CLEAR vision is essential not only for health but also for quality of life and productivity. In the Philippines, the eyeglasses market faces challenges such as limited manufacturing capacity, uneven distribution between urban and rural areas, and high prices that make basic vision correction unaffordable for many.
In a crucial role, civil society organizations can leverage innovative models to deliver affordable and accessible eye care, often filling the gaps left by public sector efforts.
To fill a gap in various communities, Minority Care International (MCI) has dispensed thousands of reading eye glasses in 14 distributions, including to the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Davao Penal and Prison Farm (DaPeCol).
Recognizing the profound impact MCI’s Restoring Vision annual eye care projects have had on individuals’ lives, they performed more than 290 eye check-ups and dispensed more than 200 reading glasses to the Cebuano Barangay in South Cotabato. Dr. Audrey Kim Delin and her husband, Dr. Lendl Sam Delin, also joined hospital volunteers in conducting eye exams, having labeled all lens strengths before the distribution.
Also, to further serve community needs, Nurse Andrea and 4th-year Medtech student Yakup Celik conducted free blood pressure screening for the eye care donees. According to one recipient, he appreciated MCI’s community outreach project because eye checks and glasses are very expensive, with the consequence that most do not have glasses and, thus, have untreated problems.
Through this service, MCI scholars continue to learn to give back to their community. Social work former MCI scholar Theresa Adil and Mary Rose also came to help in the distribution of eyeglasses. MCI scholarship beneficiary currently studying tourism at the University of Mindanao in her second year, Shaira Arida is from Cebuano, Barangay South Cotabato.
Even as a student, she organized the MCI eye care event with her Barangay SK officials to extend the MCI eye care project to her community. Shaira gave an opening message before the distribution.
Part of Shaira Arida’s speech is as follows:
“Good morning, everyone! I’m Shaira Arida, Public Relations Officer of the Minority Care International Student Association (MCISA). It’s an honor to be here for this meaningful event.
“Before we begin, I’d like to acknowledge the visionary behind our program, our founder, Dr. Aland Mizell. We’re also joined by Atty. Susan Cariaga, Vice President of SETBI. Special thanks to Dr. Audrey Kim Delin and Dr. Lendi Sam Delin for their help with today’s eyeglass distribution. I’d also like to thank Barangay officials, led by Noel Dela Cruz, and SK officials, headed by Honey Grace Enario, for supporting our 14th eyeglass distribution, including here in Barangay Cebuano.
“Today’s event is about more than just eyeglasses—it’s about giving people the vision to pursue opportunities and live fuller lives. MCI’s Restoring Vision project embodies our mission: not just to support students, but to give back to the community. Though I am still a student, MCI has given me the chance to serve and grow.
“MCI means a lot to me. It has not only supported my education but also guided and shaped me. Without MCI, I wouldn’t be standing here today. It has taught me to dream big despite challenges and to believe in my potential.”
“We acknowledge the Cebuano Barangay SKs for their hospitality and for allowing us to distribute the eyewear, as well as my father, Mr. Arida, for providing lunch. By Shaira Ardia
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Shaira Ardia is an MCI Scholar and a second-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student at the University of Mindanao (UM).
