Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Advocacy Group Pushes for Better Hearing Healthcare Access in the Philippines

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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.

DepEd vows to deploy 15k principals this year

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In a bold move to address the critical shortage of school principals, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced plans to deploy over 15,000 qualified teachers to principal positions this year. This initiative aims to fill the leadership void in more than half of the country's public schools, which currently operate without designated principals.

The Principal Shortage Crisis

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), 55% of public schools in the Philippines lack appointed principals. This shortage is attributed to factors such as low passing rates for the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH), high personnel turnover, and cumbersome qualification processes.

DepEd's Strategic Interventions

To combat these challenges, DepEd has outlined a comprehensive strategy:

Deployment of NQESH Passers: As of 2024, there are 7,916 teachers who have passed the NQESH. DepEd plans to deploy these qualified individuals to fill existing principal vacancies promptly.

Issuance of Interim Guidelines: DepEd will implement guidelines to ensure that principals currently detailed to offices return to their assigned schools. Additionally, these guidelines will facilitate the reassignment of surplus principal positions to schools in need.

Reclassification and Retitling of Positions: Under the Expanded Career Progression Policy, 14,761 Head Teachers (I-V) will be reclassified as School Principal I. Furthermore, 954 Head Teachers VI and Assistant School Principal II positions will be retitled to School Principal I, expediting the promotion process for acting school heads.

Refocusing the NQESH: Starting in 2025, the NQESH will shift its focus towards competency assessment, serving as a basis for targeted interventions and capacity building. The administration of the NQESH will also be decentralized to regional levels to improve accessibility and efficiency.

Adoption of the School Organizational Structure and Staffing Standards (SOSSS): By 2026, DepEd aims to establish a 1:1 principal-to-school ratio. To support this initiative, an additional 5,870 School Principal I positions will be created.

Leadership Commitment

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the critical role of principals, stating, "This pressing issue is an eye-opener. So many of our schools operate without brains—because that’s what our principals are, the brains of our schools. Rest assured, DepEd is taking swift action to address this problem."

Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development Wilfredo Cabral also highlighted the importance of supporting principals: "We owe it to our hardworking, and visionary principals who are often overlooked. DepEd recognizes your passion to keep our schools operating and running, thank you for your selfless service."

Looking Ahead

DepEd's comprehensive plan reflects a commitment to strengthening educational leadership across the Philippines. By addressing the root causes of the principal shortage and implementing targeted interventions, the department aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure that every public school is equipped with effective leadership.

As these initiatives roll out, continuous monitoring and collaboration with educational stakeholders will be essential to ensure their success and sustainability.

Interior Design Students Transform Girls' Shelter: A Story of Service Learning and Community Impact

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Creating Safe Spaces: How UP Design Students Transformed a Girls' Shelter

In a remarkable demonstration of how design can impact lives, Bachelor of Science in Interior Design students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman recently completed a transformative project at the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter for Girls in Quezon City. The initiative, dubbed "Silay Kulay," showcases how interior design can be a powerful tool for social change when combined with community service.

Where Education Meets Social Impact

For over two decades, UP Diliman's BS Interior Design program has pioneered service learning through its ID 179 course. This year's graduating class chose to focus their efforts on reimagining spaces within the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter, creating environments that would nurture the growth and well-being of its young residents.

"The project began with a simple yet profound mission," explains the faculty professor overseeing the initiative. "We wanted to redesign the shelter with the girls' well-being at the forefront of every decision."

A Community-Driven Transformation

What sets this project apart is its collaborative nature. The design team drew inspiration directly from the shelter's residents, incorporating elements from the girls' own drawings and imagination into their plans. To fund the ambitious renovation, students organized multiple community events, including:

A rummage sale that brought together local supporters

Skill-sharing workshops that engaged the broader community

A successful block screening fundraiser that united people behind the cause

Comprehensive Redesign with Purpose

The renovation encompassed several key areas of the shelter:

Entry and Welcome Spaces

The previously austere entryway and receiving area were transformed into warm, welcoming spaces that immediately signal safety and comfort. New furniture arrangements and thoughtful lighting create an atmosphere that helps visitors and residents feel at ease from the moment they step inside.

Essential Living Areas

The renovation included practical yet aesthetically pleasing updates to:

The hallway and stairwell, now featuring inspiring artwork and improved lighting

A modernized toilet and bath facility with enhanced functionality

A reorganized stockroom that maximizes storage efficiency

A reimagined dining and kitchen area that encourages community meals

Multi-Purpose Learning Space

Perhaps the most significant transformation was the multi-purpose room, designed to serve as both a study area and entertainment space. This versatile environment now supports various activities essential for the girls' development and recreation.

Sustainable Design in Practice

The students demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by thoughtfully combining new and repurposed materials. This approach not only reduced the project's environmental impact but also showcased how creative reuse can lead to stunning design solutions.

Beyond Aesthetics: Creating Lasting Impact

The project's success lies not just in its visual transformation but in its deeper impact on the shelter's residents. The redesigned spaces now facilitate:

Better social interaction among residents

Enhanced learning environments

Improved daily routines and activities

Stronger sense of community and belonging

A Model for Future Service Learning

This project exemplifies how interior design education can extend beyond classroom theories to create meaningful community impact. It demonstrates that when students apply their skills to real-world challenges, they not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to positive social change.

As one student designer reflected, "This project taught us that interior design isn't just about creating beautiful spaces—it's about understanding how environments affect people's lives and using that knowledge to make a difference."

Looking Forward

The success of Silay Kulay sets a powerful precedent for future service-learning initiatives. It shows how academic institutions can partner with community organizations to create lasting positive change while providing students with invaluable real-world experience.

The project stands as a testament to the power of community-driven design and the importance of making professional design services accessible to organizations that serve vulnerable populations. Through thoughtful design and community collaboration, these UP Diliman students have created more than just beautiful spaces—they've helped build a foundation for hope and healing.