Deaf E-News

Week 1 Summary on the CJ Corona Impeachment Trial in FSL

2012-01-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

Special Viewing: Mi Ultimo Adios in FSL

2012-01-12T02:53:00.000-08:00

Ultimo Adios in HK Deaf Festival

2012-01-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

The Second Hong Kong International Deaf Festival is a non-profit charity community art event for celebrating the talents of Deaf filmmaking artists. It will be held at the HK Arts Centre, Hong Kong. It is organized by the Hong Kong Deaf Association.

Ultimo Adios in Filipino Sign Language of Mirana Medina has been chosen as one of the official entries.

日期及時間 /Date & Time: 24/02 8pm

彩色 /Col /DVD /103mins

As the Tribute Film of the 20th International Day of Disabled Persons in China, Love Before Sunrise features the young Chinese Deaf actor Sung Xiubo in a love tragedy. Mi Último Adiós (in English “My Last Farewell”) is the Signing version of the farewell poem written by Filipino national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal before his sacrifice to the brutal colonial rule. Music and the Sea, The $10,000 that Did Not Exist and Minority within the Minorities are winners of the Film Competition of the First Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival. Feeling the vibration of the sound from loudspeakers, a Deaf girl imagines dancing with her cyber-dating boyfriend in Music of the Sea. Two devils want to destroy the trust between a hard-of-hearing couple in The $10,000 that Did Not Exist. Minority within the Minorities is a delicate twist between a Deaf girl and a Hearing girl. In Whispering Hands, the Deaf waitress Glory with supernatural https://www.facebook.com/power wants to help a spirit called Carrie. In Pelita Hati, Deaf guy Kelana visits a village and teaches a Deaf Aboriginal villager Damak the Sign language.

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After the launch of the Ultimo Adios in Filipino Sign Language, Zarah Escueta, the Shrine's curator sent this note:

A photo of the couple who watched the Ultimo Adios in FSL last
December 30 at the AVR of Fort Santiago and the note they wrote:

      We were deeply impressed by the presentation of the film of "Huling
      Paalam".  Very Touching and full of memories of the greatness of the
     last moments of this national hero.  Congratulations to the Commission
      and the most of "presentors" of the film.

                                   B.M. Villarias, P.S.Villarias

They were from US on a vacation for the the holiday.  They were teary
eyed while talking to me about the film, so touched.

A Message of Hope: Ultimo in FSL Launched at the Rizal Shrine

2012-01-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

By Joyce Dalawampu

    I found myself walking down

    the cobbled streets of Intramuros on my way to   Rizal Shrine.

    There's an air of reverence as I entered Fort Santiago as    
    preparations continued for the Celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of 
    Dr. Jose P. Rizal since June 19 of this year and the eve of the 115th 
    commemoration of our National Hero's Martyrdom.

It is fitting indeed that the National Historic Commission of the Philippines in cooperation with Miryad Vision, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies officially launched the First - ever Interpretation of ULTIMO ADIOS (My Last Farewell / Huling Pahimakas) in Filipino Sign Language, by Filipino Independent Advocacy Filmmaker Mirana Medina last December 29, 2011. Most of the Deaf consultants and actors of the film are scholars of the school.

      Rizal’s prison cell was located

    in the old pantry. It is in this room where  Rizal has supposedly written the

    *Ultimo Adios* on the eve of his execution, which he hid in a lamp given to

    him by the *Pardo de Taveras*. The lamp  and a reproduction of the original

    manuscript printed on a 9×15 centimeter paper are displayed in one of the

    rooms on the second floor  of the Rizal Shrine where the launch was held.

The purpose ofthe project is primarily to translate for the Deaf Filipino comunity, considered a cultural-linguistic minority group in the country, Dr. Jose Rizal's enduring work and serve the needs of the Deaf for access to communication.

The Programme, hosted by Rizal Shrine Curator Zarah Escueta

The program started with the National Anthem and Our Lord's Prayer in Filipino performed by Silent Steps, SDEAS' Dance Ambassadors who also played a significant part in the film. Present were the the whole Production Team: Aldrin Gabriel, Deaf actor; Myra Medrana, Deaf choreographer; Cathy Genovia, AD/PM; and Rem Vocalan; Jojo Sia, Production Assistant.

Ceasar De Larazabal, Director for Center for External Linkages, Alumni and Development of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde shared the significance of the Rizal Project with DLS-CSB's work with Deaf people and the respect and use of Filipino Sign Language.

Mirana Medina introduces her film, Ultimo Adios in FSL. Interpreting for her and the whole program is

Ms Febe Sevilla and Mr Junjun Sevila (not in photo)

Prof. Vim Nadera, Consultant, Director of UP Creative Writing Center, Now LIKHAAN:
Institute of Creative Writing. Prof. Nadera was one of the reactors after the film, nearly 15 minutes long with English subtitles for the hearing audience who emphasized the value of preserving culture through language.

Raffy Domingo (Deaf) of DLS-CSB CEAD agreed that this project would very much benefit the Deaf community through awareness and familiarization with the Filipino Sign Language.

Atty. Ramoncita Reyes, descendant of Saturnina Rizal, eldest sister of Dr. Jose Rizal closed the programme and spoke on behalf of the Rizal family. That ultimately, their Lolo Jose's last work is a message of hope rather
than of grieving for his eminent passing, the hope that present and future generations will not forget his legacy by continuing to do our part in loving our country and protecting our freedom

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Ultimo Adios in FSL was also chosen as official selection of the Second Hongkong International Deaf Film Festival to be screened on February 24, 2012.

Naming Unsung Heroes: Sendong Volunteers

2012-01-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

We would like to acknowledge Deaf faculty, staff and student volunteers who gave extra loving care and time in the collection and packing of the boxes for Sendong survivors.

Mylene Dela Cruz, Jerene Justiniano, Ma. Anaditha Angcay, Kristina Dilay, Bryan Bondoc, Emmanuel Felipe Jabrica, Morly Canta, Angelica Abayan, Grace Anne Pico, Mary Rosevie Samarista, Michael Lopez, Marie Genalyn Mones, Maria Elena Lozada Basil De Leon, Ariscel Lobo, Alvin Llandones, Sabrina Ventigan, Rastaman Landero, Patrick Silver Padao, Justine Camille Javier,Jose Dela Torre Rommar Bueno

Most of them are members of the Benildean Deaf Association and the Deafies Club.

We had initial problems on how to send and distribute the boxes to the affected PWD communities. But always, we have angels who made sure the boxes get to where it is intended to. Thanks to Br. Mikey Chua and Pie Palpallatoc for facilitating the LSGH pick-up, Br. Manny Sia, Noia Mendoza, Jason Arboleda, Shiela Vitug, Sarah Talibong, Rhonda Reyes, Br. Richie Yap and Br Raffy Reyes.

We still have a lot of unnamed heroes. Always grateful:)

PWD Communities Affected by Sendong

2012-01-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

Here are the PWD communities we helped:

Differently Abled Persons (DAP) Association , Opol, Misamis Oriental
*Initial reports they have sent, claims that there are 100 PWDs living in the area that were affected. We sent financial help to the organization. Below is their letter of acknowledgement.

Dumaguete Effata Association of the Deaf
*Includes Iligan and Dumaguete
*17 Deaf people with their families were reported affected by Sendong. 5 members of the groups lost their homes.
*Thank you, Katie for the accounting and receipts on how the financial help sent was used.
Here are some pictures of their relief operations:

Cagayan de Oro thru Hazel Bual
A list of Deaf people numbering to 25 was reported to have lost their homes or properties (due to flooding). Report was sent through Rey Lee, President of the Philippine Federation for the Deaf and through Raffy Domingo.

photo credits : Anreaf de veas and John Mark Santos

From Facebook: He said "Andref L. de Veas we are so safe my place.... but the problem wala light since last friday night brownout until now and also wala tubig... :(((.. it is alright... we just walk and see.."

JOHN MARK SANTOS works as deaf minister in deaf ministry

in CDO

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We continue to seek for your financial help to help rebuild houses and livelihood lost by People with Disabilities.Please send them through the account of Deaf Benildeans Multipurpose Cooperative BPI Vito Cruz C/A 2771-0017-02. Please text 0917-8698231 or email deaf.partnernships@benilde.edu.ph indicating name, amount for proper acknowledgement and accounting.

Deaf Volunteers Proud to Support Inspired Nations

2012-01-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

By: Patrick Silver Padao

We decided to reach out and call other Deaf volunteers to support and help gather the donations for the typhoon sendong survivors in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete. I kept my best to cooperate with the Hearing Student Leaders in our school. Dave Mariano is the head organizer of the volunteer group "Inspired Nations."

Patrick Silver Padao

“It was really inspiring who worked hard for the typhoons survivors, We as a Deaf Volunteers participated in God’s service contribution to save the survivors in Cagayan de oro, Iligan and Dumaguete. I’m so happy being part of contributions and a big help for the future Deaf Advocator who really can help to the typhoon survivors.”

Forty seven hearing students participated with three Deaf volunteers, with me were Raniel Delos Reyes and Emmanuel Jabrica all had volunteer schedules from December 26-28, 2011

On December 26, we went to Department Social Welfare of Disabilities in Pasay where we gathered and prepare for the donations. Meanwhile on the 28th, we gathered money donations from the clients or the people who pass by in Ayala Mall. Eventually, we had a concert to make a better contributions for the typhoon sendongsurvivors .

During the school vacation and the holidays we found the time to support relief preparations. However, I truly miss having time with family. I explained the good reasons to my family to help them and support them in gathering the donations.We were so happy to contribute a lot for the heartfelt typhoon sendong survivors in Cagayan de oro, Iligan and Dumaguete.

Emmanuel Felipe Jabrica

“I was great to work many rice donations in DSWD Factory last Dec. 26. My Hearing friends who spent time with us in working hard as one community. We gave laughs, serious preparations but truly we contributed for the typhoon survivors. Because we should be part of them in showing how the Deaf supports them and serve for them. We gave us a lot of patience and giving bless to them because Its important to give them in what they really need. We should show how to love and care for them.”

With your help, sending our love to the PWD survivors of Sendong

2012-01-04T23:37:00.000-08:00

Deaf volunteers along with Hearing faculty of SDEAS and CEAD once again jumped into action to volunteer their time in gathering donations for Sendong.

