Meycauayan City, Bulacan – Security Bank employees funded eyeglasses for 157 students at Calvario Elementary School, a beneficiary of the Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) school building donation program. This initiative is part of SBFI’s holistic approach to enhancing students’ academic performance nationwide, addressing the challenge many students face in learning effectively due to poor eyesight.
In partnership with the Rotary Club of San Francisco del Monte and the Rotaract Club of San Francisco del Monte Malaya Achievers, eye examinations were conducted last March 17 which determined the 157 students in need of eyeglasses. Rotary provided the vision screening equipment and volunteer optometrists while Rotaract provided support staff.
Eyeglasses were distributed last April 10, 2025, a day after the “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration. Many Filipino students continue to pursue their education despite resource gaps, including lack of assistive devices such as eyeglasses. Teachers also make relentless efforts to create an inclusive learning environment—such as using large-print materials, optimizing lighting in classrooms, and seating students closer to the board to aid students with eyesight problems.
Feluchie, a Grade 2 student with an eye grade of 1,000, had been nearly blind due to old and ineffective eyeglasses. When given a new pair of eyeglasses, her face lit up with her first word “Wow”.
“Mas nakatutok na sila sa aralin,” observed Teacher Glori Cristobal. “They enjoy reading books now because they can clearly see the text and appreciate the visuals. They are more inspired to study hard.”
SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting education for the Filipino youth. “We pray that all of our actions confirm how serious we are in our advocacy of elevating the education of the Filipino youth. Let us remain steadfast in striving for better education for our Filipino students—for a better tomorrow for our beloved Philippines,” said Simpao.
To date, through partnerships with organizations like Rotary, Rotaract and Ideal Vision, SBFI has donated a total of 1,169 eyeglasses to students in SBFI-beneficiary schools across Laguna, Batangas, and Bulacan.
“Maraming salamat po, dahil naging daan po kayo upang magkaroon kami ng malinaw na paningin. Ngayon po ay malinaw na ang aking paningin kahit sa malayo—hindi ko na po kailangang lumapit para lang makita ang mga numero at letra sa pisara,” shared Mhiekaila, a Grade 4 student and one the beneficiaries.
#BetterBankingIsSustainable #EyeglassesProgram