Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Results of the 4th Deaf Deaf Bowling Championship
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
SOLEMNITY (FEAST) of THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Fr Adrian celebrated the mass on the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The SDEAS community attended . Fr Adrian signed a large part of the mass.
Monday, December 6, 2010
4th Asian Pacific Deaf Bowling Championship
The Philippine Deaf Bowling Team
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
World Federation of the Deaf
Monday, October 11, 2010
Send Your Letters of Protest and Make a Stand
October 5, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
School of the Deaf and Applied Studies
Contact: Giselle Montero gisellemontero@gmail.com
Or Mrs. Liwanag Caldito
Tel. 928-4182
Mobile 0916.7496139
Email liwcaldito@yahoo.com
Last October 4, Franklin Galano Corpuz was set to fly to Qatar via Qatar Airways QR 645 for orientation and business training with a company that has a program specifically for Persons with Disabilities or PWD. Mr. Corpuz is Deaf. In addition to the training he will gain, the said program leads to eventual employment. Franklin is skilled in cooking as well as making bread and baking pastries. He is also a professional driver and has worked with Sunshine Supermarket and Hotel Veniz in Baguio City. He is married and is the husband of the current Philippine Federation for the Deaf President, Mrs. Raquel Corpuz.
At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), after checking in, Franklin was accompanied by a Qatar Airways flight attendant to the Immigrations counter. Upon being told by the flight attendant that Mr. Corpuz is Deaf, the Immigrations counter officer directed him to the Bureau of Immigrations Office. Mr. Corpuz presented the following personal supporting papers:
* Affidavit of Support from Al Mana Interiors
* Invitation letter for the business training
* Visa from the Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar
He was interviewed by a male Immigrations officer who informed him that he will be disallowed to leave for Qatar because he is “deaf and therefore CANNOT SPEAK. Mr. Franklin Corpuz was then asked to leave the airport.
A call was made to the NAIA Immigrations Office. Ms. Gladys Castillo and Mr. Jeff Ignacio (administrative staff) received this call. They said that as a matter of policy, they are not allowed to release the name of the Immigrations Officer who interviewed Mr. Corpuz. Furthermore, Ms. Castillo said that any letter of complaint regarding this incident may be addressed and sent to Atty. Ronaldo Ledesma, OIC of the Bureau of Immigrations. Mr. Ignacio, on the other hand, added that in their Indicator Checklist for Offloading, the remarks were as follows: “No sufficient proof that his trip is for business to Qatar considering that he is deaf and mute. He said that it was not specified as to what proof or documentation was lacking.
###
Updates:
Oct 6, 2010
The Department of Justice directed the Bureau of Immigration to check the operations division of the airport. The Bureau of Immigration OIC Rolando Ledesma investigated the airport operations division for the irregular decision they made to offload the Deaf passenger Franklin Delano Corpuz and the procedure done in terms to discredit the Deaf.
October 7, 2010
Mr. Corpuz was eventually allowed to leave on board Qatar flight QR 649 that left the NAIA at 10:40 am, Thursday, with the help of the training company in Qatar through the Philippine Embassy.
###
We still urge you to send a letter protesting the discrimination shown by the Bureau of Immigration (BID) to a Deaf person. A Deaf person shares equal rights with any Hearing person and should be protected by the State in the fulfilment of his rights.
LETTERS OF PROTEST may be sent to:
Atty. Ronaldo Ledesma
OIC
Bureau of Immigrations
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros
Department Of Justice Action Center
Attn: Romeo D. Galvez dojac@doj.gov.ph
and soj@doj.gov.ph or by fax to 521-1614
CONTACT INFORMATION
DEAF PASSENGER: Franklin Corpuz c/o Marites Racquel Corpuz at 0927-4038348 (text only)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
10 Most Inspiring Pinoy Teachers in the News
Published: October 05, 2010
http://www.spot.ph/featured/46682/10-inspiring-pinoy-teachers-in-the-news/5
To celebrate World Teachers' Day, SPOT.ph pays homage to 10 exemplary Pinoy teachers (in no particular order) who have studiously strived to be worthy of the profession, even going beyond the call of duty. They may not have been recognized by CNN like "street educator" Efren Peñaflorida, but they're definitely heroes in our eyes.
