At least 29 students from West Central Elementary School I in Dagupan City received free eyeglasses after being identified with poor vision during a screening program.

Among them is 12-year-old Ethan Kyle Gomez, who noticed the improvement in his eyesight immediately after wearing his new glasses.

“I am very thankful sa bagong salamin na binigay nila po,” Gomez said.

The initiative is part of the Project ‘EYE’ by the Division Office, in partnership with the Sight for Kids program of a non-government organization.

Dagupan City Public Schools District Supervisor, Dr. Jane Cajayon, said it is important to check students' visions.

“Tingnan din natin kung sila yung learners na struggling. Baka ‘yun ang dahilan kung bakit hindi pa sila nakakabasa,” she added.

The program has so far screened nearly 9,000 students from 14 schools, with 80 students set to receive eyeglasses, including those from West Central Elementary School I.

“May you use this as a power to see the world in a better way,” DG Sarah Pacquing of Lions Club International, District 301-C Northern Philippines, said.

The program, which began in August 2024, aims to reach 39 schools in the city.

West Central Elementary School I Principal, Dr. Renato Santillan, expressed his gratitude for the initiative.

“Mabibigyan ulit ng liwanag ang ating mga mata dahil sa mga eyeglasses,” he said.