Last year, the Daily Tribune linked the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) with the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines for the treatment of inmates who were getting blind due to cataract.

The humanitarian organization founded by Taiwanese nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen runs the Tzu Chi Eye Center (TCEC) which has been treating people with impaired vision for free. Volunteer eye specialists of TCEC, which is located in Sta. Mesa, Manila, conducted a medical mission at the New Bilibid Prison’s Minimum Security Compound (NBP-MSC) and operated on persons deprived of liberty (PDL) onsite to remove cataract and restore their sight.

To this day, both the PDLs and BuCor are grateful for the help and thanked the TCEC by giving it an award during the bureau’s 120th Foundation Day celebration at its national headquarters in Muntinlupa City on 12 November.

BuCor director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the TCEC have “greatly impacted the lives of persons deprived of liberty” and “fostered an environment of rehabilitation and hope” at the NBP-MSC.

TCEC medical director Dr. Bernardita C. Navarro, who received the certificate of appreciation from BuCor, said the center has examined 100 PDLs with cataracts and operated on 75 of them.

A number of the treated PDLs were released helping them rebuild their lives. 

TCEC continues to help the remaining PDLs with cataract so they can have a better life after prison.

One treated PDL even showed his gratitude to the volunteer doctors and staff of TCEC by bringing to the hospital produce that he and other inmates grow from the BuCor’s vegetable garden. 

BuCor also recognized the DAily Tribune for initiating the humanitarian project that supports the health and reformation of PDLs.