41 PDLs underwent free cataract screening — BuCor

Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the New Bilibid Prison who are suffering from blindness due to cataracts underwent free screening in Manila, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced on Monday.

In a statement, BuCor said 41 PDLs were transported to the Tzu Chi Eye Center on Sunday for their screening and eventual surgery under the Tzu Chi Foundation.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said such outreach programs are important for the agency as they do not have the necessary funds.

“Malaking tulong ito. Kaya nga nagpapasalamat ako,” Catapang said in an ambush interview.

(This is a very big help. That’s why I’m very thankful.)

“Hindi naman namin kayang ipagamot yung cataract, wala kaming budget diyan. For checkup, pwede. Pero yung aayusin ‘yung mata? Yung makakakita ulit ng malinaw, malaking bagay yan,” he added.

(We don’t have the means or budget to treat cataracts. For a check-up, it’s possible. But to fix the eyes? For them to see clearly again, it’s a big deal.)

Catapang said the PDLs also only had a P15 daily medicine allowance. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News