We would like to acknowledge the following who gave financial help: Greame and Cleve Rennie, Jumaida Humalon, Tess Pilapil, Mari Enriquez, Paolo and Marilen Villaflores, Carla Pacis, Dalawampu Family, Joy Cabral, Alma Neff, Ricardo Benedicto, Jennifer Belizar, Isabella Jaeger, Coro San Benildo and Dulaang Filipino, Angelica Abayan, Jarett Felix Surada, Tina Sison, Brenth Buenviaje, John Patrick Tesalgo, Angelo Maniago, Susan Montero-Mendoza, Montero family, Joyce Dalawampu, Marybeth Barqueza, Krizelle dela Cruz, Jeff Umali, Judith Miranda Leong, Eugene Sordilla, Lovella Catalan, Guy Noel Ganados, Febe Sevilla, Vicky Sakilayan, Ana Salazar, Arnold Quinzon, Malou Quilang, Fabie Dalawampu and Tere Quintanilla and a number of anonymous donors. In case I have missed out your name, please email us back.

We would like to give our thanks to those who sent in donations in kind: Felice Ferido, Jose dela Torre, Jay Sunico, Sabina Nentigan, Sammy Ropa, Daniel Moog, Joseph Punzalan, Maria Elena Lozada, Neil Breiton Dayan, Ma Jesusa Nofies, Bryan de Guzman, Meng Cruz anad Abel, Jerene Justiniano, Jackie Batac, Anaditha Angcay, Lauren Liwanag, Mark Encarnacion, Cristina Dilay, Basil De Leon, Emmanual Jabrissa, Nicky Perez, Rastaman Ladero, Michael Lopez, Febe Sevilla, Valerie Jiongco, Justin Lim, Louie Cedeno, Mariel Tychico, Jarett Surada, Karin Chan, Noia Mendoza, Grace Dadal, Jarpa Alcabasa, Tina Sison, Rey Lee,Susan Monteo-Mendoza, Erika Geronimo, Joyce Dalawampu, Princess Irish Tagama, Krizia Lauren Go, Jing Amporado, Ana Kristina Arce.

We would like the Deaf Benildean Association and Deafies Club with Ms Febe Sevilla, Mylene Cruz and Joyce Dalawampu for taking the lead in receiving donations last Dec 22 and 23.

Over-all, we were able to send 47 boxes through the help of La Salle Greenhills and La Salle Iligan to People-with-disabilities communities in Iligan, Dumaguete, Opol, and Cagayan de Oro. We were also able to send cash donations.

ABS-CBN ShowTime: InDEAFendent Dancers

2012-01-04T02:50:00.000-08:00

Translated by Naty Natividad

Please click the link below to view the performance of a Deaf dance group "InDEAFendent Dancers" who joined SHOWTIME last Dec.16, 2011

http://www.hapi-tv.com/video/10535/SHOWTIME--DEC-16-2011-PART-55

The Deaf dancers won the daily contest with a perfect score of 10 from the judges. They would proceed to the weekly finals.
Here is the transcription and translation of the comments of the judges (for the benefit of the Deaf as the video is not captioned)

Kris Kleiner: InDEAFendent dancers, nakakaiyak talaga kayo, sobrang inspiring yung ginawa nyo. Wala wala akong masabi basta, I'm so proud of you guys, sa na-achieve nyo. Sabay-sabay kayo, mataas ang energy nyo, ang ganda ng choreography nyo and basta, great great great job, palakpakan po natin sila isa pang beses, everyone. Nakaka-inspire kayo, thank you so much for showing everyone your talent.

Luis Manzano:
Hi guys, isa kayong inspirasyon sa aming lahat. Kaya kong sabihin na isa na siguro sa highlight ng aking buhay, eh napanood ko ang grupo nyo. Sa buhay kasi, nakapadaling magreklamo kahit araw araw kumpleto ka, nakakakita ka ng maayos, pandinig, pananalita, ang isang napakadaling gawin ng tao ay magreklamo pero ang ginawa nyo, kung ano ang binigay ng Diyos sa inyo, ginamit nyo ng sobra sobra at sa puntong ito tinalo nyo ang kumpleto pa, na lahat ng meron sila. At buong buhay ko kaya kong sabihin, ako na ay hahanga at ako na ay isang fan nyo. Eto ang score nyo.

Vice Ganda:
Ok, gusto kong sabihin sa inyo ay ako ay hangang hanga sa inyo hindi dahil bingi kundi dahil mahuhusay kayong mga indibidwal. Kasi di ba baka sabihin eh, kasi ganyan kaya binibigyan... hindi.. napakahusay nyo at sapat na yun para palakpakan kayo ng lahat ng tao na nakakakita sa inyo, di ba? Maaring di kayo nakakapagsalita pero kinausap kami ng talento ninyo. Hindi nyo man kami naririnig pero naririnig kami ng mga puso ninyo. Alam na alam namin yan at eto ay para sa inyo.

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English Translation

Kris Kleiner:
InDEAFendent dancers, {you} make us cry. What you did was so inspiring. I'm speechless, but I'm so proud of you guys in what you have achieved. You danced in unison, you have high energy, your choreography is beautiful. Great job! Everyone give them another applause. You are inspiring. Thank you so much for showing everyone your talent.

Luis Manzano:
Hi guys. You are an inspiration to all of us. I can already say that this may be one of the highlight of my life, to have witnessed your group. In life, it is easy to complain everyday... even if you can see, hear and speak. It's so easy to complain, but with what you did, whatever God has given you, you have used it to its fullest to the point that you can beat others. I can say that I admire you and I am already your fan for life. Here's your score.

Vice Ganda:
Ok. I would like to say to all of you that I very much admire you, not because you are Deaf but that you are skillful individuals. Because, others might say that we are giving "preference" because you are like that. No. You are all good and that's enough so that you will be applauded by those who are watching you. Right? Your talents have spoken to us and we know that may not be able to hear us but your hearts have heard us.

May we all be inspired!

Certificate Courses Offerings in Culinary Arts, Food and Beverage Service and Housekeeping for the SDEAS Alumni

2012-01-04T02:27:00.000-08:00

School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM) will be offering Certificate Course in Culinary Arts, Food and Beverage Service, and Housekeeping. Each course will run for 3 months of intensive lectures, hands-on training and at least 300 hours of internship in a five-star hotel.

Under the Advancing Higher Education Access for the Deaf (AHEAD) program of the Center for Education Access and Development (CEAD) and in Collaboration with the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS). SHRIM will accept qualified SDEAS Deaf Alumni. Qualified Deaf Benildeans for the Course will be mainstreamed.

Admission requirements will be discussed in the SDEAS alumni General Assembly at PEN-MLC room on January 7, 2012, at 1:00pm

Journey to Break the Wall of Silence

2011-12-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

by Mackie Calbay

Many travel by walking, riding a bus and all kinds of transportation or tour in different places. Whether beaches for your leisure, visiting a family, meeting new people and learning different cultures, biking can be another option. Bicycle makes you happy traveling, exercise as well and something discover a new world.

One of the Deaf who loves the bike by gifted of his father. He tended to travel with bicycle in different countries and He met three hearing friends. They travel together around the world and meet with Deaf people in Education and different country cultures until they visited the Philippines.

The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies invited the Benildean Deaf Association and First year students of Deaf Identity Course with Ms. Jessel Arriola and Mary Joy Reyes to a short talk with a theme: “Journey on the breaking the wall of Silence” with Inspirational Speaker: Jose Luis Garcia Ginard (Deaf Spanish) and Raphy Domingo as International Sign Language Interpreter, held last December 9, 2011 at 1:00 - 2:30pm, PEN-MLC, DLS-CSB Taft Campus, Manila.

The next day, Mr. Ginard also appeared in Instituto Cervantes and shared about his travels, visits, and experiences in Deaf education in different parts of the world entitled “Inspiring Journey around in the Philippines.”

IDPP 2-Week Residency Program

2011-12-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability

EMPOWERMENT

APCD Newsletter

Volume 37: October 2011

Source: http://www.apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/newsletter-volume-37

Contact

Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD)

255 Rajvithi Rd., Rajithevi, Bangkok

10400 THAILAND

Tel: 66-(0)-2354-7505

Fax: 66-(0)-2354-7507

URL: http://www.apcdfoundation.org

E-mail: info@apcdfoundation.org

Children's Christmas Party

2011-12-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

The Human Resource Department of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde organized this year's Children's Christmas Party. It was held las December 3, 2011 (Saturday) at 8:30am to 12:00nn, at the Open Court and Plaza Villaroza, Taft Campus. Invited were the children of different Administrators, Faculty and Staff members who enjoyed the activities such as: cosplay, playground with balloons, Jolibee hosted kiddie games and a magical clown show.

This is how the parents show their love by spending time with their children with smiling faces and joyful laughter.

Walk for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2011-12-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Part of the series of activities of the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a “Walk for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” with a specific theme “Make the Right Real Together for a Better Asia and the Pacific for All” headed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), United Nations Economic and Social Commission in Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), SM Supermalls and Autism Society Philippines (ASP). Held at 7:30am, at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Forum Violence Against Women with Disabilities, Sponsor by AUSAID

2011-11-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

Women activists from different countries raise their clench fists during a demonstration to mark the International Day of Action on Violence Against Women near the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on Friday, November 25, 2011. The women's group held the rally to raise public awareness and encourage continuing action to eliminate violence against women.

http://fdwhcc.webs.com/apps/photos/

Creative Response to Contemporary Education Challenges

2011-11-23T21:07:00.000-08:00

By Mackie Calbay

The opening educational seminar of Creative Response to Contemporary Education Challenges was held on Tuesday of November 22, 2011 at 9am, at SDA Theater, 5th floor, School of Design and Arts Campus. Starting with the National Centennial Lecture Series 1 which is titled "Education is about to take a turn around."

Bro. Victor Franco, FSC, President DLS-CSB

Senator Jun Magsaysay Jr., Former Senator

Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, Secretary of Department of Education

The De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde hosted this event and welcome remarks were by Bro. Victor Franco, FSC, President DLS-CSB. The invited resource speakers were: Senator Jun Magsaysay Jr., Former Senator, Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, Secretary of Department of Education and Dr. Patricia Licuanan, CHED Chairperson, with an open-forum related to the education issues, challenges and solutions. Moreover, sharing of Mr. Robert Tang, Vice-Chancellor for Academics for the Inspirational message with interpreters Mr. John Xandre Baliza and Ms. Maria Veronica Templo-Perez.

Dr. Patricia Licuanan, CHED Chairperson

Hopefully, quality of basic and access to education in the country including major reform of the policy and curriculum will be enhanced. Providing children and youth people leads to the best leadership and opening access to education for all in the future.

Walk for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2011-11-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 15% of the world’s total population are persons with disabilities. Recognizing the needs of this sector, the United Nations declared December 3 of each year as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote the rights and welfare of this marginalized and often neglected members of society. For this year’s celebration the theme “Together for a Better World for All: Including Persons with Disabilities in Development” was adopted to push for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all development initiatives.

