Twenty-four persons with hearing impairment in Ilocos Norte received free hearing aids on Wednesday under a provincial government program aimed at helping persons with disabilities improve communication and daily activities.

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos led the distribution at the Provincial Capitol auditorium, where each hearing aid, worth PHP40,000, was provided through funding from the Presidential Action Center (PAC).

Acting Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rochelle Gajes said this was the second batch of beneficiaries under the program. Seventeen persons received hearing aids last year.

The beneficiaries underwent hearing tests, voice tests, and ear measurements conducted by professionals from Audibly Hearing Aid Center before receiving the devices.

Additional persons with hearing impairment were also enlisted on Wednesday for the next rollout of the program, Gajes said.

Each hearing aid comes with a one-year supply of batteries.

The provincial government, through its Provincial Disability Affairs Office, partnered with the PAC to fund the program.

“We thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for approving the request of PWDs with hearing impairment,” Araneta-Marcos said.

Cristina Marie Ramento, president of the Ilocos Norte Association of Persons with Disabilities, said the hearing aids would help recipients communicate and participate more fully in everyday activities.

“I thank the Presidential Action Center for providing PWDs with this hearing gadget. It’s a precious gift,” she said. (PNA)