November 6, 2025
14 beneficiaries receive hearing aids from Australia-based donors
By Joy Rojas
When Jenard Tabuac was born, his parents, Gerald and Jenny, had high hopes for their eldest of three children. The Tabuacs, who didn’t finish their studies, imagined their son achieving what they could only dream of for themselves: a college education and a career as a doctor.
But after years of assuming his curious behavior was normal—lining up his toys, spending hours spinning the wheel of a toy car, walking on tip-toe—the Tabuacs brought Jenard to the Philippine General Hospital for an assessment. It was there that their boy, now 12, was diagnosed with Level 2 autism at the age of 4.
“Sadness. Anger. Hurt at our Creator,” said Gerald when asked how he reacted to the news. “At the time, we didn’t have jobs and we had no resources to handle such a heavy responsibility.”
“Our dreams for him changed,” added Jenny. “Now all we want is for him to learn to do daily tasks. To live independently and handle the realities of life. Before we leave this earth, we hope he can take care of himself.”
But Jenard’s unresponsiveness whenever he was called, and communicating through noises weren’t entirely because of autism—he was found to have mild hearing impairment. Doctors recommended he be fitted with a hearing aid so he could undergo speech therapy.
Gerald, who left his job as a janitor due to hypertension, and Jenny, who sells chili garlic online, were beside themselves. How on earth could they afford a device that costs tens of thousands of pesos?
Then a cousin of Gerald’s, a former scholar of the Tzu Chi Foundation, told him about Tzu Chi, its mission of medicine, and a program that gives away free hearing aids to indigent patients.
On November 4 at the Synergy Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Jenard was one of 14 beneficiaries to receive a hearing aid from the Tzu Chi Foundation. The devices, which ranged from new to second hand but still in good working condition, were brought in by Sydney, Australia-based couple, Rotary PDG Danny Low and Dr. Angeline Low. At BTCC, the Lows watched as clinical audiologist Kristine Layson interviewed each patient and made necessary adjustments on their devices.
Jenard, who is used to wearing headphones and earbuds, received a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a matter of minutes, he responded to the sound of voices. He turned to his mother when she called his name and put up his hand each time someone asked for a high five.
To ensure that these hearing aids are not resold or thrown away, corporate partners turn them over to the Lows, who take care of donating them to organizations that extend assistance to the poor.
Through their efforts, hearing aids have reached needy communities in Vietnam and Nepal. Ten years ago, a Rotarian opened the door for the Lows to donate hearing aids to the Philippines, at the Capitol University Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro.
It was another Rotarian, this time from Timog, Quezon City, who paved the way for the couple to work with Tzu Chi. At a distribution and fitting of hearing aids for children, they met Ears Nose and Throat specialist Dr. Joyce Rodvie Sagun, who, together with audiologist Kristine Layson, partnered with Tzu Chi for World Hearing Day in 2024. Although Sagun and the Lows lost touch briefly, ties were re-established when she visited the couple in Sydney this year.
“I told Joyce, ‘I have this bag of hearing aids. Take it home and see what you can do with it,’” said Dr. Angeline. “Things then escalated very quickly: We found out that she works with Tzu Chi and now we’re learning more about the organization. We are very impressed with what you do and applaud the good work that you are doing.”
The Lows describe hearing impairment as an “invisible” disability, one with no overt signs like a missing arm or leg, or dependence on a cane, crutches, or wheelchair. As such, those with the condition feel neglected or left out.
With a hearing aid, the change on a patient’s face and outlook are immediate and undeniable.
“When they have a hearing impairment, a lot of young children end up not being able to speak,” said Danny. “So, it is not correct that they are not intelligent. It's just that when they can't hear, they can't speak. Today, we can return the world of sound to the younger people, and they can learn how to speak, sing, and not only rely on sign language. It will help in their personal development.
“We also have a very large aging population, and when a person gets older, they lose their ability to hear properly. It is extremely important for aging people to still connect with their family and their grandchildren.
“We have come across people who had their hearing restored after eight years, and they literally burst into tears. Some of them have never even heard before. Suddenly, they realize the possibility for them to improve themselves.”
For Dr. Angeline, the story of a Filipina patient comes to mind. Had she not received a hearing aid, the single mother would have lost her job at a factory, where listening to the sound of machines running was essential. It’s this and other life-changing testimonials that make what she and her husband do all worthwhile.
“When you look at people in need, they’re always praying to God to help them, to elevate them from their suffering and poverty. But who answers their prayers? It’s all of us,” she said. “Tzu Chi is a very important organization. You give hope. I would tell your volunteers to carry on your good work. All of us need to be motivated. We need to know that what we are doing is making a difference.”
(From left) Hearing aid donors Rotary PDG Danny Low and Dr. Angeline Low, Jenny Tabuac, Jenard Tabuac, Gerald Tabuac, and clinical audiologist Kristine Layson pose for a picture after Jenard receives his hearing aid from Tzu Chi.
Based in Australia, Dr. Angeline Low and Rotary PDG Danny Low have donated new and slightly used hearing aids to organizations in Vietnam, Nepal, and now the Philippines.
In addition to being diagnosed with Level 2 autism, Jenard Tabuac (in face mask) has mild hearing impairment. Clinic audiologist Kristine Layson (right) meets his parents, Jenny and Gerald Tabuac, to explain how their son can benefit from a hearing aid.
The hearing aids brought in by the Lows range from new to slightly used but still in good working condition.
Clinical audiologist Kristine Layson (right) uses an otoscope to examine a beneficiary’s inner ear.
Tzu Chi volunteer Jeyziel Mae Burce (standing) checks the vital signs of patients before they are fitted with a hearing aid.
While waiting to receive a hearing aid, patients listen to Tzu Chi volunteer Julie Collado give a brief history of Tzu Chi and its founder, Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen.