Seventeen persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Ilocos Norte received early Christmas gifts on Friday as Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos led the distribution of hearing aids in celebration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
According to provincial social welfare officer Rochelle Gajes, each device—worth around ₱40,000—was funded by the Presidential Action Center (PAC). She added that over 30 more PWDs are expected to receive hearing aids in the next round of distribution.
Before receiving the devices, beneficiaries from different towns underwent general hearing tests, voice assessments, and ear measurements conducted by specialists tapped by supplier Audibly Hearing Aid Center. Each hearing aid package also includes a one-year supply of batteries.
The initiative, carried out through the Provincial Disability Affairs Office, aims to empower hearing-impaired residents and provide long-term support to indigent PWDs.
In her message, Governor Marcos thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approving the provincial government’s request for assistance to PWDs with hearing impairments.
One of the beneficiaries, 71-year-old Marino Guieb from Laoag City—who has both hearing difficulties and artificial legs—expressed gratitude for the device. “I thank the President for providing us with this hearing gadget. We thank him for this early Christmas gift for indigent PWDs,” Guieb said.
