At least 72 senior citizens from various barangays in Cotabato City received free reading glasses through the Sagip Paningin Para Kay Lolo at Lola Program, a joint initiative of the Bangsamoro governmentโs social services ministry and Glang Eye Care Clinic.
The outreach, conducted last week, aligns with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) commitment to support older persons and persons with disabilities. The program is part of the Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities Welfare Program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).
MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie emphasized the importance of providing health and welfare services to the elderly, particularly those in underserved communities. โThis initiative not only uplifts their quality of life but also affirms our dedication to inclusivity and care for the most vulnerable,โ she said.
The program also benefits seniors under Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which guarantees various privileges such as discounts on goods and services, free medical and dental services in government facilities, and access to government programs for their well-being.
Covering Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi, and Cotabato, MSSD aims to extend similar services to non-Moro indigenous senior citizens in remote areas.
Programs like Sagip Paningin Para Kay Lolo at Lola reinforce the vision of the Bangsamoro region where every citizen, regardless of age or background, receives equitable access to essential services and support.