1. Ana Kristina Arce
"We may be Deaf persons, but we can also do anything you can do, except hear. Communicating with our hands should not make a difference," Ana Kristina Arce says in her graduation speech on October 17, 2009.
Arce isn't a certified educator but she definitely has a lot to teach us. 24 Oras reports that she is the first Deaf (the Deaf community prefers that the word be spelled with a capital D) person to graduate magna cum laude from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) with a Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies degree. With the help of an interpreter, Arce was even chosen to deliver the graduation speech in their commencement exercises in 2009.
Arce was born Deaf but did not show signs of deafness until she was 18 months old, according to Inquirer.net. She mentioned in her graduation speech, that before she entered DLS-CSB, she experienced discrimination: "I found out that we (Deaf students) were excluded in meetings and group projects. I tried to show my hearing peers what I could do, but they never gave me a chance to prove myself to them." But their prejudice did not dampen her spirits. Today, according to TEDxFortBonifacio.com, Arce is an active Deaf advocate. She does volunteer work for various Deaf communities and aims to integrate the different Deaf communities in the country.
2. Efren Bino
"I came from a big family. We were a brood of six and we weren't well off. Teaching became my life's ambition because I wanted others to see that poverty can be overcome and that they can finish school," Efren Bino (top row, left) tells The Philippine Star. Photo from A Tribute to Teachers.
Multitasking may be Bino's middle name. From 1996 to 2008, he served as the teacher, principal, property custodian and security guard at the Mataas Elementary School in Bacacay, Albay. In the beginning he traveled eight kilometers and took a 40-minute boat ride every day to get to the school. When the cost and the strain of the daily commute proved too much for him, he decided to live in the school during weekdays. He experienced handling combination classes, where he had to teach students from different grade levels. Aside from becoming a father figure to some of his students, he worked on developing the school's facilities and increasing its staff by appealing to the Department of Education and private sponsors. Now, Mataas Elementary School has three teachers who handle combination classes composed of 96 students, he told Manila Bulletin. He said his students have graduated already, and some have become teachers as well. For his efforts, the Bato Balani Foundation Inc. (BBFI) honored him with "The Many Faces of a Teacher" award this year. Currently working at the Pili Elementary School in Bicol, he is now focused on taking care of his parents and pursuing his masters.
3. Evelyn Caja
"Nothing is impossible when you love your work," Evelyn Caja tells Inquirer.net. Photo from Star Teacher.
Dubbed the Anne Sullivan of the Philippines, Caja has nurtured the visually impaired like Roselle Ambubuyog, who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Mathematics from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2001, and Carolina Catacutan, who graduated cum laude with a degree in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines in the '90s. Caja has been a Special Education teacher for over 35 years, focusing on Math. The subject, she told Manila Bulletin, is the most difficult for blind students because it is "highly visual with numbers and symbols." Inquirer.net wrote that Caja has received all the awards she could possibly get as a teacher in the country, such as the 2009 Award for Continuing Excellence and Service, and the 2004 Outstanding Manilan Award.
She had the opportunity to work abroad in 1995 but, she told Star Teacher, she does not regret staying in the country. "I would not have stayed this long in the program if I have not been enjoying my work. There is no greater satisfaction in life than seeing my blind students transform and succeed," Caja said in the December 2009-January 2010 issue of Star Teacher.
4. Ma. Cristina Medina
"I did not want to go blind. But then I asked myself, 'Bakit ako magpapatalo? Ma. Cristina Medina (middle) tells The Philippine Star. Photo from A Tribute to Teachers.
One thing is clear about partially blind educator Ma. Cristina Medina--she loves teaching. According to PhilStar.com, the single mother of one started going blind in 2003 because of Macular Dystrophy, a genetic eye condition wherein cells in the retina are damaged causing loss of vision. Despite her condition, Medina continued to teach at the Laguna Resettlement School. Today, she handles Special Education (SpEd) classes as well as regular classes. In her regular classes, Medina uses a Braille seat plan. She also memorizes the names of her students and associates them with their voices.
Medina's moving story is proof that passion knows no limits. In Starweek's September 26 issue, Medina said, "I will serve and teach because it is my calling. My impairment gave me an opportunity to become a better teacher. If anything, it has made my vision clearer."
5. Ambeth Ocampo
"I have been described as the poster boy of Philippine history," Ambeth Ocampo tells Star Teacher (June 2009).
