Organization: HARD OF HEARING GROUP PHILIPPINES (HOHGP), INC.
Title: From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children
Description:
In observance of World Hearing Day 2026, themed “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children,” the Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP), led by President Vins Balingan, initiated two school-based hearing screenings. The first was held at Caruhatan National High School in Valenzuela City on March 4, 2026, followed by Bagong Silang High School in Caloocan City on March 10, 2026.
The first event was sponsored by the Audibly Hearing Aid Center, represented by CEO Ariel Pelaez, in coordination with school officials including the principal, guidance counselor, Special Needs Education (SNED) coordinator, SNED faculty, and parents of SNED learners. The initiative also received support from the Office of Congressman Gerald Galang (District 2, Valenzuela City).
The second event at Bagong Silang High School was held in collaboration with the Ear and Hearing Wellness Institute at The Specialists Surgery & Cancer Center (TSSCC), represented by ENT specialist Dr. Joyce Sagun. This effort involved school authorities, parents, and officials of Barangay 176-B, aiming to bring hearing care directly to learners with confirmed or suspected hearing loss.
The team, including Dr. Sagun, Dr. Nikki Fortuno, Mr. Kenzo Navarro (a volunteer from the ADMU Health Sciences Program), and TSSCC staff, provided specialist screenings for students and teachers alike. Learners identified with significant hearing disabilities were referred for further medical evaluation, while those requiring amplification received free hearing aids courtesy of Australian Rotarians PDG Danny Low and Dr. Angeline Low.
By combining the advocacy of HOHGP with the clinical expertise of TSSCC and the support of audiology centers, local officials, and civil society, this intersectoral collaboration serves as a practical model for early intervention. It ensures that students can hear, learn, and participate fully in both the classroom and society.
Primary site: WPR – Philippines
Region: WPR
Impactful Story:
Many students were so happy to have used hearing aids for the first time or after a long time. Many parents too were so happy for their children and thankful to the organizers, specialists and sponsors not just for the hearing screening and assistive device but also for the joy and hope that the event brought to them and their children. There were also referrals made for further diagnosis and management of ear problems and hearing loss.
General Photos
Some of the students in BSHS who benefitted from the event
Some of the students in CNHS who benefitted from the event
The event team with beneficiaries in BSHS
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: No
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, older adults
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: Yes