Last week a group of Coco Beach employees staff headed by our in-house physician Doc Ariel distributed reading glasses to the Mangyan villagers in Puerto Galera. First, they visited the Saclag Mangyan settlement where 7 villagers received eyeglasses. These Mangyans are, Benjamin Hayag and his wife Yolanda, Panya Reyes, Menisia Alagao, Rosita Anyas and Olivia Dizon. They distributed the eyeglasses at Kuya Bert’s house and Doc Ariel checked their eyes for cataracts.

Dr. Ariel with the recipients of the new eye glass from Saclag Mangyan Settlement

Then the group proceeded to Ambang Mangyan Village which is about 30 minutes away from Saclag via Coco Beach’s Hummer passing through rivers and rough terrain surrounded by trees and dense vegetation. At Ambang Village, another 8 Mangyans got eyeglasses. They are Oscar Axalan, Anna Axalan, Paolo Garcia, Emilia Garcia, Rosita Panganiban, Sara Hayag, Charing Dulasan and Arsenia Sinduran.

Choosing which eye glass is for them

Doc Ariel also found 3 patients with cataracts. They are Charing Dulasan and Arsenia Sinduran while Tony Rucio may possibly have this eye disease. All cataract patients will be scheduled for operation in Manila by next week. The Mangyans are very thankful to Big Bosses Enrico and Connie for donating the reading glasses which according to the villagers would be a great aid for them while they weave nito baskets which the Mangyans are famous for.

After choosing, they stay to check if they are comfortable while Dr. Ariel assists them

Ambang is also the beneficiary of a community learning center and clean water made possible through the donations and funds from the people of Denmark.

Ambang children having fun with the Hummer

Next week, some of the staff of Coco beach will visit another Mangyan Village to distribute these reading glasses and get more people with cataracts to be treated in Manila.