Part of the series of activities of the celebration is a “Walk for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” with a specific theme “Make the Right Real Together for a Better Asia and the Pacific for All” headed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), United Nations Economic and Social Commission in Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), SM Supermalls and Autism Society Philippines (ASP). It will be on December 2 Friday at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Registration will start at 7:30AM and the Walk at 10:00AM inside the mall.

More than 3,000 participants coming from international agencies and organizations, persons with disabilities, children with disabilities, parents, advocates, representatives of the Local Government Units and special guests are expected to attend. Free t-shirts and simple snacks will be given on a first come first serve basis to the first 3,000 participants courtesy of the organizers and sponsors of the event.

In relation to this, we are inviting you to join the walk. Kindly bring a banner of your institution for identification and send me with the list of participants.

Thank you so much for all your support to persons with disabilities and their families.

Truly yours,

(Sgd.) Ranilo Sorongon

PWD Walk

Program and Invitation Committee, Coordinator

Deaf Awareness Seminar and Filipino Sign Language Lessons

2011-11-21T23:09:00.000-08:00

We invite you to a Deaf Awareness Seminar by the Benildean Deaf Association of De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies. Included in this seminar is Filipino Sign Language Lessons for Hearing Benildeans for a day on November 25, 2011 at 2:30-5:30pm, 3rd Floor B303 1 and 2, Taft Campus. Admission is Free with only 50 slots available.

For inquires, please contact to Ma. Jesusa, at 0905-8862644 (SMS only) and Lisette Ann at 09178679833 (SMS only)

Understanding the Silent World

2011-11-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

By Mackie Calbay

Last Thursday, November 18, 2011, there was a research forum on Hearing Impairment entitled "Understanding the Silent World of the Hearing Impaired" presented by the METRO MANILA HEALTH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM (MMHRDC) in cooperation with the Center for Natural Sciences and Ecological Research (CENSER) and the University Research Coordination Office (URCO). This was held at 1:00pm, at Waldo Perfecto Seminar Room, SPS Building, Room 102, De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila.

The Welcome Remarks by Bro. Narciso S. Erguiza, FSC, President of De La Salle University Manila was followed by Dean Maria Veronica Templo-Perez, School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and her inspiring sharing on Understanding the Deaf Community from the Deaf Perspective.

Aside from this sharing, Researcher Dr. Kathleen G. Felizar-Lopez, Department of Otorrhinolaryngology of Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila presented her findings on the Accuracy of Siemens Hearcheck Navigator as a Screening Tool for Hearing Loss.

Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Assistant Director of Philippine National Ear Institute shared her thoughts on the subject. Next, the Open-Forum was moderated by Dr. Madelene Sta. Maria, Executive Director of University Research Coordination Office, De La Salle University Manila. And was closed by an Inspirational Message by Dr. Marivic V. Iriberri, Education Supervisor II of Commission on Higher Education -NCR.

The discussion was interesting because it tackled the concerns of Deaf persons as seen by medical professionals with a medical perspective on Deafness and educators with a socio-cultural perspective. They discussed the empowerment of Deaf children and adults and helping them to become independent, productive, and active members of society. In the end, even if these two perspectives are very different, they agreed that what is important is upholding the rights of Deaf people, and once they have decided how to engage their Deafness we have to be respectful of that choice.

17th Deaf Festival: Day 6 events

2011-11-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

"Deaf Heritage: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating our Future"

November 19, 2011

SDEAS, DLS-CSB

17th Deaf Festival: Day 5 events

2011-11-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

"Deaf Heritage: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating our Future"

November 18, 2011

SDEAS, DLS-CSB

Film Showing: "The Way Home" (Korea)

Deaf Quiz Bee

Deaf Pinoy Henyo

Film Showing: "Trailer for Rizal & Silent Odyssey

A MI PATRIA / INANG-BAYAN

Ms. Mirana Medina

An Independent Advocacy Filmmaker

17th Deaf Festival: Day 4 events

2011-11-17T01:55:00.000-08:00

"Deaf Heritage: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating our Future"

November 17, 2011

SDEAS, DLS-CSB

Deaf Basketball: Deafies Club vs SDEAS-CSB

17th Deaf Festival: Day 3 events

2011-11-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

"Deaf Heritage: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating our Future"

November 16, 2011

SDEAS, DLS-CSB

Deaf Maze

Deaf Career

The Earth's Wishper

17th Deaf Festival week: Video Relay Service Demo

2011-11-15T20:54:00.000-08:00

by Mackie Calbay

Part of the 17th Deaf Festival week in the De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies is a demo of the Video Relay Service (VRS). VRS is a video-telecommunication service that allows deaf, and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate over video telephones and similar technologies with hearing people in real-time, via a sign language interpreter. It will be on from November 15 to 18, 2011, 11:00-3:00pm, at PEN-MLC hall. On November 19, 2011, 4:00-9:00pm, display will be brought to the ARG Theater, Taft Campus, CSB.

This will definitely be very useful to Deaf students to have access to communication thru interpreting service and would serve as a bridge between deaf and hearing people in and outside CSB.

Photo by: Ryan Jay Bernardo

For Deaf and Hearing community, please pass this to your hearing friends and especially family members about the benefits of VRS. This is to advocate and be aware of the big impact of Video Relay Service in Deaf access to communication in the Philippines.

17th Deaf Festival: Day 2 events

2011-11-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

"Deaf Heritage: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating our Future"

November 15, 2011
SDEAS, DLS-CSB

Deaf Bazaar

Gestural Card Game

Benildean Core Value Drama

TO BE CONTIUNED...

[Silent Odyssey Film Showing] Friday, November 18, 2011, 17th Deaf Festival

2011-11-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

17TH DEAF FESTIVAL MOVIE OFFERING
Friday, November 18, 2011
Venue: Auditorium (Taft Campus)

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Ticket: P20

SILENT ODYSSEY
(110 minutes, subtitles in English)
is a production of Miryad Visyon
in cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
and Lingap-Pangarap Foundation, Inc.

Silent Odyssey documents the journey of filmmaker Miranamedina with Deaf people by bringing to the hearing society the sentiments, history, language and culture of the Filipino Deaf. The movie features more than 40 members of the Filipino Deaf community (including SDEAS faculty, alumni and students), educators, missionaries and service providers to the Deaf with the special participation of Markku Jokinen, World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) President.

For inquiries, you may contact Ms. Bea Francisco at 526-7441 local 131.

Watch Reporter's Notebook, November 15, GMA7

2011-11-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

Please watch REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK tonight, November 15, GMA7. Program starts around 11-11:30pm. The focus Deaf community's experiences in the present judicial system with regard to the lack of court sign language interpreters.

Let us support breaking thru the wall of silence. Please pass to your Deaf and Hearing friends.

17th Deaf Festival: Day 1 events

2011-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

"Deaf Heritage: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating our Future"

November 14, 2011
SDEAS, DLS-CSB

Holy Mass at Theater

Opening of Exhibit at LRC Lobby

Deaf Bazaar at Gateway Square

Maximizing Technology

Film Showing : Hear Me at auditiorium

TO BE CONTINUED...

The 17th Deaf Festival: Film Showing: "Silent Odyssey"

2011-11-14T00:38:00.000-08:00

The 17th Deaf Festival of DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies will have a film showing: "Silent Odyssey" on November 18, 2011 (Friday), at 6:00-9:00pm, at CSB Auditorium.

Ticket available: call SDEAS at 526-7441 loc. 131 or Text +639178698224 (look for Ms. Agnes)

The 17th Deaf Festival: Film Showing: "The Earth's Whisper"

2011-11-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

The 17th Deaf Festival of DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies will have a film showing: "The Earth's Whisper" on November 16, 2011 (Wednesday), at 3:00-5:00pm, at CSB Auditorium.

Ticket Available: call SDEAS at 526-7441 loc. 131 or Text +639178698224 (look for Ms. Agnes)

Tan Yap still listens to the deaf “loud and clear” through Facebook

2011-11-11T00:10:00.000-08:00

PETALING JAYA: He is 96 today but Tan Yap still listens to the deaf “loud and clear” through Facebook.

Tan, who is adviser to The Society of Interpreters For The Deaf in Selangor and Federal Territory, believes age is not a barrier to learning new things, including modern technology.

“I've learnt to use Facebook and e-mail to keep in touch with the deaf since all of them are spread out nationwide,” he said.

Tan, dubbed the Father of the Deaf, was instrumental in establishing deaf schools in several states and introduced sign language to educate the deaf in Malaysia despite much objection and scepticism.

He can still recall the difficulty he faced when he went to several institutions, including Gallaudet University in Washington, United States, to learn the deaf culture and sign language in the 1970s. He had to go there on no-pay leave.

On what drove him to sacrifice his pay as a state pharmacist in Johor Baru back then, he said he felt sorry for the deaf who were misunderstood and cheated as they were ignored and people did not understand them.

“I remember that in the 1960s, there were unscrupulous people using the deaf to sell black market movie tickets,” he said.

“The deaf did not know what they were getting into until the police arrested them. They were the unfortunate victims.”

Touched by their plight, Tan started the first school for the deaf in Johor Baru, especially for dropouts and those who missed the chance of an education.

At the invitation of the Education Ministry, the In-Service Sign Language Course was conducted for all government teachers of the deaf in Malaysia at the Language Institute in Kuala Lumpur.

Tan has received a few awards in recognition of his work, including being the first Asian to get the Edward Miner Gallaudet and Toko Pendidikan Cacat awards.

Believing that keeping life as simple as possible is his secret to a long life, he said his birthday wish on 11.11.11 was to see the deaf being able to lead a normal life.

17th Deaf Festival 2011

2011-11-10T23:27:00.001-08:00

Every year, DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) hosts the Deaf Festival and on its 17th year, SDEAS also celebrates 20 years of Lasallian Deaf Education. With the theme "Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating our Future," Deaf and Hearing Administrators, Staff Alumni and students participate in fellowship and activities that nurture among Deaf and Hearing people the understanding and appreciation of the unique history and of preserving the culture of the Deaf Community.

The 17th Deaf Festival will be on November 14-19, 2011, Taft Campus, De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde. Let’s us celebrate togetherness and diversity. Please pass this information to your friends and community.

