In celebration of the “National Disability Rights Week”, the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region and the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) distributed assistive devices to selected individuals of Pangasinan province during a turn-over ceremony held at the Balin Bolinao Municipal Building on July 18, 2024.
A total of 20 hearing aids worth P40,000 each were donated by the regional office to persons with disabilities (PWDs) with hearing impairment and 60 wheelchairs were donated by ITRMC and Latter-Day Saints Charities.
Regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco said that the distribution of assistive devices, such as hearing aids, is a special project of the regional office and part of the agency’s support for PWDs.
“Binibigay namin ito sa mga individuals na may severe-to-profound hearing loss lalo na sa mga bata. Hearing disabilities can greatly impact each person’s ability to communicate, to learn, and to engage in society. These hearing aids can assist them in their daily activities and can restore and enhance their ability to hear and communicate,” the DOH official stated.
“Regardless of their disability, they are valued members of our community. Kailangan natin silang tulungan at bigyan ng pagkakataong makapamuhay ng normal at makapag-aral ng maayos para sa kanilang kinabukasan,” she emphasized.
The identified beneficiaries of hearing aids were from the towns of Basista, Urbiztondo, Aguilar, Lingayen, Mangatarem, Labrador, Tayug, Binmaley, Urdaneta City, and Alaminos City.
An orientation on the proper use of hearing aids was also conducted including a free hearing test and assessment for individuals with hearing impairments.
The customized wheelchairs were given to recipients who have previously undergone a specific fitting process to precisely measure the contours and shape of their body. It is designed for the user’s requirements, providing maximum comfort, balance, and posture.
The distribution of assistive devices was done in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Bolinao local government unit. NLMonitor