It's not surprising that Ocampo has bagged another award this year. According to PhilStar.com, the professor, historian, columnist (Philippine Daily Inquirer), book author, and National Historical Institute (NHI) Chairman was named as the one of the five "Many Faces of the Teacher" honorees by the BBFI and Diwa Learning Systems Inc. (DLSI) in September. Ocampo has received other awards like the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in 1997 and the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award in 2006. He also served as the Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) from 2005 to 2007. Currently, the accomplished educator lectures at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD).
But perhaps Ocampo's most notable and inspiring contribution to the Philippine education system (and society) is reviving the interest in history and giving history a new look. In the June 2009 Star Teacher issue, Ocampo described his role as a national historian: "As (a) national historian, I try to encourage research and popularization of history." Ocampo also does this as a teacher. In a Starweek feature dated September 26, 2010, Ocampo said, "If you think history is boring, you definitely had a bad teacher. History is about life and if the teacher cannot make it relevant to students, something is wrong."
6. Dr. Josette Biyo
"Being world class doesn't mean going international and showing our best out there. Being world-class is passion and commitment to our profession. Being world-class is giving our best to our country and our people. For teachers, being world-class starts right inside the classroom, " says Josette Biyo in Balbido's Iskolar ng Bayan into Alumni via Smart.com.ph
Dr. Josette Biyo holds the recognition of being the first Filipina and first Asian Grand Winner of the Intel ISEF Excellence in Teaching Award (2002) according to PhilStar.com.The educator, with a PhD in Biology, also has a minor planet named after her--Planet Biyo or Planet 13241 located between Mars and Jupiter. According to PhilStar.com, Planet 13241 was named after Biyo in 2002 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratory, U.S.A. Biyo told PhilStar.com that "the tribute was given for facing the challenge of motivating students to engage in scientific pursuits and for my contribution as an educator."
Though her achievements have made her notable in the international academic scene, Biyo continues to teach at the Philippine Science High School in Iloilo. According to PhilStar.com, during the Intel Awards panel interview, Biyo was asked by one judge: "You have a PhD in Biology, why do you teach in high school and not even in the capital city?" Biyo answered, "And who will teach these kids? I did not get my PhD to check papers. I got it to teach children."
7. Ronyla Santiago
"No one will admit that he is illiterate. Encouraging those who have never had schooling to learn is very hard, because they will not exchange the money they can make to attend your class," Ronyla Santiago says in an Inquirer.net report. See Santiago at the 4:09 mark in the montage of the "Tribute to Teachers" program in 2007.
For teaching rebel returnees for a cause, among other reasons, Ronyla Santiago was named one of the honorees of "The Many Faces of the Teacher" award in 2007. Among her experiences in providing basic education to people aged 16 and above, she recalled having to school former members of the Moro National Liberation Front in 2002, according to Inquirer.net. "Standing before 58 rebel returnees was so scary. One of them said he will take me home. Even if I was terrified, I told him that he should respect me because I'm his teacher." The mobile teacher also walked great distances--nine to 10 kilometers every day--to reach her students in the mountains of Palayan City in Nueva Ecija. She has also educated abandoned street children and victims of rape and prostitution, according to Tribute to Teachers. Her former students have improved their lives, she said, and some have even become mobile teachers themselves.
8. Christopher Bernido and Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido
"We were both surprised. At the same time it brought a sense of responsibility that we have to live up to expectations," says Christopher Bernido to Inquirer.net. Time stamp: 2:37.
The Bernidos, both physicists, are among the winners of the 2010 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, a recognition that has been dubbed as the "Nobel Prize of Asia," according to Inquirer.net. The couple's inspirational story began in 1999 when they decided to leave behind their comfortable lives in order to run a school at the town of Jagna in Bohol--the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF)--owned by Christopher's mother. Christopher served as the president, while Victoria stood as the principal.
The pioneering work of the Bernidos is the CVIF Dynamic Learning Program (DLP), a method of teaching science and non-science subjects wherein 70% of class time is used for student-driven tasks. According to Inquirer.net, the program resulted in the "radical improvement" of the performances of CVIF students in their national scholastic aptitude and university admission tests. In 2006, the Bernidos also came up with the "Learning Physics a One Nation" project to aid the shortage of qualified Physics teachers in the country. Both projects of the Bernidos are being used in a large number of schools in the country today.