For more details call SDEAS at 526-7441 loc. 131 or Text +639178698224 (look for Ms. Agnes)

School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies participated in La Sallian World Congress Events:

2011-11-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

by Leonides Sulse

Last October 27, 2011 (Thursday), the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) joined the DLS-CSB Community in the recent World Congress event entitled Take 45 Movements organized by the UNION MONDIALE DES ANCIENS ELEVES LASALLIENS (UMAEL). UMAEL is an international non-profit association linked to the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Its members are the Federations and Associations of Lasallian Former Students who freely wish to form part of this international network, through a feeling of belonging to the Lasallian Family. It is held every four (4) years where all the associations and federations of Lasallian former students worldwide meet to discuss the way forward for the Lasallian Alumni. It is also a unique occasion for networking and fellowship between brothers and sisters from other nations.

The SDEAS Filipino Sign Language Learning Program (FSLLP) Team led by Mr. John Xandre Baliza, Coordinator of the Educational Interpreting Program together with FSLLP Deaf faculty members conducted a Free Basic Sign Language Class held at the RM B303-1 and B303-2 from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM to the International Lasallian guests and visitors (delegates) from different countries.

[National Youth Commission] Invitation to the 2011 China-ASEAN Youth Camp

2011-10-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

1. Date: November 3 to 10, 2011

2. Venue: Beijing, Tianjin and Nanning

3. Background
In order to celebrate the China-ASEAN Friendly Exchange Year at the 20th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue relations, and to further implement Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s proposal at the 11th China-ASEAN Leaders Meeting concerning China will continue to invite ASEAN youth to visit China to participate in exchange and dialogue programs including China-ASEAN Youth Camp, Summer Camp, Young Entrepreneurs Forum, etc., the All-China Youth Federation would like to invite 100 ASEAN youth to visit China and participate in exchange programs in November, 2011.

4. Organizer
All-China Youth Federation

5. Theme
Friendship and Win-win Cooperation
-- celebrating the 20th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue relations

6. Participants
1) Ten youth delegates from each ASEAN member country are invited. Each delegation shall include 1 senior official on youth affairs as delegation head, 1 executive assistant and 8 young journalists.
2) Two observers from ASEAN Secretariat are also invited to participate.
3) Except the delegation head, participants should be between 18 to 35 years old, healthy both physically and psychologically, able to communicate in English and participate in the whole program.

7. Expenses
The organizer will be responsible for buying the round-trip international air tickets for participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. Other delegates are required to arrange and pay for their own international flights. The organizer will provide all delegations with local hospitality, including food, accommodations and local transportation during the event. For accommodation, the delegation head will be accommodated in a single room, while other delegates will share twin room by two persons.

8. Registration
The national youth focal point in each ASEAN member country is expected to select the participants and submit the registration forms by November 3, 2011.

9. Parallel Activity
An Essay Contest will be organized among the participants.
1) Topic: China-ASEAN (or an ASEAN member country) relation in my eyes;
2) Language: English;
3) Time duration:Up to November 3, 2011;
4) Award: at most 10 essays will be selected and awarded as Excellent Essays, which will be published on the China Youth Daily, China Youth On-line or China Youth Connection, and other newspapers and websites. The writers will be invited to visit China again in 2012.
5) Requirements: Each delegation shall submit at least 5 essays before November 3, 2011.

10. Program Outline
November 3 / Thursday Arrival in Nanning and Registration
Welcome party, opening ceremony, seminars and field visits
November 5 / Saturday Go to Tianjin by airplane in the evening
Exchange program and field visits
November 7/ Monday Go to Beijing by high-speed railway in the evening
Meetings, exchange program, field visits and farewell party
November 10/ Thursday Return trip

11. Contact
Ms. ZHENG Fang and Ms. ZHAI Qi
Tel:+8610 85212511/85212150 Fax:+8610 85212059/67018131
Email: acyftwo@yahoo.com.cn.

Deaf education, the Southeast Asian situation

2011-10-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

By ANGELO G. GARCIA

October 18, 2011, 4:23am

MANILA, Philippines — The never-ending debate on whether English or Filipino should be the medium of classroom instruction has now extended to what language should be used in natural sign language for the Deaf.

Natural sign language has been the most common method of communication that majority of the Deaf have been accustomed to learn and use. In the Philippines, the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) is the dominant sign language. Although there are ethnic-based or localized versions of the sign language, FSL is still generally preferred among deaf Filipinos.

This same issue was in the core of discussion at the recent ASEAN Deaf Education Forum that was organized by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), and supported by the Nippon Foundation Japan. This was held at the CSB Hotel located at the Angelo King International Center in Malate, Manila.

In the Philippines, access to deaf education is still insufficient. Only a handful of public schools with a Special Education Center offer education services for the deaf. (source: http://goo.gl/mYEFZ)

In the forum, representatives from the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan shared the situation of deaf education in their respective countries. They also cited how the use of their natural sign language as the medium of instruction is deemed the best way to go in deaf education.

“FSL is a language. It is the same issue as the use of Filipino, the vernacular language in regular education. In some parts of the country, lalo na ‘yung may mga ethnic communities, the advocacy is to use their language, their culture, the stories of their history integrated in the curriculum.

It is their life, it is their community, so when you know the language and what is being talked about, you’re open to learning,” said Theresa Christine De La Torre of the CSB Center for Education Access and Development (CEAD) Secondary Education Initiatives.

CEAD is a resource and development center of DLS-CSB. It is envisioned to take a leadership role in developing new grounds and initiatives that can benefit the Deaf through advocacy, research, training and development. CEAD conducted a study in 2008, 2009 and 2010 wherein they interviewed tertiary and secondary deaf students from private and public schools all over the country.

“It is necessary to present this perspective to shed light on issues that need to be addressed so that public and private organizations can work together on how to improve the situation and ensure the rights of the Deaf to accesses quality education,” De La Torre explained.

THE PROBLEMS

The study shows that deaf students were found to lack leadership skills and knowledge on sign language. The study also reveals that their attention skills are weak, their literacy and thinking skills are also weak, and that there are behavioral problems among deaf people.

These problems may be attributed to schools that have poor facilities and faculties that lack proper competencies in handling deaf students. The lack of interpreters, FSL skills, and understanding of the deaf culture are also to blame.

Most of the public schools in the country, especially those without Special Education (SpEd) centers, are not equipped with right tools and competencies in teaching deaf students. On the other hand, private schools device other methods in teaching deaf students. Some would rather use the American Sign Language as opposed to FSL.

The respondents even pointed out that teachers tend to look down at them and that they are not being given school works that are challenging enough for them. Some even said that the interpreters in their schools do not care for them at all.

However, the respondents are hoping that everything will change especially now that a dialogue has been opened between the Department of Education and deaf educators, to hopefully change the landscape of deaf education in the Philippines.

“We hope that FSL will be the official medium of instruction in deaf education. Our teachers are creative in their teaching strategies but we need a curriculum that develops students’ thinking, confidence and their intelligence. There are extensive opportunities in learning,” De La Torre shares.

THE VIETNAM SITUATION

In Dong Nai Province, Southern Vietnam, the Dong Nai Deaf Edcuation Project of Dong Nai University is recognized as a project that is changing deaf education in the said Southeast Asian county.

Dr. James Clyde Woodward, an expert in linguistics and anthropological analyses of sign languages in deaf cultures, started the Dong Nai Deaf Education Project. He is also the co-director of the Center for Sign Lingustics at the Chinese University in Hong Kong.

Before the project started in 2000, there was no education available for senior high school and college-level students. The Dong Nai Project provides deaf people an opportunity to take high school and university education.

Since it started the project, it has graduated its first junior high school class and the first and only senior high school class composed of deaf students.

Today, the Dong Nai Project has significantly improved the standing of deaf students in Vietnam. All Grade 9 students passed the national examination, a feat not even regular schools and regular students have achieved. Ninety four percent of their Grade 12 class passed the national examination as well.

The project uses Ho Chi Minh City Sign Language (HCMCSL), the dominant sign language in Southern Vietnam. Vietnam has three sign languages, the HCMCSL, Hanoi Sign Language, and Hai Phong Sign Language. They are all recognized sign languages.

“We use the local sign language for education purposes. We use the same books for the hearing students. We also have deaf teachers who teach the students,” he shares. “Deaf-centered means that the deaf people are the one who make decision regarding the project.

Even though the teachers are hearing, the students make the decision in this project. The people who know more about education are deaf people themselves.”

Most deaf children in Vietnam are taught how to speak orally at an early age because parents believe that if they learn how to sign first, they won’t speak anymore. Although Dr. Woodward debunks this practice.

“Ideally, natural sign language is best in deaf education, because natural sign language make use of visual space in a way that is very clear to deaf people. I would like to see more opportunities for deaf people according to their needs, wants and desires.

The program that we have will work for anybody because you don’t have to hear in order to be able to use it. If you hear, you can still sign it, if you don’t hear you can sign it. It’s beneficial for both but some people may not want this program.

I would like to see a variety of deaf programs in Vietnam. I would like to see more opportunity for bilingual education. I would like to see this program to be started in the elementary level like in Japan,” he says.

EDUCATION IS COMPULSOR IN JAPAN

In Japan, the education of deaf students is compulsory up to age 15. After that, the deaf students have to be on their own if they want to continue their education.

Nevertheless, awareness is still being raised to make Japanese sign language as the medium of instruction in their schools.

“In Japan, we never experience JSL (Japanese Sign Language) as the language of instruction. Most of our teachers are hearing teachers. In teaching class what is important is teaching in JSL,” shares Norie Oka of the Meisei Gakuen School for the Deaf, Japan.

Of the more than 70,000 SPED teachers in Japan, there are a total of 318 deaf teachers. In Mesei Gakuen School for the Deaf, 14 out of 26 faculty are deaf teachers.

“We still need to develop the materials we use in Japan. We need to have awareness of JSL in deaf education. We also need awareness in self-reliance, study of deaf identity, communication, and competence in Japan,” Oka shares.

“We want our children to learn and think by themselves, as well as develop as a human being with strong identity. In this aspect, the deaf and the hearing equals,” she adds.

Deaf Included in the PAL Retrenchment

2011-10-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Five Deaf persons who are members of PALEA (Union of PAL) are those included in the retrenchment by Philippine Airlines. Was able to meet 3 of them.

Juan Escalante has been working in the Pastry section for 33 years; Noel Po and Narcisco Alino have been working in the hot kitchen for 30 years.Almost all have been with PAL since finishing their vocational course. Noel was surprised when he received a text saying that he should not anymore go to work since there has been retrenchment. No one from PAL explained the move to them and they just knew of the decision from their colleagues.

