The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), in partnership with the Glang Eye Care Clinic, officially conducts the pilot implementation of its Sagip Paningin para kay Lolo at Lola program at People’s Palace, Cotabato City, on Oct. 19, 2024. (Photo courtesy of MSSD)
COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) officially launched its first visual health care for Bangsamoro senior citizens here on Oct. 19.
The ‘Sagip Paningin para kay Lolo at Lola’ flagship initiative of the MSSD aims to address the visual health needs of said indigent sector and empower them to actively engage in their day-to-day activities, read, socialize, and navigate their surroundings effectively, which is essential to fostering their welfare.
MSSD Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie stressed that the intervention will aid the senior citizens in their everyday living, particularly reinforcing their socialization with other people.
“Through the Sagip Paningin para kay Lolo at Lola program, we aim to help our elderly maintain a good quality of life despite their age, enabling them to read and sustain meaningful relationships with their families,” Minister Jajurie stated during the activity.
In partnership with the Glang Eye Care Clinic, a total of 1,000 senior citizens across the Bangsamoro region are expected to benefit from the program by receiving eyeglasses vital to their visual needs.
Among the requirements needed are valid identification cards (IDs); a certificate of eligibility for the program, obtained through the assessment of social workers upon the verification of the beneficiaries’ economic status; and, if necessary, medical certificates, indicating the necessity for eyeglasses.
Dr. Zuhra Glang of the partner clinic reassured the provision of eye examinations to the elderly and subsequent offering of appropriate eyeglasses to correct the latter’s vision problems.
On Jan. 24, 2024, the MSSD officially introduced this flagship program in one of its previous activities at the Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPWD) in this city.
Focusing on the self-sustaining and inclusive development of the Bangsamoro senior citizens is the 12th priority agenda of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim. (Johamin Inok/BIO with reports from MSSD)
