History of the Philippine Society of Audiology (PSAud)

In July 2002, three doctors and an audiologist recognized the need to establish an association in the Philippines that will assist professionals with interest in audiology and hearing rehabilitation. This pioneering team included Dr. Alejandro Opulencia, Dr. Felix Nolasco, Dr. Jose Malanyaon, and Ms. Ana Abano, MsClinAud. They drew up the proposed constitution and by-laws as initial step to organizing such an association.

Thereafter, in December 2002, during the annual ORL-HNS convention’s fellowship night, Dr. Howard Enriquez, Dr. Ronald Javier, and Dr. Diosdado Uy, fellows who recently obtained their Master’s Degree in Clinical Audiology, approached Dr. Opulencia and echoed the need to form a similar association.

With the local need for a professional audiology group evidently set, the doctors joined forces and invited other colleagues to join them in their quest. These included Dr. Joey Abano, Dr. Jaime Flor, Dr. Rodolfo dela Cruz, and Dr. Joecel Joyce Reyes. Recognizing her pioneering work in establishing audiology centers in the Philippines, the team also invited Dr. Nelly Ledesma, PhD who accepted the invitation.

Registration with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission proceeded thereafter, with capitalization provided by four major hearing aid companies, namely: American Hearing Center (Amearco), Ledesma Audiolocal Center, Inc., Manila Hearing Aid Center, and Ear Diagnostics.

The Philippine Society of Audiology (PSAud) was formally recognized on March 26, 2003, by the Securities and Exchange Commission. It held its first official meeting at the Kimpura Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan City, with the following founding incorporators in attendance: Ana Abano, MsClinAud, Dr. Rodolfo dela Cruz, Dr. Nelly Ledesma, PhD, Dr. Adonis Jurado, Dr. Cristina Lopez, Dr. Jaime Flor, Dr. Alejandro Opulencia, Dr. Howard Enriquez, MsClinAud, and Dr. Jose Malanyaon.

On November 27, 2003, the founding members and officers were inducted at the Manila Polo Club by then Philippine Secretary of Health, Dr. Francisco T. Duque III. PSAud membership, which now totals 200 members, also include hearing aid technicians, hearing aid specialists, speech pathologists, parents, teachers, and the hearing impaired.

In 2004, PSAud became a member of the International Society of Audiology and also joined Hearing International in 2005.

PSAud Founding Members

Ana G. Abano, MSAud
Jose Abano, MD
Liza G. Abano, MSAud
Wilfredo Batol, MD
Antonio H. Chua, MD
Abegayle Machelle Perez-Chua, MD
Rodolfo B.dela Cruz, MD
Virgilio R. de Gracia, MD
Howard M. Enriquez, MD, MClinAud
Jaime F. Flor, MD
Josefino G. Hernandez, MD
Ronald V. Javier, MD, MClinAud
Adonis B. Jurado, MD
Teodoro P. Llamanzares, MD
Nelly R. Ledesma, PhD, FAAA
Christina S. Lopez, MD
Jose A. Malanyaon, MD
Felix Nolasco, MD
Rodolfo P. Nonato, MD
Alejandro P. Opulencia, MD
Abelardo C. Perez, MD
Joecel Joyce A. Reyes, MD
Diosdado C. Uy, MD, MClinAud

 
2007-2008 PSAud Officers

Howard M. Enriquez, MD, MClinAud
President

Rodolfo B.dela Cruz, MD
Vice President

Adonis B. Jurado, MD
Secretary

Ronald V. Javier, MD, MsClinAud
Treasurer

Ana G. Abano, MSAud
Maria Nerizza A. Tinio
Rowena S. Ledesma, DMD, MSAud
Diosdado C. Uy, MD, MClinAud

Board Members
Jaime F. Flor, MD
Past President

Nelly R. Ledesma, PhD, FAAA
Alejandro P. Opulencia, MD
Jose A. Malanyaon, MD
Advisers