KISLAP-MATA: VISION FOR EVERY CHILD

On April 9, 2026, the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center (RCOC), in partnership with the National Children’s Hospital, marked a defining milestone toward a future where no child is left behind due to poor vision.

With a staggering 1:40,000 ratio of pediatric ophthalmologists and an estimated 2.8 million Filipino children living with vision impairment, the need for accessible and specialized eye care has never been more urgent. Responding to this challenge, RCOC secured a Global Grant (GG2579324) through The Rotary Foundation, with support from Rotary Districts 3800 and 3670, and the Rotary Club of Jeonju- Poongnam, South Korea. This initiative aims to bridge the gap through a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

At the heart of KISLAP-MATA is the strengthening of the hospital’s Pediatric Eye & Vision Center, the first and only dedicated pediatric eye care center in the Philippines. The project will provide advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, empowering healthcare professionals to deliver accurate, timely, and life-changing interventions. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative reinforces the importance of early detection, and ensure that vision problems are identified and addressed before they impact a child’s development, education, and overall quality of life.

Equally important is the program’s commitment to accessibility. By expanding free, high-quality eye care services, KISLAP-MATA reaches children from underserved communities—those who are most at risk of being left behind. Through this effort, barriers to care are reduced, and opportunities for brighter futures are restored. Strengthening this commitment, RCOC has formalized a three-year partnership with Provision Eye Care Network last April 14, 2026 to further bridge critical gaps in pediatric eye care. 

Together, these efforts aim to deliver a comprehensive and sustainable approach to improving children’s vision across underserved communities. More than a healthcare initiative, KISLAP-MATA reflects Rotary’s enduring mission of Service Above Self. It is a collective vision brought to life—one where partnerships transcend borders, compassion drives action, and every child is given the chance to see the world clearly and pursue their fullest potential.

Special thanks are extended to DG Gina Sanchez, DRFC Bobby Tanyag, Grants Chair LtG Pilar Lee, PDG Fabie Enriquez, PDG Chang-Hyeon Bae, DGN Sherryl Khosiking, DS Carla Dejeres, District Public Image Chair PP Rey Pineda, LtG Luz Cotoco, PP Glo Cotoco, PP Boy Yaptinchay, AG Poela Jose, and PP Glenda Belandres for their guidance and unwavering support.

On the part of the National Children’s Hospital, heartfelt appreciation is also given to Medical Center Chief Dr. Philip Morales, Social Services Head Rosemarie Catap, PEVC Head Dr. Claire Barja, and PEVC Fellowship Training Officer Dr. Alexis Aclan for their dedication and commitment to advancing pediatric eye care.

Written by: GP Myron Montefalcon, Rotary Club of Ortigas Center