PAL has implemented a massive retrenchment to make way for outsourcing. Juan knows that he is a regular employee of PAL and was caught off guard. All are married with children. They have been loyal and hardworking members of the company and have known PAL as family. They are hopeful for a positive outcome of the strike

MECHANICS for National Youth Commission Logo Design Contest

2011-10-24T00:18:00.000-07:00

MECHANICS for NYC Logo Design Contest

1. This is open to all interested Filipino citizens aged 15 to 35 years old.

2. Logo design contestants may submit up to three original (3) studies per entry.

3. There will be no set criteria for judging. Instead, the logo should embody or portray NYC’s branding: The Voice and Advocate of the Youth. The decision of the judges is final.

4. Each study should contain a rationale or brief explanation/description to provide context to the suggested logo (i.e. explanation on colors or symbols used, etc.).

5. Entries may be picture-based or text-based, or a combination. The entries may be done by free-hand rendered in Markers, Ink, Pastel, Watercolor, Oil or Acrylic or by computer. There are no restrictions in the colors used.

6. Each study should be in two formats: one (1) full-color, and one (1) black and white / gray scale.

7. The logo should not carry the name of the artist.

8. All entries received will be posted on the NYC website and the NYC Facebook accounts for public voting.

9. Deadline for submission of entries is on October 31, 2011. All entries, together with the application form, should be emailed to info@nyc.gov.ph or mailed to:

National Youth Commission
4/F Bookman Building
373 Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

10. Announcement of winners is on the 2nd week of December to coincide with the celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan.

11. The winning design will get a cash prize, plus mentions in press releases/social media releases regarding the NYC logo re-design.

Grand Winner : Php 25,000.00
Special Citation (3 entries): 5,000.00 each
Most Popular on Facebook: 5,000.00
Most Popular on Twitter: 5,000.00

12. The design of the logo must be certified original and/or officially submitted by the participant either through an submitted application form or a duly signed scanned electronic copy of the application form. Any complaints that may arise due to similarities, likeness or comparison of the design, the participant will be responsible to prove its authenticity. NYC, under no circumstances, shall be held liable.

13. NYC reserves the right to disqualify any entry whether on the basis of perceived violation of intellectual property rights pursuant to Republic Act No. 8293 or for any other reason.

14. If any party manifests in writing that their intellectual property rights have been violated by the design, NYC reserves the right to withhold the cash prize and/or use of the winning logo until such case have been cleared.

15. All studies and designs submitted for entry shall be considered as property of NYC and as such, NYC further reserves the right whether or not to use the winning or non-winning logos.

16. For more inquiries, you may contact: 02-448-7440, 02 – 448-7330, 416-3415, 413-5503, 416-3570

Internal Process of Selection:

1. All entries will be posted on the NYC website and NYC Facebook page for public voting. A voting period of 15 days will be allotted to select the top 10 entries. The selection is based on the combined website and Facebook votes.

2. The top 10 entries is subject to opinion poll. Entries will be displayed prominently at the NYC premises, and will be ranked according to its accuracy in portraying NYC’s brand as the Voice and Advocate of the Youth.

We will attach numbered stickers (1 to 10, with 1 as the highest vote) in a designated page for each logo. Stakeholders will be invited to place their stickers on the logo wall. The logo contest committee will tabulate the ranking after the poll to determine the top 5 entries.

3. The Commission will determine the winner out of the top 5 entries chosen.

Criteria would be personal preference and the design’s accuracy in portraying NYC’s brand as the Voice and Advocate of the Youth.

An Inspiring Birthday Celebration

2011-10-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

by Mackie Calbay

Celebrating birthdays means getting greetings, birthday parties, cakes with candles and feeling happy on that special day.

Jamilla “Jamie” Aquino, a schoolmate at DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies had a different kind of birthday celebration. Jamilla graduated 2004 then worked a Deaf Leader of Educational Outreach e-Learning Center. Now, she is working as a Corporate Communication Assistant and is Vice-President of Visual Shot Club.

Jamie wanted to make her birthday relevant. She wanted to celebrate her 30th birthday with Deaf kids. May and Maria Lourdes Cabutihan referred her to Rosario Ocampo Elementary School in Taytay, Rizal just near where she lives. And on October 1, a day before her actual birthday, together with classmates from high school batch 15 of 2000 and DLS-CSB SDEAS, Jamie celebrated her birthday. Aside from celebrating with food and lootbags, they gave away school supplies, and other materials needed. They had games with prizes, a program and even taught Origami to the excited kids. Her best friend surprised her with a cake and they all greeted her a “Happy Birthday”. Additional surprise was a special number from Deaf pupils. Special Education (SPED) teacher, Ms. Tessie T. Parcia gifted her lovely clock. Smiles were bountiful and the joy was spreading.

As the celebration neared to a close, Jamie expressed her heart full of happiness because her birthday was not only to herself but also sharing blessings and love from Our heavenly Father to Deaf children. She wants Deaf children to be aware and look at her and classmates as role models so when they grow up, they have people to emulate. She truly appreciated the donation and support of her classmates to the Deaf children.

Jamie’s message: “For the Deaf alumni of DLS-CSB SDEAS, its time for us to give and return blessings we have received. Show Deaf kids what we can contribute and learn from each other’s experiences. And continue to share with your true heart to Deaf kids.”

What an inspiration! What source of pride for the Benildean Deaf alumni! The birthday celebration was one of a kind and hopefully not the last of this special kind of celebration.

Breaking the Wall of Silence

2011-10-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

by Gichelle Cruz

The Soft launching and turnover ceremony of "Breaking the Wall of Silence", a Communication Toolkit for VAW among the Deaf, was held last October 15, 2011 at UP-CSWCD. The toolkit is the project of UP Department of Women and Development Studies WD 271- Gender and Participatory Media Students with the support of the Philippine Deaf Resource Center and the Filipino Deaf Women Health and Crisis Center (FDWHCC) as a shared commitment in building a responsive social movement that includes Deaf women.

The FDWHCC Launch

Weng's message: "[We are] grateful to the people who support our FDWHCC."

Philippine Commission on Women's message for FWHCC

Special Guest - Ms. Bernadette (left) from AUSAID and DSWD

Message from Women Studies Center

Message from Women Crisis Center

Dr. Liza's message to UP, FDWHCC and WD271

Group photo

The FDWHCC participants

Despite limited time, resources and communication barrier, the challenge of coming up with a toolkit served as a driving force for the WD 271 students to take on the challenge in coming up the communication toolkit. Relentless efforts, sincerity and strong determination of women Deaf leaders, Weng Rivera and Maffy Gaya from the FDWHCC is constant source of inspiration.

PRC vows reforms in aid of Deaf LET takers

2011-10-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

Office of Representative Antonio L. Tinio

ACT Teachers Party-List
House of Representatives

PRESS RELEASE

October 18, 2011

PRC vows reforms in aid of Deaf LET takers
References: ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. Antonio L. Tinio; Julie Anne D. Tapit, Media Officer

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has committed to implementing reforms that will make the licensing examination for teachers more accessible to the Deaf.

In a dialogue with various organizations of the Deaf last Tuesday, PRC Chairperson Teresita R. Manzala vowed that such reforms would be in place when the Licensure Examination for Teachers is administered in March 2012.

The dialogue was facilitated by ACT Teachers Party-List Representative Antonio Tinio. The participants included leaders of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf led by its President, Rey Lee; Philippine Deaf Resource Center Executive Director Dr. Liza Martinez; Dean Nikki Perez of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde; and Raphael Domingo of the Philippine Coalition-UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

PRC Chairperson Manzala was joined by Board for Professional Teachers Chairperson Dr. Faith M. Bachiller, and Director Amelia T. Empaynado of the Licensure Office.

The deaf activists and advocates raised concerns regarding the accessibility of the LET for deaf education graduates. According to them, Deaf education graduates find it difficult to pass the LET due to lack of sensitivity to the particular needs of Deaf takers. They pointed out the acute shortage of deaf teachers in the public school system’s Special Education centers, which can be filled if measures for the “reasonable accommodation” of deaf LET takers are taken by the PRC.

The PRC vowed to implement “transitional measures” for the upcoming LET in March 2012, such as allowing accredited interpreters to explain examination instructions in sign language and making changes to the physical arrangements to accommodate deaf exam takers. The Board of Professional Teachers will also work in close consultation with the Deaf community to craft better policies, including the drafting of a new PRC resolution regarding accessibility for the Deaf.

“We commend the PRC for their openness to the concerns of the Deaf. We thank PRC Chairperson Manzala for her personal commitment that reforms will be implemented by March 2012,” said Rep. Tinio. #

Twisting Our Hands Up in the Air for the 7th SDEAS Cup 2011

2011-10-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

by Ryan Jay Bernardo

Sunday of October 2, 9 and 16, 2011. The exciting event, 7th School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies SDEAS Cup was held at at 7:00am-6:00pm, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde GYM, Taft, Manila.

There were eight Deaf volleyball and basketball teams. Many Deaf viewers from different schools, clubs and organization joined and supported the said activity. The Men Volleyball awardees are: 2nd runner up- SDEAS, 1st runner up -CAP College School for the Deaf alumni and the champion - Ironic Ladies. Meanwhile in The Men basketball category, the awardees are: 2nd runner up- DGUG, 1st runner up - Wildcatz and the champion - Deafies Club. Lastly, The Women Volleyball awardees are: 2nd runner up - Wildcatz, 1st runner up- CAP College School for the Deaf alumni, the champion - SDEAS.

Enjoy viewing the action below:

Patrick Padao for the Opening Prayer

RJ explained the rules of the game.

Instructions for the Hearing Voleyball Referee before the first game.

Raphy serves for his team IRONIC LADIES on court.

CAP Student Team.

DAC vs WILDCATS volleyball women the start game.

Wildcats Team (MCCID students) Women's Volleyball.

DAC Team Women'z Volleyball.

CAP Students vs CAP Alumni. They show sportsmanship before volleyball game.

CAP Student Team with Coach Rowellah Tansujay in a huddle.

MCCID alumni and students are combined in the Wildcats team (violet). Manila Team (brown) for outside Deaf community.

SDEAS Student Team.

Jimmy Cacut (sdeas team) jumped before his shot on the net.

Joseph Punzalan for a free throw.

CAP student jumped for a straight shot on net.

Remick lay up and jumped for the net.

Clark Santillan (DC team) straight run into net.

Kim Mercado point to his team player on area court. He is a former sdeas alumni batch 2001.

CAP Alumni jumped with lay up into net.

Que (deafies club) and Ngo (cap alumni) are good friends. DC won against CAP alumni.

Deaf Alumni and Students are volunteers.

