VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) -- The provincial government of Catanduanes has enacted an ordinance, setting the observance of World Vision Day and launching its eyecare program.

Provincial Board Member Robert Fernandez, sponsor of Provincial Ordinance 022-2023  and Catanduanes Eye Care and World Vision Day, said the ordinance sets the observance of World Vision Day for every second Thursday of October, as well as implementing primary eye care services, blindness prevention programs, and health information campaigns in the province.

In a speech at the ordinance launching, Governor Joeph C. Cua represented by Vice Governor Peter C. Cua, emphasized that the launching aims to benefit schoolchildren and youth in Junior High School to combat early childhood visual problems, as well as the Provincial Blindness and Eye Care Program, which seeks to subsidize eye care services for all Catandunganons.

Prior to the launching ceremony, a motorcade was held in downtown Virac followed by conduct of free optical services.

Dr. Hazel Palmes of the Provincial Health Office reported that the Catanduanes Eye Care Program has benefitted 26 students and 30 senior citizens who availed of the free optical services and prescription glasses, while five more students have availed of the free eye services.

Palmes also expressed hope that the project will be a continuing journey while implementing Universal Healthcare in the province’s Healthcare System.  (EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)