By President Henry R. Onia

Last July 16, 2008, the Rotary Club of Hundred Islands (RCHi) signed with the Northern Luzon Association for the Blind, Inc. (NLAB) a Memorandum of Agreement pertaining to the latter’s scholars.

Upon arrival at the NLAB School for the Blind located at Brgy. Atab, Baguio City, the visually impaired children were ready to entertain the group from the RCHi composed of President Henry Onia, Immediate Past President Ildefonso “Doods” Manzano, Jr., Auditor Vicente “Vic” Rabago and Rotarians Justo “Jazz” Bergonia and Jeanne Rendon.  After some songs from the children and speeches, the merienda for the children was served and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed. The children were encouraged to complete their education so that they will ready to be returned to the mainstream and later on to undergo livelihood training through the aid of the foundation of the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights.

Afterwards, over a cup of coffee, a meeting between the RCHi group and NLAB's Chairperson of the Board & Executive Director, Ms. Dona Digna S. Rosario, was held regarding various concerns of the NLAB particularly their transfer to the parcel of land they own but which is presently occupied by some squatters. At present NLAB is leasing the land where their training center/school is located but at the end of the school year, the owner of the land will no longer renew its lease contract with NLAB.

The commitments of the NLAB are:

(a) to provide fieldworkers to screen candidates recommended by RCHi,

(b) to prepare the students for integration in the mainstream schools in the area,

(c) to provide progress reports of the students to RCHi

while the commitments of the RCHi are:

(a) to indentify visually impaired elementary school aged children in the Western Pangasinan area and recommend candidates for enrollment at NLAB,

(b) to assist NLAB during its fieldwork in screening candidates and communicating with the parents,

(c) to provide transportation expenses for an eye examination by NLAB’s ophthalmologist,

(d) to provide transportation expenses to and from NLAB for students and companions during beginning of classes, semester break, Christmas break and end of classes.

Presently RCHi is sponsoring two scholars, Paul-John Cristobal from Brgy. Germinal, Bolinao and John-Paul Valdex from Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City. Another scholar from San Vicente, Alamios City will be added when he reaches the minimum age for NLAB and hopefully others as they are identified.