Men's Basketball 2011 Champions "DEAFIES CLUB TEAM"

1st place men's basketball: "WILDCATZ TEAM"

2nd place men's basketball: "DUGS TEAM"

Men's Volleyball 2011 Champions "IRONIC LADIES TEAM"

Women's Volleyball 2011 Champions "SDEAS-CSB TEAM"

1st place women's volleyball "WILDCATS TEAM"

Most Valuable Player (Women's) Volleyball is Kristela Sta. Juana (SDEAS_CSB)

Most Valuable Player (Men's) Volleyball by: Michael Angelo Tupaz (IRONIC LADIES TEAM)

Most Valuable Player (Men's) Basketball by: Anthony Clark Santillan (DEAFIES CLUB)

The said activity was organized by Ms. Lovella Catalan, Trainor, Deaf Sports Programs, Center for Deaf Esteem and Formation of DLS-CSB SDEAS. Hopefully the teams will have an 8th SDEAS cup to look forward to next year -- March 2012.

Deaf LET Exam Takers

2011-10-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Kindly answer a form on the experiences of the Deaf in taking the LET (if you have any) by clicking the link at the bottom of the article in the Pinoy Deaf matters blog.

---

Dear co-advocates,

Please see link below for recent meeting with PRC seeking to propose Affirmative Action for Deaf teachers' entry into the public school system.

One of the resulting strategies from our DepEd Dialogue -- http://pinoydeaf.wordpress.com/

The PRC officials were very receptive to the proposal and future meetings are in the pipeline!

Please share with others.

Thank you.

Liza B. Martinez, Ph.D.
Director
Philippine Deaf Resource Center
27 K-7 St.
West Kamias, Q.C. 1102 Philippines
Tel 632.9218521
Mobile 0927.5288662
http://www.phildeafres.org/ / pdrc@phildeafres.org

3rd Deaf Education Weekend Seminar, Breaking the Silence: "Understanding Deaf Culture and Filipino Sign Language"

2011-10-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

by Mackie Calbay

Following the Declaration of Undersecretary Dr. Yolanda Quijano that Signed Exact English (SEE), a manually encoded adaptation of spoken English, should be used in public and private schools, the Open Dialogue and roundtable discussion with the Department of Education proved to be productive as Secretary Luistro, Atty. Guingundo, and Atty. Tinio became supportive of Filipino Sign Language for all. The DepEd will make a statement to recognize FSL as the National Sign Language and revise the earlier policy declared by Undersecretary Quijano.

The UP EDSP 129 (Curricular Provisions for Adolescents with Sensory & Physical Disabilities Class), Philippine Deaf Resource Center and Philippine Federation of the Deaf organized and set up a seminar on Deaf culture and FSL awareness and also learn about the Deaf Education. This was through the encouragement of Dr. Therese Bustos and the leadership of Paulina Marinda, Education Representative to the University Council, to meet the Deaf Community

This seminar activity is titled “3rd Deaf Education Weekend Seminar, Breaking the Silence: Understanding Deaf Culture and Filipino Sign Language recently on October 1, 2011 (Saturday) by 8:00am to 12:00nn at Benitez Theater, UP College of Education, Roxas Avenue, UP Diliman.

Culture by Dr. Nestor Castro

Deaf Culture by Mr. Rey Lee Alfred and Ms. Rowella Tanjusay

Participants attended from different schools, organizations, UP students and graduate students, Special Education (SPED) Teachers, etc. This program activity has the following list of topics and the UP students hosted and welcomed the guest speakers as well: Culture by Dr. Nestor Castro, Deaf Culture by Mr. Rey Lee Alfred and Ms. Rowella Tanjusay, Sign languages and Sign Systems by Dr. Liza Martinez and Yvette Apurado-Bernardo with comparison sign language on videos, Hearing and Deaf Views on Deaf Education by Dr. Therese Bustos and Mr. George Lintag, Multilingual Education-Mother-Tongue Based Education by Dr. Rolando “Ricky” Nolasco and Hon. Magtanggol "Magi" Guingundo, and Language Policies in Deaf Education by Raphael “Raphy” Domingo.

Sign languages and Sign Systems by Dr. Liza Martinez and Yvette Apurado-Bernardo with comparison sign language on videos

Deaf Relay for Mr. Ka Lauro Purcil

Multilingual Education-Mother-Tongue Based Education by Dr. Rolando “Ricky” Nolasco and Hon. Magtanggol "Magi" Guingundo

After the lectures, we had an open forum and the Closing Remarks and presentation of the short film Mi Ultimo Adios by Ms. Mirana Medina. The sign and voice interpreters present were Mr. Jojo Esposa, Ms. Jerlyn-Ann Villanueva, Ms. Ma. Veronica “Nicky” Templo-Perez and Dr. Therese Bustos. The seminar ended with the acknowledgements of the interpreters and distribution of Certificates of Attendance

Hearing and Deaf Views on Deaf Education by Dr. Therese Bustos and Mr. George Lintag

Language Policies in Deaf Education by Raphael “Raphy” Domingo

Presentation of the short film Mi Ultimo Adios by Ms. Mirana Medina

UP EDSP 129 class started an endeavor to have an awareness and understanding of Deaf Culture and FSL. They are now more than willing to support and sign the House Bill Signature campaign forms. We look forward to such events in other schools and organizations for the support and access for the Deaf in the Philippines.

For Livelihoods Resource Center Club Members!

2011-10-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

LRC Club Members!

Join us for the celebration of our very first LRC Day and get to know more friends in the economic empowerment movement!

The LRC day is a fun-packed, “open house” activity where LRC members meet together as a community of PWDs towards economic independence and career advancement.

Activities include:

Career guidance
Testimonial from other PWDs
Meet & Greet with other LRC Club members
Games & recreational activities

Venue: Livelihoods Resource Center Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation 112 JP Rizal St., Brgy Milagrosa, Project 4, Q.C.

Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 @ 9am-3pm

Registration is FREE. First 20 registrants will receive a gift from the EE Programme.

For registration, call or text: The Economic Empowerment Programme at 437-5539; 421-0479; or text 0949-6566908 Look for Dexter or Bella

Bring a PWD friend along and get a chance to receive a special gift.

Note: Due to space limitation in our venue, we have a LIMITED registration slot. Hurry and register now!

The LRC is a fully accessible facility where PWDs can avail of various services that will help them in their search for employment and livelihoods opportunities such as career counseling, skills training, work placements or apprenticeships, and other support services for them to meaningfully participate in career advancement and sustainable livelihood development programs.

Filipino Sign Language session with students of Ateneo School of Medical and Public Health

2011-10-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Filipino Sign Language Learning Program of SDEAS conducted an FSL session with students of Ateneo School of Medical and Public Health last October 3, 2011 at the ASMPH Campus in Ortigas. Deaf trainors who gave the session on emergency-related signs are Anabelle Salazar, Bernadette Infanta, Ferdie Vizmanos, Rey Lee, Jay Sunico, Alma Neff and Romalito Mallari. A brief orientation on Deafness and FSL was also given by John Baliza, with Joi Villareal as sign language interpreter. The activity is being held every year as part of the Otorhinolaryngology (or ENT) module of 3rd year medical students. Through this session, students are encouraged to see deafness not only from the medical perspective, but see it socioculturally as well.

Ms. Anabelle Salazar and Mr. Ferdinand Vizmanos sharing basic communication strategies involving Deaf people.

ASMPH medical students actively participate in the FSL session with the Deaf facilitators.

Members of FSLLP team teaching ASMPH students how to sign numbers.

Mr. John Xandre Baliza facilitating the Deaf 101 and FSL Orientation to 3rd year students of Ateneo School of Medicne and Public Health.

Facilitators and organizers of the ASMPH FSL Training Session: (from L-R) Ferdie Vizmanos, Jay Sunico, Romalito Mallari, Alma Neff, Bernadette Infanta, Rey Lee, Dr. Cherry Bernardo, Anabelle Salazar, and John Xandre Baliza

This is the 3rd year SDEAS has been partnering with ASMPH in conducting sessions such as this, as part of the former's advocacy for Deaf awareness and FSL recognition.

A big impact on World of Sign Language Parade and House Bills 4121 & 4631

2011-09-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

by Mackie Calbay

There has been a great journey of unforgettable activities this wonderful day of September 12, 2011. This was the first World of Sign Language parade in our country and the Deaf community came from several provinces, Deaf schools, and organization representatives. We showed our pride and support to our very own Filipino Sign Language (FSL) together by gathering at the Ever Commonwealth to the House of Representatives with the Quezon City Policemen to watch our backs with good coverage from both ABS-CBN and GMA News.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Students, Faculty and Staff members arrived at the North Wing Building of the House of Representatives. Congressman Teddy Casiño introduced us and guided us on a tour of the Congress and Museum. We entered the Legislative Archives and was presented with a movie of the President Chronicles in history and explained to us how a Bill becomes a Law with interpreter, Dr. Therese Bustos.

About 30 Deaf Leader Representatives from different organizations under the Philippine Federation of the Deaf, presented with Dr. Liza Martinez, Mr. Lauro Purcil, Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, Ms. Jeana Manalaysay through Interpreters, Ms. Febe Sevilla, organized by Ms. Kristine “Tine” Sabillo and Ms. Naty Natividad. Finally, everyone was glad to meet with the Speaker of the House Hon. Sonny Belmonte. Cong. Casiño and Deaf Representative leaders conducted the official turn-over to him of the 100,000 plus signature forms for House Bills 4631 (Court Interpreter for the Deaf) and 4121 (Sign language interpreter insets for TV newscasts).

The Deaf was also given the floor to open up the discussion of Sign Language issue. Raphael “Raphy” Domingo, Education Access for the Deaf Coordinator and member of Philippine Coalition – Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities, explained briefly to the House Speaker that Filipino Sign Language is a completely visual language which is part of our Deaf culture. Mr. Domingo also helped him to understand that a sign language is not universal and is very diverse. The Philippine Federation of the Deaf had an International Project titled Practical dictionaries for Asian Sign Language in parallel with Hong Kong, Cambodia and Viet Nam.

Rey Lee Alfred, President of PFD, he gave him the status report on the use of Sign Language, Statement letter from Philippine Deaf Resource Center, and FSL research evidenced by PFD and PDRC. Moreover, Ms. Zubiaga asked him to request another Bill for Filipino Sign Language as National Sign Language recognized for all. She and Ms. Manalaysay also informed him regarding the concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) for accessibility needs. The House Speaker confirmed to have another schedule for the roundtable upon Mr. Domingo’s request.

The Deaf community then congregated at the Plenary Session for the Judiciary budget hearing and watched the sign language interpreter through the multimedia projector show to the right of the stage. The Deaf audience really supported Cong. Casiño’s privilege speech.

