. 

Lapu-Lapu City Goes Cashless, First to Accept QR Payments for Property, Business, and Local Gov’t Taxes

GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, continues its efforts to fully digitize government transactions in the country as it enables Lapu-Lapu City to be the first LGU in the Philippines to accept cashless payments for city taxes.

The Lapu-Lapu City LGU now accepts GCash QR payments for its citizens paying real property taxes, business taxes, community tax certificates (cedula), and other local government fees. The city adopts cashless payments in its efforts to improve safety and convenience for its citizens.

“Cashless payments during the new normal are an imperative, as it promotes contactless transactions. With GCash QR codes deployed in Lapu-Lapu City’s government offices, citizens can transact their fees and taxes simply with just their smartphone” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.