Second row (L-R): Lyn Bartolome, Ideal Vision Center Marketing Manager; Ginno Jhep Pacquing, DepEd Region 3 Data Protection Officer; Ricardo Llego, SBFI Communications and Resource Mobilization Officer
Lubao, Pampanga – For many public school students, the challenge in learning to read isn’t a lack of ability—it’s poor eyesight.
Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), in partnership with Ideal Vision Center (IVC) and the Department of Education Region III, is expanding its Vision Screening and Eyeglasses program to Central Luzon, providing free prescription eyeglasses to 1,000 public school students whose vision issues have been identified as a barrier to learning.
The initiative builds on the success of a 2024 pilot program in South Luzon, where over 1,000 students from six SBFI beneficiary schools received complimentary eyeglasses following vision screening and assessment by volunteer optometrists. Results from the pilot demonstrated measurable gains in reading proficiency: the number of non-readers was eliminated, instructional readers decreased by 40%, frustrated readers dropped by 63%, while independent readers increased by 328%.
SBFI managed project logistics, coordinated with schools, gathered student data, and assessed program impact, while Ideal Vision Center conducted vision screenings and deployed volunteer optometrists, opticians, and support staff. Participating schools also benefited from eye care talks delivered by volunteer professionals.
“When children can see clearly, they can read more confidently and participate more actively in class,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. “Our pilot results showed that addressing vision problems can lead to measurable improvements in literacy, turning non-readers into independent readers.”.
With DepEd Region III now a formal partner, implementation of the program in Central Luzon will follow a unified agreement to enable faster and broader rollout across public schools, improving both vision and learning outcomes for Filipino students..
To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s commitment to education, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.
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About Security Bank
Established in 1951, Security Bank is one of the Philippines’ leading universal banks and is publicly listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:SECB) in 1995. The Bank’s core businesses are retail, corporate, commercial, and business (MSME) banking, offering a wide range of services including lending, leasing, foreign exchange, stock brokerage, investment banking, and asset management.
Security Bank differentiates itself from other banks as a strong, domestic, independent bank that delivers a superior customer experience in line with its brand promise of BetterBanking. This is based on a deep understanding of customer needs, providing solutions in a professional, hassle-free, personalized, and timely manner. The Bank’s strategic alliance with MUFG Bank, Ltd., Japan’s largest bank, provides its customers with access to a broad global network.
The Bank has been recognized by international and local organizations for its constant product innovation, market leadership, and best-in-class management practices.
Security Corporation is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas www.bsp.gov.ph
For more information, visit www.securitybank.com.