Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) partnered with the Rotary Club of San Francisco Del Monte (SFDM) and the Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers for the vision screening and eyeglasses program. This collaboration expanded the program’s reach to North Luzon, conducting eye check-ups last March 17, 2025 at Calvario Elementary School (CES) in Meycauayan City, Bulacan to 160 grades 2 to 6 students reported to be having impaired eyesight.
Rotary and Rotaract SFDM QC provided vision screening machines, four volunteer optometrists, and four support staff. They will also produce prescription glasses for the 157 students found to be needing eyeglasses, with distribution scheduled before the school year ends in April. Meanwhile, SBFI handled beneficiary school coordination and will fund the production of eyeglasses through donations from Security Bank employees, raised internally through the Adopt-a-Pupil for Eyeglasses fundraising campaign, which ran from June to August 2024.
“We are very much concerned about the present problems of education in our country, including students who cannot learn well due to impaired eyesight. Together, let us resolve that, no matter the challenges we face, we shall not waver in our purpose and will be victorious in elevating the learning of our youth,” SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. said.
Rotary SFDM President Atty. Rofy Laureano believes this project goes beyond providing eyeglasses—it empowers children to reach their full potential. “Through this collaboration project, we not only provide a simple solution to a practical problem but also sow the seeds for a brighter and more inclusive future for visually impaired children in our society,” shared Atty. Laureano.
Even before the program, the school had been proactive in supporting students with eyesight issues. Teachers had implemented various strategies to cater to students with eyesight issues such as providing large-print materials, enhancing lighting conditions, seating students closer to the board, and allowing the use of assistive technologies. The school expressed gratitude for being selected as a beneficiary of this partnership.
“Ang inyong malasakit at dedikasyon ay magbibigay ng malinaw na paningin at mas magandang kinabukasan sa maraming mag-aaral. Mas maraming bata ang magkakaroon ng kakayahang makapag-aral nang maayos, magkakaroon ng tiwala sa sarili upang maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap. Hindi lamang mga estudyante ang inyong natulungan kundi pati na rin ang kanilang mga magulang at guro,” expressed Marilou Alcanar, CES principal.
Mr. Santos, a father of one vision screening participant, expressed that for parents like him, this initiative ensured that their children received essential vision care without additional financial burden, allowing them to prioritize other crucial needs.
Teachers, too, stand to benefit as students with corrected vision will be more engaged and attentive in class. With fewer distractions caused by poor eyesight, classroom dynamics will improve, enabling teachers to deliver lessons more effectively. “I believe this project will not only assist students with vision problems but also provide much-needed support for those struggling with reading and comprehension,” shared Teacher Basquiñas.
The partnership’s primary goal is to help Filipino students see better and work toward a brighter future. Since the program’s launch in October 2024, 1,169 students have already benefited from the program, including the 157 students in CES who will receive their eyeglasses by April.
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