North Cotabato seniors get free eye check-up, eyeglasses

KIDAPAWAN CITY -The best gift a government can give to senior citizens of North Cotabato is to help them improve their eye sight.With this in mind, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza today led the distribution of free eye glasses and free eye consultation to thousands of senior citizens in the province dubbed as Antipara Para kay Lolo at Lola,” Jimmy Sta. Cruz of the North Cotabato Media Bureau, said.Gift giving was a component of Mendoza’s early gift giving program to her constituents.In partnership with private and government ophthalmologists or eye specialists, the free eye examination and distribution of eye glasses were carried out in coordination with local government units.Mendoza said the twin programs for the seniors started in 2013 and have already changed the lives of many residents in 17 towns and Kidapawan City who are in the twilight of their lives.Mendoza said she recognized the need for senior citizens to wear much-needed eyeglasses to help them in their day-to-day activities. We in the provincial government are aware of the important things our elders need such as these eyeglasses which they will use all the time,” Mendoza said. I saw happy faces during the distribution of eyeglasses and for this I am very much grateful to the provincial government most especially to Gov. Lala for looking into the welfare of our elders,” Magpet town Mayor Marionito Gonzaga. My Christmas is so happy because of this gift. Thank you to Gov. Lala for her big help to us,” Lolo Tonyo, one of the beneficiaries, said. Our elders are an integral part of our society and looking back to the things they have done for us, it is but proper to honor and give them back what they deserve from us,” Mendoza said.