Manila, Sept. 16 -- 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 fr...