THE Provincial Government of Pampanga and Starkey Hearing Foundation (SHF) signed a memorandum of agreement the other day for the operation of the newly-established Pampanga Ear and Hearing Health Center (PEHHC) program intended for the hearing impaired kabalens.

The agreement was signed by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and SHF Founder William Austin where all parties shall collaborate in developing the PEHHC program through the Pampanga Ear and Hearing Center (PEHC) under the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

The goal of the said program is to provide sustainable, accessible, affordable, and quality ear and hearing health services for the poor.

Under the agreement, the said program shall also include consultative planning for program development and advocacy campaign for local government unit officials, Department of Education (DepEd) officials, and business groups.

Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, provincial health officer, said part of the agreement calls for the establishment of the Pampanga Hearing Center at the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital and the installation of office and audiology equipment.

Jaochico disclosed that the PEHHC program shall include ear and hearing screening for DepEd and daycare center children and periodic program evaluation.

The local government of Pampanga, for its part shall coordinate activities with the SHF and other stakeholders while providing the guidelines and policies covering the said program.

Jaochico added that the PHO will provide SHF feedbacks on the performance of staff and other manpower participating in the implementation of the program.

The agreement signing was also witnessed by Committee on Health Chairman Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres, International Development Director Meagan Baiocchi, Program Advisor Maria Salve Olalia, and Liaison Officer for USTMC 1976 Robert Ang.

SHF is the largest hearing foundation in the United States which extends help all over the world by giving hearing aids for free. (PR)