9. Estrelita Peña
"I am an unknown teacher from the distant province of Zamboanga Sibugay. (The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher award) serves as an inspiration to my colleagues that despite our distance, we still have an opportunity for our efforts to be recognized," Estrelita Peña says in a Manila Times report. Photo from Metrobank Foundation, Inc.
Braving possible abduction by secessionist groups according to Inquirer.net, Estrelita Peña has sought to help out Sardos (Students at Risk of Dropping Out) in Kabalasan, Zamboanga. She founded the Sagip-a-Student Drop-Out Reduction Advocacy Association Inc., which has helped over 600 Sardos finish high school. At the Kabalasan National High School, where she has taught English for 12 years, the dropout rate has gone down from 7.25 percent to 3.5 percent, according to Inquirer.net. Peña recently received the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teachers award, which she hopes could help her build a dormitory and learning center for Sardos.
10. Mercelita Labial
Mercelita Labial was named one of the Outstanding Teachers of 2010 by the Metrobank Foundation. Photo from Metrobank Foundation, Inc.
One of the 2010 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teachers awardees, Mercelita Labial spearheads the Literacy Program for the Advancement of DSWD Girls (Lipad) in Cagayan de Oro City, according to Inquirer.net. Lipad teaches literacy and communication skills to victims of rape and abandonment, among others. At the same time, the program aims to increase the self-worth of the girls who survived different kinds of abuse. Labial has taught English and literature at the Xavier University High School for 16 years, sometimes meeting her students virtually through e-groups and social networking sites. She also helps teachers from indigenous groups in Bukidnon attend training workshops for free.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
World Federation of the Deaf - Asia-Pacific Regional Conference
Thursday, November 25 at 8:00am - November 28 at 11:30am
Development Academy of the Philippines
Tagaytay City, Philippines
For more details, contact: Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD)
Cp nos. (text only): +63915415232 / +639274038348
Email: philfedeaf@yahoo.com
MEDIA BRIEF
MEDIA BRIEF
DLS-CSB School for Deaf Education and Applied Studies
We prefer that the students be referred to as: DEAF with the capital D, not hearing impaired (which doctors use and pertains more to a “damaged ear”).
We are called Hearing.
Some Deaf people have residual hearing (they are also referred to as Hard of Hearing). A lot are profoundly deaf thus hearing aid is not an option.
Please work with the interpreter to be more inclusive of the Deaf audience; best if there is an interpreter or English captions. Majority of the Deaf’s second language is English and not Tagalog. Their first language is Filipino Sign language.
Please refer to the college as De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, or DLS-CSB not DLSU-CSB. Our school is called School for Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS- pronounced -S-de-as.)
The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) is one of the six Schools of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Taking inspiration from its students who are mostly full or partial scholars of the College, SDEAS envisions itself as a leading learner-centered educational institution in Deaf education that promotes equal access to opportunities and addresses the diverse needs of its students and professionals.
SDEAS offers a Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies with special training in either Multimedia Arts or Business Entrepreneurship.
Most of our students are scholars. We currently have 205 students and we offer 60 scholarships a year.
The Deaf can dance to the music by feeling the vibrations of the music, counting and special cues.
SDEAS continues to seek partners in working with us in the areas of internship, business training, Deaf advocacy resource generation, or any other enriching activities for the partner organization and the Deaf. Please contact Giselle Montero /Joyce Dalawampu, SDEAS Center for Partnership and Development, 526 7441 loc 239 or sdeas.opd@gmail.com
DLS-CSB offers sign language courses; just get in touch with us. balizaj@dls-csb.edu.ph Tel: 526 7441 loc 131
For additional information, you may visit www.deaf-e-news.blogspot.com or add us in Facebook (sdeas1@gmail.com).
