Text by Martin R. Racza
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center (NHSRC) and the Philippine National Ear Institute (PNEI), hosted the UP Manila Flag Raising Ceremony today, March 3, 2025, as part of the celebration of World Hearing Day.
Dr. Rosario Ricalde, director of NHSRC, briefly talked about their unit and the PNEI.
Dr. Erasmo Gonzalo Llanes, director of PNEI, discussed the significance of World Hearing Day, stating this year’s theme is “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care for All.” He emphasized the importance of valuing one’s hearing ability, and that everyone should be “conscious about their hearing and be responsible to prevent hearing loss in your place and in your families and in the community.” He likewise touted the National Cochlear Implant Program, which is available in the Philippine General Hospital.
Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Johanna Patricia Adevoso-Cañal delivered the keynote message, underscoring the importance of preventing total deafness, as it is the “most isolating disability.”
“Any efforts towards the prevention of total deafness, or any interventions towards the improvement of hearing, are much appreciated.” She lauded the experts who work on preventing deafness, noting that the multitude of tasks left to be accomplished “should be an inspiration to NIH to continue that research.”
In closing the program, Dr. Maria Carmela Lapitan enjoined the assembly to “keep quiet sometimes, to hear what other people need and want.” She also invited everyone to attend the 27th anniversary of NIH on March 6, 2025, at the UP Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
The NHSRC and the PNEI are the Filipinos’ advocates for the inclusion of hearing services in universal healthcare.#
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