by: Lion Emma C. Cabrera, MJF
At the beginning of her term in July 2024, San Pablo City Emerald Lions Club President Lion Maria Theresa E. del Rio, MJF set her sights on a deeply meaningful mission: to protect and uplift the welfare of young students, particularly those silently suffering from vision impairments.
With the steadfast support of Lion Emma C. Cabrera, SIGHT FOR KIDS (SFK) Chairperson for Laguna B Region, the Emerald Lions embarked on an ambitious goal — to bring the Sight for Kids project not just to one school, but to sixteen (16) public elementary schools located in the remote outskirts of San Pablo City.
Without delay, President Del Rio, along with Lions Emma Cabrera, Erlyn Saspa, Lorna Aguila and Daisy Boone, collaborated with the Department of Education to identify elementary schools that had not benefited from the Lions’ SFK program in the last three years. The chosen schools were: San Antonio II, San Joaquin, Sto. Niño, Sta. Cruz, Guerilla, San Diego, San Lorenzo, San Buenaventura, San Juan, Sta. Catalina, Santiago I, San Anton, Platon, Magcaseville, Sto. Cristo, and Dapdapan Elementary School.
The project rollout was no small feat. From conducting orientations for teachers and school nurses across far-flung areas, to organizing vision screenings for over 5,000 students aged 4 to 13, and providing eye refraction services to nearly 400, the logistics were intense and demanding. But for the Emerald Lion ladies, every effort was worth it. Hearing the stories of students whose education was silently hindered by poor vision — often because their families had to prioritize food, rent, or utility bills over eyeglasses — only deepened their resolve.
The mission culminated in a heartwarming event on March 6, 2025, when 158 students received brand-new prescription eyeglasses — all provided free of charge by Lions International. The joyous occasion was held at Rizal Hall, San Pablo City Central School, filled with students, parents, teachers, SFK Coordinators, and honored guests. The program was graced by key Lions leaders, including SFK District Coordinator Imee Vosotros, MD SFK Consultant Dr. Zenida Mamaclay, Dr. Cyrus Constantino, Dr. Loyda Dalisay and District Governor Lion Apolinar U. Cortez, 5PMJF, who served as Guest of Honor and Speaker.
Yet the true highlight of the day was not in the speeches or applause, but in the radiant smiles, spontaneous laughter, and whispered “thank yous” from the children who could finally see clearly — many for the first time. Their joy was palpable, their gratitude sincere.
For President MARIA THERESA E. DEL RIO, SFK Region Laguna B Coordinator Lion EMMA C. CABRERA and the entire San Pablo City Emerald Lions Club, this was a labor of love. The countless hours, travels, and preparations were rewarded a hundredfold by the happiness of the children whose lives have been touched.
Congratulations, President MARIA THERESA E. DEL RIO, MJF, SFK Region Laguna B Coordinator Lion EMMA C. CABRERA, MJF and all officers and members of the San Pablo City Emerald Lions Club and Lions Clubs International Foundation, for an outstanding job well done. Your compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service are truly exemplary and will be remembered for years to come. Indeed, where there is a need, there is a LION!!! ROAR!!!