Kindly share with us a copy of the final media output, print, web or video. Thank you.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Australian Disability + Development Consortium
(L-R) Theresa Christine De La Torre, Director of De La Salle-Collegeof Saint Benilde Center for Educational Access and Development;Bernadette Cariaga Disabilities (Gender and Human Rights0 Focal Personof Aus Aid, Rex Bernardo, Faculty and Research Director of MabiniColleges, Daet, Camarines Sur; Giselle Montero, Director for DLS-CSBSchool of Deaf Education and Applied Studies Center for Partnershipand Development and Marissa Bernardo, wife and partner of Rex Bernardoall attended the Australian Disability + Development Consortium. Theinternational conference held in Darwin, Australia last September14-17 is attended by over 100 leaders, service providers, educators,funders of people with disabilities and their organizations fromAustralia, Pacific island and Asia. With the theme, “Implementingdisability-inclusive development in the Pacific and Aisa: reviewingprogress, planning the future”, the team aims to work together andpartner with organizations to bring the issue of inclusion and accessto Filipinos with disabilities to the forefront.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
2010 Summer Leadership Institute
The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies has sent a delegation composed of four (4) Deaf student ambassadors, Raymond Manding, Jonathan San Juan, Ana Salvador and Gemmalyn Morta, a Deaf Faculty Chaperone, Mr. Leonides Sulse and two (2) FSL Interpreters, Mr. John Xandre Baliza and Ms Febe Sevilla to the 2010 Summer Leadership Institute. This event is hosted by the Postsecondary Education Network International (PEN-Int’l.) which is funded by the Nippon Foundation of Japan. The Summer Leadership Institute's activities is currently ongoing scheduled from August 21-27, 2010 at the Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England.
with reports from Bea Francisco, Coordinator, SDEAS Leadership and Involvement Program
Monday, August 2, 2010
Centennial Kick-Off
The entire De La Salle community is preparing for the celebration of 100 years of Lasallian Presence in the Phillippines on June 16, 2011. Last June 16, 2010, the DLS-CSB marked the "Centennial Kick-Off" starting with a community mass at 9am in the morning held in the SDA Campus Lobby.
Many attended the said celebration including : Bro, Victor Franco FSC, some De La Salle Brothers, SDEAS Dean Maria Veronica Templo-Perez, Theresa Christine B. De La Torre (Director, Center for Education Access and Development), John Xandre Baliza (Chairperson, Center for Academics), SDEAS staff, interpreters and other administrators, SDEAS faculty members, Deaf and hearing alumni, DLPC and BAPDST students and the hearing faculty, students and visitors from other places.
The DLS-CSB community began the Centennial countdown with an unveiling and messages from De La Salle Bro. E. Fernandez FSC, Ms. Carmilita J. Lazatin, Vice chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Student Life. Ms. Marivic Mercado, De la Salle Phillipines and Mr. Robert L. Tang, DLS-CSB Vice chancellor for Academics. The messages were interpreted by SDEAS administrators and faculty members such as Dean Nicky Templo-Perez, Mr. Leo Cabasag, and Ms. Agnes Canayon.
By 6pm, DLS-CSB had a Frosh Solidarity Night held in Plaza Villarosa, Taft Campus. There were student performances and Band Performers.
This is just the start, we must be ready for the biggest celebration of 100 years of Lasallian Presence in the Phillippines next year.
From an interview with Ms. Agnes Canayon (Coordinator, Lasallian Ministry for the Deaf). Mr. Charvie Arreola ( School Assistant), Ms. Florisa P. Fabula (Coordinator, Deaf Life Esteem and Formation) and BAPDST students.
2010 SDEAS Service Awardees
By: Leo Sulse
The DLS-CSB Annual Service Award was held last
In this year SDEAS awardees are as follows: Ms. Techie Beniltez De La Torre (20 Years), Ms. Tess Buenaventura (10 Years), Mr. Michael Vea, Mr. Ariscel Lobo, Ms. Cathy Alonso, Mr. Ryan Jay Bernardo, Ms. Rubylee De Castro, and Mr. Guy Noel Ganados (5 Years).
Ms. Mylene Cruz, Mr. Eugene Sordilla, Ms. Krizelle Joy De La Cruz, and Ms. Christian Marintez awarded as permanent staff. On the other hand, Mr. Everlino Alvarez, Mr. Ryan Jay Bernardo, Ms. Teresa Buenaventura, Mr. Leo Cabasag, Ms. Agnes Canayon, Mr. Amador Casino, Mr. Renato Cruz, Ms. Florisa Fabula, Mr. Guy Noel Ganados, Ms. Noemi Lacambacal. Ms. Mary Jane Puson, Ms. Teresa Quintanilla. Ms. Liezel Reyes, Ms. Mary Joy Reyes, Mr. Oscar Sherlo Reyes,Ms. Febe Sevilla,Mr. Leo Sulse, and Mr. Ferdie Vizmanos were awarded for their perfect attendance for the SY 09-10.
