Lions Clubs District 301-B2 holds 1st Confab in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Lions Clubs International District 301-B2 kicked off its 1st District Convention in September this year with the gathering of Lions members from various clubs in the Visayas, particularly Lions Clubs from Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Ormoc, and Dumaguete making it a significant celebration of service and community impact.

Lucy Chiong Sy, Lions Clubs District 301-B2 district governor bared that September events include a photo exhibit which opened on September 1 to 6 at the Ayala Central Bloc in Cebu IT Park, Cebu City and on September 7, the photo exhibit moved to NuStar, where the Governor's Ball was held.

Sy said that the opening ceremony and plenary session held at the Sacred Heart Center on September 6 featured Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia as the guest speaker where he recognized the efforts of Lions Clubs International in helping least those in need.

"You have hearts that see. You have hearts that feel the pain of our least fortunate brothers and sisters. When others pay only lip service, you serve,” Garcia said and thanked the Lions Clubs International for showing the way how to serve.

In the morning of September 6, 16 Lions Clubs participated in a bowling tournament at SM City Cebu that set the tone for the camaraderie and fellowship central to the Lions' community spirit. The plenary session’s discussions centered on membership growth, club extension, leadership training goals, and progress reports of the projects.

One of the key goals discussed during the convention was the growth of the Lions community. The organization aims to reach 1.5 million members globally by 2027. This ambitious target underscores the Lions’ belief in the power of collective action and the importance of expanding their reach to serve more communities worldwide.

Lions Clubs International’ core values, projects

Dr. Chiong-Sy said the Lions Clubs International has eight core goal values, including Vision, Diabetes, Environment, Youth, Hunger, and Disaster Relief. These projects reflect the Lions' commitment to addressing some of the most pressing issues in their communities.

Among the projects is the Sight for Kids program that provides free eye examinations and eyeglasses to children in public schools, she added.  Inspired by Helen Keller, who once called the Lions the "Knights of the Blind," the program aims to preserve vision, particularly among underprivileged youth.

The Lions also work closely with sponsors and medical experts to ensure that children with more serious eye conditions receive the necessary care.  The district is also actively involved in diabetes prevention, environmental conservation, and malnutrition eradication. These long-term programs are designed to create sustainable change, particularly in areas hardest hit by poverty and natural disasters.

During calamities, Lions members frequently mobilize to deliver aid and resources to remote, disaster-stricken areas, showcasing their dedication to humanitarian service.  Lions Clubs International is known for its dedication to service, and District 301-B2 is no exception, Dr. Chiong-Sy concluded. (Photos: Lions Clubs Int'l)