Our global distribution partner, Hearwell Medical Philippines, recently joined the World Hearing Day 2026 celebration at Bicol Medical Center, led by the Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center – Region V. Themed ‘From Communities to Classroom – Hearing Care for All Children’, the event brought together healthcare professionals, educators, students and community stakeholders to promote early detection of hearing loss and expand paediatric hearing care.
Leading the advocacy, Dr Diosdado C Uy, head of the Reference Center, emphasised the critical role of early identification and intervention in paediatric hearing loss. He highlighted the impact of the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package, which continues to provide life-changing hearing aids to children – enhancing not only communication, but also educational outcomes and social participation.
A significant contribution came from Claire Manlapas of Hearwell Medical Philippines, who sponsored one of the paediatric recipients of a hearing aid during the event. This initiative underscores Hearwell’s commitment to making hearing care more accessible and empowering children to reach their full potential.
The daytime programme featured a hearing health symposium, followed by interactive advocacy activities led by Michelle Bas, programme coordinator, whose leadership fostered meaningful engagement among participants and strengthened community involvement in hearing health initiatives.
The highlight of the celebration was the Chorale Singing Contest and Camaraderie Night, which captured the spirit of this year’s theme. More than a performance, the chorale became a powerful expression of inclusion where music and sign language came together to demonstrate that communication goes beyond sound. Each participating school delivered moving presentations that bridged the hearing and Deaf communities, reinforcing the message that every child deserves to be heard and understood.
The participation of the Naga City Deaf Society further enriched the event, transforming the stage into a space where sound and silence coexisted in harmony, an embodiment of inclusive hearing care in practice.
Through strong collaboration between public institutions and partners such as Hearwell Medical Philippines, the celebration stood as a meaningful example of how collective efforts can advance hearing health advocacy.
The World Hearing Day 2026 celebration in Bicol was not only a success, it was a powerful reminder that when communities come together, they can create lasting impact in ensuring accessible, inclusive hearing care for every child.
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