Rotary Club of Makati eyes provision of free eye care and assistive devices to iKalingas

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Embodying their principle of ‘service above self’, the Rotary Club of Makati recently visited the Province of Kalinga to discuss the possibility of providing free eye care and assistive devices to iKalingas, particularly those with eye problems and mobility impairments.

Rotary Club of Makati President Alex Lopez, along with his wife Lucille Lopez who is the current Charter President and other esteemed members of the organization, arrived at the Grand Zion Hotel on February 18, 2025, and met with the Rotary Club of Tabuk led by its president, Jage B. Caddumlay.

Guru Press Cordillera Editor Ghumie Pinkihan and former treasurer of the Rotary Club of Tabuk and current President of the Bangko Montanosa, Inc., Christine Wangdali, were also present during the gathering which aimed to talk about the possible implementation of outreach projects in Kalinga.

During the discussion, the group recommended provision for free eye cataract removal, free prescription of eyeglasses, and free mobility devices to iKalingas in need.

These kinds of assistance from the Rotary Club of Makati, said Alex, are under the club’s "Love Thy Eyes: Free Eye Cataract Removal and Free Prescription Eyeglasses” and "Walk for Life: Free Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices" programs.

Initially, the Makati club eyed to implement the projects before March 2025. However, Wangdali, who is now also a member of the Makati club, suggested that they should implement the projects after the May elections or during Tabuk City's anniversary celebration in June. These months, according to Wangdali, would allow for broader participation and visibility for the projects, leveraging the exposure from these significant events. 

‘Plans to be deliberated and finalized’

As of the moment, Alex clarified that there is no concrete plan yet, but the projects ‘are in the assessment phase’ and that they are to identify possible collaborators soon. He said that the club would be coordinating with Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang and Rotary member Wangdali in the coming days for final scheduling.

"We don’t have a definite plan yet, so there’s no commitment at this point. Yes, because we’re still in the assessment phase. We need time to assess the situation, identify local collaborators, and gather records,” he added.