For years, 86-year-old Tatay Eling of Purok 1, Barangay Concepcion, Sta. Josefa town in Agusan del Sur, lived in a place that was slowly disappearing before his eyes.

The gloominess did not come all at once. It crept in gradually, day by day, as cataracts clouded his vision.

What began as blurred outlines eventually became an invisible wall between him and the world he once knew. The faces of his loved ones became harder to recognize.

Familiar trails became uncertain paths, as even the simple act of moving around inside his home required cautionary measures.

For Tatay Eling, a humble broom maker who spent much of his life supporting his family through honest labor, losing his eyesight meant losing his entire life’s vision. The father of 11 children had already endured decades of hardship and challenges.

Like many elderly Filipinos, Tatay Eling and his wife faced financial difficulties that made even basic necessities a daily concern.

Yet amid their struggles, one source of relief remained constant—the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC), one of several programs being managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The SPISC is a monthly pension program for indigent senior citizens like Tatay Eling, helping them acquire basic necessities such as food and maintenance medicines.

The pension served as a lifeline that eased the burden for octogenarians like him. Still, Tatay Eling’s worsening condition required more than financial assistance; he needed more help to regain his vision.

Through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Sta. Josefa, Tatay Eling’s condition was brought to the attention of the DSWD’s Field Office Caraga under the Help Enhance the Living Condition to Protect the Older Persons (HELP-OP) initiative.

Soon, a new network of hope began to take shape.

Ms. Abigail Laghayon, a local social worker, helped facilitate his case. Several members of the Philippine Eagles Club also extended their assistance to secure a free cataract surgery, which was performed by Dr. Joseph Custodio of DermaVision.

The DSWD, through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, provided ₱15,000 in financial aid. Meanwhile, the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Josefa ensured transportation services to Butuan City, providing additional support for food and medication throughout the process.

What followed was something Tatay Eling once feared he might never experience again: a pair of useful eyes that will enable him to once again see familiar faces and the colorful surroundings.

After the successful surgery, the world that had long been hidden behind a veil of darkness slowly returned. The outlines became clear. The road ahead was visible once more.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Tatay Eling struggled to find the words to express his gratitude.

“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa tulong na natanggap ko mula sa HELP OP dahil nakapagpa-opera ako ng katarata at muli na akong nakakakita. Tunay pong napakalaki ng aking pasasalamat sa DSWD sa kanilang ibinigay na ayuda. Kung wala sila, hindi ko alam kung ano na ang kalagayan ko ngayon. Marahil ay nahihirapan pa rin akong maglakad at hanapin ang aking daraanan. Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat, at paulit-ulit kong ipahahayag ang aking pasasalamat sa kanilang kabutihan,” Tatay Eling said.

Now, he can once again look upon the faces of his loved ones, move confidently around his community, and return to the activities that give him purpose. More importantly, he can once again witness the beauty of everyday life that many often take for granted.

Tatay Eling’s story is a poignant reminder that government assistance provided through a “whole-of-society” approach can truly transform lives.

The octogenarian’s journey to achieve a quality life in his old age reflects the commitment of the DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian and in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that no Filipino is left behind.

By reaching out to Tatay Eling beyond the SPISC program, the DSWD did not simply provide financial aid—they restored his faith in humanity, goodwill, and a positive future he thought he had lost forever.

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple act of reaching out to create a lasting impact on the lives of our most vulnerable sectors. (CJD)