(PNA photo by Leilanie Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – Twenty-four persons with hearing impairment in Ilocos Norte received free hearing aids on Wednesday through a provincial government program aimed at improving communication and participation in daily activities.
Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos led the distribution at the Provincial Capitol auditorium. Each hearing aid, valued at Php 40,000, was funded through the Presidential Action Center (PAC).
Acting Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rochelle Gajes said the recipients comprised the second batch of beneficiaries under the program. Seventeen individuals received hearing aids last year.
Before receiving the devices, beneficiaries underwent hearing and voice tests, as well as ear measurements conducted by professionals from the Audibly Hearing Aid Center.
Gajes said additional persons with hearing impairment were also registered for the program’s next rollout. Each hearing aid comes with a one-year supply of batteries.
The provincial government, through the Provincial Disability Affairs Office, partnered with the PAC to fund the assistance.
“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 devices would help recipients communicate more effectively 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,” Ramento said.(PNA)