Bagong Mata sa may Katarata | Projects and Services | First Gentleman Foundation, Inc.

Bagong Puso Galing sa Puso

Instead of celebrating his 62nd Birthday, the First Gentleman will sponsor 14 open-heart surgeries in PGH by end June 2008.
Bagong Doktor Para sa Bayan

Medical Scholarship for poor but deserving medical students in their 4th year from UP or PLM.
Bagong Espesyalista Para sa Bayan

Specialization course for barrio doctors.
Doctors to the Barrios (DOH Project)

Support to DOH Barrio Doctors.
Bagong Ngiti sa Dating Ngebu

Started in October 2004, to date has already provided free dentures to about 10,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
Bagong Bato, Bagong Buhay

Initially in cooperation with National Kidney and Transplant Institute from 2001 - 2004. In February 2005, in cooperation with Philippine General Hospital, provides free kidney transplant to poor patients.

Bagong Mata sa may Katarata

(Gift of Sight) The project has benefited some 7,000 patients including children with congenital cataract.

Nationwide free cataract operation (includes pre/post check-up and medications) to patients, majority of whom were elderly.

On September 26, 2001, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo launched the cataract medical mission dubbed as “Bagong Mata para sa may Katarata“ at the Presidential Security Group Hospital in Malacanang Park with only three patients as initial beneficiaries.

It was followed by another mission on October 2001 with eight patients. As information spread about the project, more and more people wanted to avail of the project, since the standard cost of cataract operation ranges from P40, 000 to P50,000.

The First Gentleman then decided to expand the projects coverage to include indigent cataract patients in the provinces.

"Maraming salamat, mahal na Unang Ginoo. Umaabot sa P40,000 hanggang P50,000 ang gastos sa pagpapa-opera subalit dahil sa inyong tulong ay nalunasan ang matagal na naming problema."

Thus, what started as a stationary monthly cataract medical mission at the PSG Hospital, the Bagong Mata para sa May Katarata extended out-reach missions to Bacolod, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Kalinga Apayao, Aklan, Samar, Pampanga, Quezon Province and Isabela.

Similar cataract medical missions were also conducted at Fort Bonifacio General Hospital and Manila Naval Hospital in Taguig City. Presently, the project has benefited about 7,000 including children with congenital cataract ailment.