Meanwhile, Cong. Casiño, Bayan Muna Partylist Representative, author of the House Bills 4121 and 4631, gave his privilege speech and pressed for the optional budget and mentioned the 1% appropriations for PWDs since the Deaf and PWDs group had been attending the Congressional Budget Hearings for the Government Agencies. He requested the Committee to let the Information and Justice bills to pass. He also explained the there must be more attention and concern for Deaf needs.

The Deaf audience gave Cong. Casiño a standing ovation and raised their hands in applause after his speech. It was indeed a great event that will make a mark in the history of not only the Deaf community but also of our country.

International Deaf Day 2011

2011-09-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

by Mackie Calbay
Every year the International Deaf Day (IDD) is celebrated in our country, a committee organized by the Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD) and Deaf organizations (Philippine Federation of the Deaf Youth Section, Philippine Sports Federation of the Deaf, Deaf Adventure Club and Deaf Rainbow Philippines). The theme of the said celebration last September 24, 2011 is “You are Right, We have RIGHTS”. The Deaf community who joined the festivities included about 440 people from different provinces, Deaf schools, and organization representatives. IDD was also celebrated in Visayas and Mindanao.

We showed our pride and support to our very own Filipino Deaf Community together by gathering at the Mabini’s Hall, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m. There were workshops, games, bazaar, exhibit, free medicine service, gift bags for kids and a show performed by Silent Steps, Dance Ambassadors of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

The main goal of IDD was to draw the attention of politicians, authorities and the general public to the achievements of Deaf people and the concerns of the Deaf community with the Introduction of Rey Lee Alfred, PFD President and IDD Coordinator, and the following Guest Speakers: Hon. Gunigundo, Valenzuela 2nd district, who proposed the House Bill 162 and a true supporter of the Filipino Sign Language and shared knowledge about the Mother Tongue – Multi-Lingual Education, Mr. Ka Lauro Purcil, a blind man who is very active in supporting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) including the Deaf. He is working as chair Phil Coalition CRPD and he shared an inspirational message.

Mr. George Taylor, Manager of the Telecommunication Services Network for the Deaf, works on Video Relay Service which is a Video Phone service for Deaf Filipinos to access as Communication Bridge with the Hearing. Mr. Raphael Domingo, volunteers as Deaf Organization Adviser and Core-team Member of Philippine Coalition of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). He shared about human rights and excerpts from CRPD and finally, Hon. Antonio Tinio, Representative, Alliance of Concerned Teachers Partylist. These messages and information were shared through interpreters Dr. Therese Bustos, Ms. Hergil Roni Abat, Kathy Taylor and Mr. Jay Lardizbal.

In addition, ABS-CBN covered the event and interviewed Hon. Gunigundo, Mr. Ka Lauro Purcil and Dr. Liza Martinez.

The World Federation of the Deaf celebrated the International Week of the Deaf from September 19-25, 2011.

The Right of the Deaf to their Language

2011-09-27T21:18:00.001-07:00

Commentary

The right of the deaf to their language
By: Liza B. Martinez

Philippine Daily Inquirer
9:08 pm | Friday, September 16th, 2011

Department of Education officials recently announced in a forum that hearing-impaired children will continue to be taught using Signing Exact English (SEE) instead of Filipino Sign Language (FSL). They also said that the existing DepEd policy calls for “using the oral method from preparatory to Grade 2 and total communication from Grades 3 to 6 using
English and Filipino Language,” and that “SEE shall be used in all subjects taught in English.”

SEE and other manually coded systems of English are visual representations of spoken English. Natural visual languages like FSL have their own unique
syntax and use non-manual signals (of the face and body) in place of many
grammatical features of spoken and written languages.

The DepEd announcement triggered outrage from the deaf community and its
stakeholders and resulted in position papers from the Philippine
Federation of the Deaf, Philippine Deaf Resource Center, Philippine
Coalition on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
De La Salle-College of St. Benilde: School of Deaf Education and Applied
Deaf Studies and Center for Education Access and Development, University
of the Philippines College of Education, Special Education Area,
Anthropology Department and UP Layap, and the 170+ Talaytayan MLE Inc.

To resolve the controversy, Alliance for Concerned Teachers Rep. Antonio
Tinio organized a dialogue last Sept. 12 between the DepEd and the
Filipino deaf community and its stakeholders. In that dialogue, Rep.
Magtanggol T. Gunigundo, author of House Bill No. 162 (An Act Establishing
a Multi-lingual Education and Literacy Program), read a statement of
support for FSL. He pointed out that Department of Education Order No. 74,
series of 2009, clearly states that the child’s first language should be
the medium of instruction in the early years. In the case of deaf
children, this should be FSL and not English, or SEE.

The Philippine Federation of the Deaf invoked the rights to education,
language, linguistic identity and deaf culture as stated in Art. 24 and 30
of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
It “calls on the State, through the Department of Education, to
immediately, effectively and fully: halt the violation of the rights to
language, culture, participation and self-determination of deaf Filipinos;
and institute, facilitate and promote all appropriate measures to
guarantee the full enjoyment of these rights.”

The Philippine Deaf Resource Center likewise called on the state to recognize the existence of Filipino Sign Language as a true and legitimate
visual language, citing research on its structure, socio-linguistics, and applications. It also called for the declaration of FSL as the national sign language in fulfillment of international commitments (i.e., Salamanca Statement, UNCRPD) consistent with Art. 5 of the 1997 SPED Policies and
Guidelines.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro responded by saying that priority
should be given to action-oriented measures such as mapping resources at
the regional and division levels, and crafting inclusive programs,
parallel to that of other disadvantaged sectors. He directed the formation
of a small group of deaf and hearing experts to coordinate with his office
regarding the above.

It was evident from the dialogue that the DepEd needs to situate its
understanding of communication and language in the context of empirical
research and not on its own definitions and operationalization of total
communication, and the bilingual goal for the deaf.

The following notions are also highly questionable: that the sign language
for training and certifying teachers is “formal” sign language; that the
only way to standardize sign language is to certify teachers; and that FSL
is a language that I created.

In this regard, SPED has to re-craft its programs consistent with local
policy and international commitments. To many deaf education stakeholders,
SPED officials as well as the academic teaching institutions which have
granted them their advanced degrees are seriously disconnected from
research and information and from the progressive reality that education
is a basic human right and a fundamental development goal. They need to be
able to overcome their inability, or perhaps unwillingness, to recognize
that the deaf children they once taught are now educated, experienced
adults who are speaking their mind and asserting their right to
self-determination. Rank, advanced degrees and the ability to hear cannot
supplant the legitimate human experience of the deaf community.

The SPED experience in formal education contrasts with that of the Bureau
of Alternative Learning Systems (BALS) which has actively initiated
training in learning Filipino Sign Language. Last year in February,
Director Carolina Guerrero requested the Philippine Federation of the Deaf
to hold an FSL Training for Mobile Teachers for 80 teachers from the
various regions. The BALS teachers are already using FSL including areas
in Mindanao such as Basilan.

The receptiveness and resolute action of BALS for its teachers to become
fluent FSL signers is because of an unencumbered view on the ground of the
realities of literacy and survival for many isolated, poor and rural deaf
children, youth and adults.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

9:13 pm | Friday, September 23rd, 2011

(Conclusion)

(In last week’s article, the cultural term “Deaf” was inadvertently edited as “deaf”. The two terms are distinct: “Deaf” refers to the progressive view of the community as a cultural linguistic minority, while “deaf” is solely a medical view of hearing impairment.)

It is a fact that our entire educational system is beset by tremendous problems. However, the concerns raised here must focus on language and literacy issues and not be sidetracked by these difficult circumstances. The complexities facing education of Deaf students in the Philippines are not unique. The World Federation of the Deaf, an international NGO of 130 national associations of Deaf people, founded in 1951, has consultative status with the United Nations and is represented in international groups and professional organizations, providing expert advice on Deaf issues. It calls upon national and regional/provincial governments to:

Legalize sign language and quality education for Deaf people of all ages.

Provide the resources necessary for the development of effective programs for teaching sign language and Deaf Studies to involved people, such as families and others.

Provide support for programs for Deaf people to receive training and become employed as teachers, educational professionals and members of educational teams.

Establish high standards for quality education programs and outcomes, from early childhood to professional education, for all Deaf people equal to that for all people.

Ensure that Deaf learners who may be placed in mainstream educational settings have access to the services of educated, trained and qualified sign language interpreters, other needed support services, Deaf peers and role models, and full participation in both the educative and co-curricular processes.

The overall goal is for Deaf students to become multilingual in their local communities and a globalized world. There is a need to set the right to full linguistic understanding and expression by Deaf children as the foremost priority in the learning process. This goal cannot be subverted even by objectives for literacy.

Several other recommendations are enumerated below:

1. Include a subject on Filipino Sign Language (FSL), with appropriate testing mechanisms, as early as pre-school, continuing throughout the primary level. Develop and adopt an FSL Proficiency Test for Deaf students.

2. Develop fully accessible educational materials for Deaf and Deaf-blind children, according to the principles of Universal Design.

3. Employ immediate Affirmative Action measures to bring Deaf FSL signer teachers/role models into the classroom. Plan and implement pre- and continuing in-service training on FSL at the division and regional levels. Formulate and conduct an FSL Proficiency Test to assess fluency for use in the criteria for hiring, promotion and tenure of teachers and interpreters. For classroom interpreters, additional assessments for sign and voice interpretation ability should be created.

4. Review, revise and update the 1997 Handbook on Special Education so that it: (a) uses correct, research-based definitions of critical terms such as sign language, sign system, communication, Total Communication, Universal Design and others; (b) definitively explains and prescribes the current progressive definition of the bilingual approach among Deaf children as: using sign language (i.e., Filipino Sign Language) as the language/medium of instruction, or L1, in all subjects for Deaf children with a parallel strong emphasis on teaching reading and writing of the language, or L2 / L3; (c) all changes to be instituted should be charged to mandated appropriations for PWDs in all national government agencies according to the General Appropriations Act and Presidential Proclamation 240. In addition, educational assistance as specified in RA 9442 (Amendments to the Magna Carta for PWDs) should be provided for Deaf and Deaf-blind students. Also a related/supplementary policy should be issued, anchored on DepEd Order 74-2009, consistent with international commitments, and with the appropriate modifications for visual languages.

5. Continuing activities on Deaf history, visual literature and culture should be promoted in partnership with national and local Deaf peoples’ organizations for teachers, interpreters, school staff, as well as LGUs, parents, caregivers, and the public at large to raise awareness about FSL and the culture and community of Deaf people.

6. The Professional Regulatory Commission and the Civil Service Commission must formulate specific measures to accelerate and achieve de facto equality of Deaf takers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Collaborative research specially with state universities and colleges (as mandated in RA 7277—Magna Carta for PWDs) should be promoted.

