A total of 467 Kapampangans with hearing loss received free hearing aids from the Starkey Hearing Foundation in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, led by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda.
Governor Pineda was joined by Starkey Foundation founders Bill Austin and his wife, Tani Austin, who assisted in providing care and support to the beneficiaries during the hearing mission held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on Sunday, September 29.
“We are so happy to be back in Pampanga. The reason we started here is because of the structure and care of the community. The governor here is very hands-on, and you can really tell that he loves his constituents, and they love him,” said Tani Austin.
Several individuals expressed joy and gratitude after regaining their hearing. Others were moved to tears as they experienced hearing for the first time using the free hearing aids. The retail price for such devices can exceed P50,000 per pair, depending on quality.
“Thank you po Gov and sa Starkey talaga dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng chance makarinig uli. Kami po lahat dito masaya. Thank you very much po talaga, the best kayo,” said Edna Marie, one of the beneficiary of the hearing program.
Governor Pineda’s commitment to these beneficiaries extends beyond the hearing aid distribution, as an aftercare program is also available at district hospitals throughout the province.
“Yung saya na mararamdaman mo sa tuwa ng mga tao. Pag nakarinig sila, nakapag-communicate sila uli, makikita mo yung ngiti na hindi mo mabibili, nakakawala ng pagod. Huwag po kayong mag-alala, patuloy po kaming mag-gather ng mga nangangailangan ng hearing aid,” the governor said
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported that this is the second hearing aid mission organized in partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation this year, with a total of 1,847 patients benefiting from the initiative to date.