The sense of sight is something that most people take for granted. Through our eyes, we get to see the people we love, witness how our future unfolds, and appreciate achievements and milestones. It’s a gift. But not everyone has the privilege to receive this gift. In celebration of our 30 years in the ICT industry, MEC is making that gift possible for dozens of people as we give back to the community we serve. We’re giving the gift of vision.
30 Years of Igniting Ideas and Driving Excellence
MEC Networks is an industry leading distributor company in the Philippines that was founded by its founder and president, Merrick Chua, in 1995. As the number of IT businesses thriving rapidly, he knew that rather than a business competing with one another, why not serve their needs and empower them? The outcome of these thoughts is the products and solutions that MEC constantly provides.
After years of hard work, compassion and perseverance, strong workforce, thousands of business partners, nationwide branches and globally recognized ICT brands, we have become a big dynamic organization which is recognized not only in the local but also in the international arena. MEC Networks, celebrating its 30th anniversary, aims not at serving just the IT industry but also as a reliable partner in education, telecommunications, hospitality, and healthcare.
When Innovation Meets Compassion
Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center is a beacon of hope to many Filipinos, being located in the busy road of Blumentritt. Although a privately-owned organization, it is receiving a lot of patients. The hospital has a social development foundation which serves as a refuge to indigents because it grants such patients and communities an opportunity and a chance to be treated.
The department of ophthalmology is one of the busiest and active wards in the hospital. When we entered their floor, we could see the number of people who have been attending to eye issues, particularly the aged people. And, as Dr. George Co remarked, you are disabled to do anything without the sense of sight. With the majority of them having someone to help them or having a cane to help them walk, it can be clearly seen how hard it is to move and at least to take them to the hospital appointments without having clear vision.
Cresenciana Claveria, a patient who does catechistic work stated that she would simply listen to the priest as she is no longer able to read the bible. Patient Rene Ang, on the other hand, shared that he would read the newspaper with one eye. Another patient, Editha Tampucao, told us that it is difficult to move around the house with clouded vision. She would bump off drinking glasses and when eating fish, she would have her family debone for her since she can no longer see well.
Dr. Co highlighted that the population in need of cataract surgery is very high in the country. Most of them afford treatment but not all patients have the financial ability to be treated. Although visual impairment is prevalent, a more distressing aspect which emerges is the disparity in accessing healthcare.
Sharing the Gift of Vision
As shared by our Executive Vice President, Maureen Chua, during Thanksgiving, “The causes we support outside, echoes the values we uphold inside.” She further stated that the greatest way of celebrating is by serving our community because these moments make us remember the values we live by- to remain grounded, to work as a team and to use our success to make a positive difference which has been playing a major role in the way we do business today.
Three decades in, MEC continues to show that technology is at its best when driven by compassion. In commemoration of 30 years in the ICT industry, MEC is offering free cataract surgery to 30 patients of the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.
The program that is made possible through the collaborative efforts of partnering organizations is not only a medical aid. It is a symbol of hope, empathy and solidarity. Each successful operation is the testimony of a changed life, a parent who can see his or her children growing up, an employee who can resume working, and an elderly who can see the world clearly again.
This project is an expression of our lifelong commitment to ensuring we, at MEC, remain committed to empowering individuals to never lose hope and inclusive growth towards the brightest and clearer future as a reflection of our commitment to uphold our core values.
Milestones Worth Celebrating
This event highlights that true success comes not just from achievements or partnerships, but from the people who make them possible. By giving the gift of sight, MEC honors both its decades in technology and its commitment to community welfare.
As we look in the future, one thing is for sure: MEC will keep on making a positive impact.
To the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, thank you for making this vision come to life.
And partner? We’re excited to see where our united vision takes us.
30 years in, a lifetime of impact to go.
