Tools of change for the Carol-an community in Negros

Some 1,800 elders of the Carol-an Indigenous People (IP) benefitted from a medical mission by DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation. —CONTRIBUTED

Members of an indigenous community in Negros Island beamed as they received in November tools to improve their lives and preserve their collective identity.

Hundreds from the Carol-an indigenous group received brand new eyeglasses and tablets during an outreach effort led by the Kabankalan City Indigenous People Youth Organization (KaCIPYO) on Nov. 20 and 21. The Carol-an, a small IP group, reside exclusively in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Assistance

The eyeglasses provided relief to many of the 1,829 IP senior citizens who availed of eye care services and support. Meanwhile, some 50 students from KaCIPYO received tablets to aid in their studies. The beneficiaries included high school, senior high school, and college students.

“Our elders face challenges in accessing healthcare programs in the city because of the distance they need to travel, while many of our youth are unable to continue their education because of a lack of tools to complete their requirements,” shared Jeolina Largado, president of KaCIPYO.

Lolos and lolas of the Carol-an IP Community enjoy clearer vision, thanks to free eye examinations and glasses provided by BingoPlus Foundation. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

IPs are estimated to comprise 10 percent of the Philippine population. They are historically among the country’s poor and vulnerable groups. The Carol-an not only share these struggles, but also face the challenge of preserving a critically endangered language, Kinarol-an.

“We are honored to be among the beneficiaries of DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation in Negros Occidental,” added Largado.

Meaningful difference

KaCIPYO ran the outreach program with a P1 million grant from BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive.

“We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved communities. This optical mission is part of our broader effort to empower and support the well-being of IPs, especially senior citizens who are often marginalized in healthcare access,” said Celeste Jovenir, the vice president of DigiPlus Interactive and COO of BingoPlus Foundation.

The mission ensured access to services and support to 100 percent of the elderly IPs across the 12 barangays covered. They received free eye screenings, glasses and eyedrops.

Those who needed further medical attention were referred for advanced checkups and testing.

The tablets, meant to help the younger generation of Carol-an study in the new normal setting, were distributed during the foundation’s visit to Kabankalan to see for themselves the impact of the grassroots initiative.

Students from the Kabanlakan City Indigenous People Youth Organizations receive tablets to be used as support for their education.

P3 million pledge

Through the partnership with KaCIPYO, BingoPlus Foundation made good on its pledge for National Indigenous Peoples Month, observed in October.

It can also be recalled that the KaCIPYO grant was part of a bigger P3 million pledge for Negros Occidental that the foundation announced on Oct. 20, 2024, “BingoPlus Day” at the annual MassKara Festival in Bacolod City.

Other beneficiaries were Valladolid District Hospital and the Cadiz City Public Library.