Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital in Davao City provides specialized surgical care to around 2,700 children annually, including patients from remote and underserved communities across the Philippines who would otherwise have limited access to treatment.
Peter L. Cowles, executive director of the hospital, said about 85% of its patients come from outside Davao City, with many traveling from distant provinces and island communities to receive specialized pediatric care.
“The promise we have to them is we will give them world-class, compassionate, comprehensive care with truly a zero billing,” Cowles said.
He cited the hospital’s outreach efforts in Tawi-Tawi, which he described as one of the most underserved areas in the Philippines, and potentially Southeast Asia, in terms of access to surgical services.
In August 2026, three chartered flights brought 47 children and their families from Tawi-Tawi to Davao City for medical treatment, Cowles said.
Many of the children have already undergone their initial surgeries, while four remained hospitalized for continued treatment and care.
One of the patients was a girl who had waited more than 16 years for surgery to correct severely bowed legs, a condition Cowles linked to poor nutrition.
The girl has undergone her first operation, with further procedures planned in the coming months as doctors treat one leg at a time.
“It’s because of the donors and partners, the care and love that we can treat children like this,” Cowles said.
He explained that the hospital’s zero-billing policy covers more than surgery. Depending on the patient’s needs, assistance may include transportation to Davao City, accommodation, meals, diagnostic procedures, medication, physical therapy, speech therapy and other services needed throughout recovery.
Such support is crucial for families from geographically isolated communities, where the costs of travel, lodging and repeated hospital visits can become barriers to treatment.
“Maybe one surgery, but surgery is a journey, and a journey takes many months and many different doctors even involved in their care,” Cowles said.
The hospital plans to return to Tawi-Tawi in about eight weeks to screen more children for possible treatment. With continued donor and sponsor support, it could potentially assist more than 500 children from the province over the next 18 months, he added.
Cowles said the hospital remains committed to serving vulnerable children regardless of their location, financial capacity or religious background, ensuring they receive care with dignity and respect.
He also emphasized that sustaining the hospital’s annual surgical services requires continued partnerships, donations and public awareness to reach children who might otherwise go without necessary procedures.
As part of efforts to support the hospital’s mission, Aria Hotel & Residences, Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital and fashion styling company Love & Styles have partnered to organize “A Resounding Holiday: A Runway of Care,” a charity fashion show set for December 3, 2026, at the Soprano Grand Ballroom of Aria Hotel & Residences in Davao City.
The event seeks to unite the hospitality, fashion and business communities in raising support for children who need life-changing surgical care.
