We are honored to be invited to become a media partner of the Symposium on Ear & Hearing Health and Public Health Care System on March 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Conference Hall of Miguel de Benavides Library, University of Santo Tomas, Manila.
Organized by the Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP), in coordination with UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery - Master in Clinical Audiology Program and UST Department of ENT – HNS, this event aligns with World Hearing Day’s global advocacy. This year's theme, “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All,” calls for action in ensuring accessible ear and hearing care for everyone.
With key stakeholders from PDAO, OPD, NCDA, PhilHealth, DOH, DILG, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and media practitioners, the symposium will tackle critical concerns, including the implementation of Republic Act 11228 and the urgent need for nationwide primary ear and hearing care training at the barangay level.
Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to amplify this vital cause, bringing greater public awareness to ear and hearing health issues. We look forward to covering this meaningful event and sharing important insights with our audience!
Breaking the Sound Barrier: Push for Universal Hearing Healthcare in the Philippines
In a significant move to address the growing concerns around hearing health care in the Philippines, the Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP) is set to host a landmark symposium on ear and hearing health at the University of Santo Tomas on March 7, 2025. The event, coinciding with World Hearing Day celebrations, aims to spotlight critical gaps in the country's public health care system and advocate for improved access to hearing health services.
A Call for Change
Under the theme "Changing Mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!" the symposium brings together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, and disability rights advocates. The event, organized in collaboration with the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery's Master in Clinical Audiology Program and the Department of ENT-HNS, represents a crucial step toward addressing the mounting challenges faced by Filipinos with hearing impairments.
HOHGP President Vincent S. Balingan emphasizes the urgent need for action: "Our right to health is being compromised by inadequate public health facilities, insufficient equipment, and a shortage of medical professionals specializing in hearing care. This symposium serves as a platform to voice these concerns and work toward concrete solutions."
Legislative Challenges and Implementation Gaps
One of the primary concerns highlighted by the advocacy group is the apparent non-implementation of Republic Act 11228. This crucial legislation mandates that the national government should cover premium contributions for all persons with disabilities (PWDs) and share premium payments equally with employers for employed PWDs. Additionally, the law requires PhilHealth to develop specialized health packages tailored to the unique needs of persons with disabilities.
The current situation reveals a significant disconnect between legislative intent and practical implementation, leaving many Filipinos with hearing impairments struggling to access essential healthcare services.
Innovative Solutions at the Grassroots Level
The HOHGP is proposing a groundbreaking initiative to establish nationwide primary ear and hearing care training at the barangay level. This innovative approach would involve collaboration between:
Department of Health (DOH)
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)
Academic institutions
Allied health care providers
This grassroots approach could potentially transform access to hearing healthcare services, especially in underserved communities across the Philippines.
Multi-Stakeholder Participation
The upcoming symposium will feature participation from various sectors, including:
PDAO and OPD officers
Academic and medical professionals
Government agency representatives from NCDA, PhilHealth, DOH, and DILG
Legislative representatives from both Houses of Congress
Media practitioners
This diverse gathering of stakeholders underscores the comprehensive approach needed to address the complex challenges in hearing healthcare delivery.
Moving Forward
As World Hearing Day 2025 approaches, the symposium represents a crucial step toward realizing universal access to ear and hearing care in the Philippines. The event not only aims to raise awareness but also seeks to catalyze concrete action toward implementing existing legislation and developing new initiatives to support the hearing-impaired community.
The HOHGP's efforts align with global initiatives to prioritize hearing health, highlighting the critical need for improved healthcare infrastructure, professional training, and policy implementation to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in accessing essential hearing health services.
For those interested in supporting this initiative or attending the symposium, the event will be held on March 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Conference Hall of Miguel de Benavides Library, University of Santo Tomas, España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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