CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — A joint initiative of the Provincial Government of Pampanga and the Starkey Hearing Foundation provided free specialized hearing aids to 219 Pampanga residents in a fitting ceremony held Oct. 26 at the Benigno Hall, Capitol Compound here.
Among the beneficiaries were four members of a family from Floridablanca whose hearing difficulties have reportedly affected multiple generations.
Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda personally attended the distribution activity, together with Lubao Mayor Esmie Pineda and members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, to check on the beneficiaries and oversee the delivery of hearing assistance.
The vice governor emphasized that the initiative seeks to identify and assist children experiencing hearing difficulties, as well as working residents whose hearing impairments may affect their ability to earn a living and provide for their families.
“Ing Starkey Hearing Foundation pu, tuluy-tuloy pu ing commitment pu ning provincial government karela. Deng mangailangang hearing aid pilitan mila pung a rinan,” he said.
Before receiving their hearing devices, the 219 beneficiaries underwent comprehensive hearing examinations, ear molding, device programming, and individual adjustments to ensure that the hearing aids were properly fitted and configured according to their needs.
Each specialized hearing aid is valued at approximately ₱80,000 to ₱100,000. It features advanced technology, including artificial intelligence connectivity and smartphone-based adjustment capabilities, allowing users to customize certain hearing aid settings for improved convenience and functionality.
Through its partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, the provincial government aims to help individuals with hearing impairments improve their communication, participate more fully in daily activities, and enjoy a better quality of life.
“Special la pu reng hearing aid a ren, e rala pu kalupa reng donation da kekatamu. Mas high-tech pu yan. Ekami meghinayang Nanay a salwan la ren kasi pakinabangnan do pu reng Kapampangan,” Pineda added.
To date, a total of 404 patients have received specialized hearing aids through the program since its launch last year. Residents who require hearing assistance or wish to inquire about future distributions are encouraged to coordinate with the provincial health office for further information regarding the program and its requirements. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Kiervin Cayanan, Daniel Ombina