7. Finally, crafting of legislation for the legal recognition of FSL, including in education, is essential.

Dr. Liza Martinez is one of only two hearing sign linguists trained at the renowned Deaf institution, Gallaudet University (Washington, D.C.). She is the founder and director of the Philippine Deaf Resource Center. Send comments to pdrc@phildeafres.org

Committee Hearing on Public Information for House Bills 1055 & 3838 & 4212

2011-09-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT!

September 27, 2011, 1:30pm

There will be a Committee Hearing - PUBLIC INFORMATION for House Bills tomorrow at 1:30p.m., at Conference. Rooms. 3 & 4 R.V. Mitra Bldg. Batasan Complex, Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

Deaf Schools, Organizations and Hearing Supporters are invited to join and observe.

HBs 1055 and 3838 – Requiring all franchise holders or operators of television stations, producers of television programs, home video programs and motion pictures to have their programs and films broadcast with closed-caption and providing penalties for violation thereof (Reps. Rufus Rodriguez and Raymond Palatino).

HB 4121 – Requiring the use of sign-language insets for local news programs, amending for the purpose Sec. 22 of RA 7277, as amended, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (Rep. Teddy Casiño)

Please pass this information. Let's show our support to these House Bills! "Deaf Power!"

SDEAS: Green for Life: One Million Trees and Beyond

2011-09-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

The Alumni Chapter of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies has once again hosted a Tree Planting Activity lead and organized by current Alumni Chapter President Mr. Leonides Sulse. The activity was held last September 24, 2011 (Saturday) at the Bryg. Pililia, Rizal. The activity was attended by SDEAS Alumni and Deaf and hearing representatives from community Deaf organizations. A total of 64 participants attended the activity.

The Tree Planting Project is conducted in continuous support of the SDEAS Alumni Chapter to the Green for Life: One Million Trees and Beyond Project and in partnership with the Lasallian Institute for the Environment (LIFE).

With reports from Patrick Silver Padao and Leo Sulse

Ferdie Vizmanos make happy and walked. He excited to help planting.

Leo Sulse, Ariscel Lobo and Everlino Alvares are carry food.

They are walked until the house area.

4th years Deaf Student walked and purpose help and goals graduation this October.

Deaf Alumni walked because they want to give back to the community.

Gladys Claudy Jane Legara Bisnar pray to God about help planting.

FSL Interpreter Jun helps interpret for the Deaf people

Hearing organizer shares the information before leaving the said activity

SDEAS and DLS-CSB Alumnus and Alumna welcome African Richard to join our tree planting

Deaf Team Work...

Remove plastic before planting on soil ground.

SDEAS Deaf African student Richard enjoy planting

Deaf Student is clean soil before put planting.

Both Deaf Students are enjoying planting.

Deaf Students are couple to remember planting as promise LOVE.

Deaf Alumni carefully to remove plastic.

Hearing Staff Technical make remove soil after that, it put planting.

Deaf Community overwhelmed after the tree planting activity

One World, One Country and One Family

Open Dialogue with the Department of Education

2011-09-21T23:27:00.000-07:00

by Mackie Calbay

Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Lusitro, FSC engaged in an open dialogue with the Deaf community and Filipino Sign Language supporters last September 8, 2011 at the Department of Education Central Office, DepEd Complex, Pasig City. Congressman Tinio, ACT Partylist hosted the roundtable discussion regarding the medium of instruction to be used in Deaf education.

This is in response to Undersecretary Dr. Yolanda Quijano's declaration that Signed Exact English (SEE), a manually encoded adaptation of spoken English, should be used in public and private schools. However, the Philippine Federation for the Deaf and and the Philippine Deaf Resource Center believe that the Filipino Deaf community has its own culture, language and identity. In recognition of such, supporters advocate that Filipino Sign Language is the National Sign Language of the Deaf.

Participants included representatives from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde--Center for Access and Development (CEAD), School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS); Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (PNASLI), Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD), Support and Empower Abused Deaf Children (SDEADC), Phil-Sports Federation of the Deaf, Inc. (PFSD), Philippine Deaf Resource Center (PDRC); University of the Philippines--Anthropology Department, Department of Linguistics, College of Education. Sign and voice interpreters were present as well as members of the audience composed of hearing and Deaf students, organizations and community.

The roundtable discussion proved to be productive as Secretary Luistro, Atty Magtanggol "Magi" Guingundo, and Atty. Tinio became supportive of Filipino Sign Language for all. The DepEd will make a statement to recognize FSL as the National Sign Language and revise the earlier policy declared by Undersecretary Quijano.

(Photos by Henry Lee Perey)

Representatives from Deaf and hearing organizations and schools with Valenzuela District Rep. Guingundo I, Alliance of Concerned Teachers Partylist Rep. Tinio and DepEd Secretary Bro. Luistro, FSC.

Mr. Esposa of MCCID-College of Technology interpreted what the Deaf leader said while Ms. Rivera relayed it for the Deaf audience in the back.
Rep. Gunigundo I, Sec. Bro. Luistro, FSC, Rep. Tinio,
Usec. Quijano and SDEAS Dean Nicky Templo-Perez

The dialogue with the DepEd officials on the use of FSL as a medium of instruction in Deaf education was organized with help from Rep. Tinio.

Empowering people with disabilities

2011-09-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Empowering people with disabilities

BY JOAN C.ISON CONTRIBUTOR

The “perfectly able" team (from left to right): Nihmahtollah Kamid (orthopedically, handicapped), Elmer Sibiran (club foot), Jan Michael Cristobal (deaf), Bronson Escalderon (deaf), Marie Cruz (deaf) together with Training Manager Nestor Meija

WHEN going to a five-star hotel like the famous Makati Shangri-La, people tend to dress up and look as elegant as theycan, Looking fancy or ready to do some business within the hotel's premises, guests are greeted with a lively smile and the warm hospitality of its staff. But far from a guests' knowledge, some of Shangri-La's staff who would greet them back could be deaf or has an orthopedic disability.

Employees who prefer to be called "people with disabilities" (PWDs) are hired by Shangri-La as part of their advocacy to create a more diverse workforce within the industry.

"Shangri -La believes that integrating PWDs among, our workforce will serve as an example for our colleagues to practice

The core values of respect, humility, sincerity. helpfulness and selfessness.. Towards PWDs," explained Nestor Mejia, the training manager for Shangri-La Makati. These values not only add to the hotel's unique character but also show that these are not people with disabilities, hut rather with abilities to share."

Shangri-La Makati partnered with various institutions such as De La Salle-College of St, Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) and Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippine Foundation (LCDPF) to choose the first batch of PWDs to he integrated into the program. The applicants then under went a two-week training course before being evaluated and assigned to the department hest suited for them. Those who get hired earn the same compensations as any Shangri-La employee.

The Shangri-La Hotel allows a total of 15 PWDs to he part of their workforce and has also opened the doors of its other five hotels to the employment of PWDs.

To help them cope up with the demands of working in such a people-oriented workplace, the hotel has established various training programs for both PWDs and their regular employees; The training focuses mainly on communication and interaction skills wilh deaf PWDs. Because most of the deaf PWDs. do not have an interpreter, their assigned departments develop various ways to communicate with them, either by computer chat applications, hand gestures and sign language.

Those who are hearing impaired also bring a cord with them to inform guests and make use a pen and papers to serve them.

Since most of the PWDs do not have a hospitality background, they were assigned to different departments based on their personality strengths and previous job histories but were not limited to areas where there is least guest interaction. Some were even assigned to the Concierge, Banquet Service and Human Resources departments.

Positive examples

Since the program began mid.2010, the hotel has received positive feedback from its regular employees. A lot of them said they leaned to be more open minded and patient, understanding, tolerant and loving because of their interactions with PWDs.

"I learned not to take the simplest things for granted. I am now more grateful for what I have and look less on the things that I don't have" quoting Annie Remo, a service leader from the Finance Department. While Joven Nalo, a service leader in Housekeeping says "Working with the deaf, I realizes that actions do speak louder than word. They may have disabilities but they are just as talented.” A lot of people have this misconception

that PWDs are helpless and are incapable of working. Despite their disabilities, however, II lot of them have become professional and can make" significant contributions to the society, if give the opportunity.

The PWDs interviewed all had interesting life stories to share and narrated how they turned their limitations into an instrument to make them stronger.

Bronson Escalderon is all in born deaf who graduated from SDEAS. His skill in graphic design allows him to make eye-catching concepts for the hotel makes him an efficient part of Human Resources department. His superiors even mentioned that they hardly make revisions to his work because of his creativity.

Despite having a "club foot" (a congenital disorder in the legs), and being a single parent, Elmer Sibiran has not let his disability prevent him from being a doting father to his 7 -year-old child.

Coming from a poor family, life had always been a challenge for Ebner, who worked as a construction worker and endured the rigorous physical difficulties. When be learned about Shangri-La's program, he did not hesitate to apply and found work at the Stewarding department of hotel. With a higher salary (compared to his previous), he is now able to make ends and provide a better life for his family.

While some are born with their disabilities, Nihmahtolla “Tol” Kamid, a Muslim from the province of General Santos became orthopedic ally handicapped due to a tragic incident he experienced ill 2007.

While on a remote field in his home-town, he was shot and left to die by a group of thugs. A miracle saved him when a Jeep has passed by that distant area right after the shooting and look him to the hospital. He suffered a massive injury in his right thigh which left him unable to walk. Without wanting to put the Burden in his family, he traveled to Manila alone to seek help from radio station to support him with his operation, He has received free hospitalization and other medical support which gave him the hope that there are still good people who really do wish to help. Harboring no hatred towards what happened to him, he has concentrated to be able to walk again with II help of crutches. He now supports his relatives through his work as a cashier for Makati Shangri-La.

'Employer of the Year'

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) national government agency concerning disability issues, has recently awarded Makati Shangri-La with the coveted 201 I Apolinario Mabini Award as “Employer of the Year" for being able to recognize individual PWDs and their contribution on a national scale.

The event which was conceptualized after the Sublime Paralytic Apolinario Mabini, is a national icon whose disability has not stopped him to become "The Brain of the (Philippine) Revolution."

Quoting Irish Playwright George Bernard Shaw, "People are always .

Nihmahtollah Kamld became orthopedically, handicapped because of a tragic incident he experienced in 2007

blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are The people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."

Bronson, Elmer and Tol are just few of the PWDs who have made a way to give. themselves a better future. Programs like this not only gives them the opportunity to support themselves and the people around them, but enhance their interaction and work skills in the different fields made available to them.The PWDs message is not to look al their disabilities but give them the opportunity to see what they can contribute.

The Sunday Times Magazine, August 7, 2011