By LOURDES, JEN AND JING | THE LPFI-BISLIG MEDICAL TEAM
“ TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE”
Earlier this year, Loving Presence Foundation, Inc. and the Local Government Unit of Bislig City forge partnership on the “OPLAN SAGIP MATA” project. The agreement was in conformity with a mutual desire to establish partnership within the spirit of the foundation’s objectives, particularly, for the provision on humanitarian assistance specifically by eradicating preventable and curable blindness problem within Bislig City.
This joint undertaking of both agencies is known as “FREE CATARACT SURGICAL OUTREACH”. It has been going on since 2002 and has benefited a large number of indigent patients here in Bislig and Caraga as a whole.
Dated last April 25-26 of the present year, a free Cataract Operation was conducted at Bislig District Hospital; In line with that activity, out-numbered clients from different areas of Bislig able to have a free consultation and further evaluation from our partner Ophthalmologist Dr. Joseph Custodio. Ten (10) patients have undergone cataract extraction. Before the year ends, we are working-out for another Cataract Operation to be conducted here in Bislig, hoping to have multiple clients to avail this opportunity.
Critics might ask how a project like this could survive and grow, considering the prohibitive cost and its maintenance, the answer is in the spirit of “UNITY”. When LPFI pair-up with the LGU and support from the partner organizations such as the CATARCT FOUNDATION and also from Global Giving Organization, the alliances allows the foundation to increase efficiency, gain access to valuable resources and spread the word about the foundation’s goal and good work; above all, they allow the foundation to accomplish far more than it could alone….
In September, LOVING PRESENCE FOUNDATION, INC and the LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT of Hinatuan and Tagbina forge partnership to conduct CATARACT SURGICAL OUTREACH. The LGU of both municipalities made a generous contribution to the foundation with the same purpose of eradicating preventable and curable blindness problem within their locality and which will be a beneficiary for their constituents.
After a month-long of planning, coordinating and arranging stuff, the activity was then unveiled. The lobby of Hinatuan District Hospital was filled with out-going clients for eye consultation and evaluation last September 5, 2008. Prior to the said activity, Community Screening was conducted at the Municipal Health Offices of Tagbina and Hinatuan dated last Aug. 12 and 13, in order to maximize the number of clients to benefit the outreach activity especially those who were living in far-flung areas of the said municipality.
Approximately 195 people attended the screening and undergone further evaluation from an eye specialist in person of Dr. Joseph Custodio. Twenty two (22) clients were subjected for cataract extraction and three others are for pterygium excision. Hospital staff and other service provider contributed their effort and labor for the success of the said outreach.
Through that project, the constituents of both municipalities definitely felt the presence of LPFI, LGU’s and the other supporting organizations' service. The success of the event deserves an overwhelming gratitude to the personalities who work hand- in- hand behind. Thanks to the undying support of the Government Officials, partner organizations such as the Cataract Foundation, Christoffel Blinden Mission and the Global Giving.
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