The service award is an annual activity of DLS-CSB that recognizes employees (Administrator, Faculty, and Staff) for being exemplary Benildeans.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
How the Deaf listened to P-Noy’s SONA
Last July 26, 2010, as the whole country prepared to witness history unfold as President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III delivered his first State of the Nation Address, educators and veteran interpreters from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), MCCID Institute of Technology, Philippine Deaf Resource Center, and the Philippine School for the Deaf together with Deaf leaders of the Philippine Federation for the Deaf (PFD) were making history as well by working together to make the first inset-interpreting of the SONA possible.
For the Deaf community, this is a dream come true, and this realization not only came through one but three communication channels. There is no boundary for inclusion or access. There is no monopoly of skill and intent to do good. There is no exclusivity of information.
For those with cable access, the ANC Channel aired interpreters John Baliza and Febe Sevilla with Raquel Estiller-Corpuz as Deaf representative and Joyce Dalawampu as team leader.
Meanwhile GMA-7 staff and crew provided inset FSL interpreting through live streaming in gmanews.tv with Jojo Esposo and Nicky Templo-Perez as interpreters, Myra Medrana as Deaf representative and Giselle Montero as team leader. This was much appreciated by the Deaf Filipino community abroad.
The Deaf students who were excused from their classes tuned in to TV5 with Junjun Sevilla and Therese Bustos as interpreters, Jay Sunico as Deaf representative and Techie dela Torre as team leader.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Ask Anything: SDEAS Dean Ma. Veronica Templo-Perez
SDEAS Dean Ma. Veronica Templo-Perez
July 2010
The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde empowers Deaf students to become productive members of society by imparting them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in any field they choose. Dean Ma. Veronica Templo-Perez shares how the School does that, her inspirations in improving the learning environment of Deaf students, the programs she wants to accomplish during her term, and her thoughts about the future.
- What do you think is the most urgent need that the Deaf have? How is this being addressed by SDEAS?
The most urgent need of the Deaf is access to information. When we are informed, we are able to form opinions, make decisions, and act accordingly.
Most Deaf persons miss out on information because of the form that this takes. If information is given through speaking, it is frequently lost, unless of course there is an interpreter present to serve as a bridge in order for the Deaf person to receive the spoken information.
Written information can also be confusing particularly if it uses words not used everyday. Though not their fault, reading comprehension is a learning skill most Deaf persons are challenged with because their primary education has not given them the necessary reading skills. Most materials available for reading are something they will not understand.
Right now, SDEAS addresses this need through the interpreting services provided for most of the events and activities of the College. We are also working on some learning sessions that will help our Deaf personnel and students improve their reading comprehension and their written English. But admittedly, this is going to be very difficult for us in SDEAS.
- What are your top three goals for SDEAS that you’d like to see accomplished before the end of your term?
I only have two years left as Dean as SDEAS so I’d like to be realistic. My top three goals are: to offer a second degree program focused on Education for the Deaf; to establish an interpreting program that is recognized by the Deaf Community and which will produce effective interpreters, and for SDEAS to make headway in research on Deaf Education, Filipino Sign Language, and Deaf Studies.
- Do you think that there is a need for SDEAS to have a Dean who is Deaf? What is needed to have that happen? In that light, how could the College, especially its administrators prepare themselves in relating to a Deaf Dean?
Yes, definitely! I think having a Deaf Dean brings SDEAS full circle. I am excited at the prospect of having a Deaf leader setting direction and envisioning the future for SDEAS who will surely be driven by passion brought about by personal experience.
In order for that to happen, it is important that the current young Deaf faculty receive mentoring for them to develop as leaders in the academe. Of course the College will also have to be ready to provide access for every event. For example, offices and departments should always remember to request for interpreters, because there will be ad Deaf administrator present. For the administrators, the best way to prepare themselves for this eventuality is to learn how to sign.
- What are the greatest challenges that you have as the Dean of SDEAS?
One of the greatest challenges I face as the dean of SDEAS is creating an environment where both the Deaf and hearing members of the School feel valued, where an environment where communion in mission is a living value.
SDEAS is made up of a community of two groups of people with a different first language (signed and spoken) and with different cultures (Deaf and Hearing) and so at times we experience miscommunication and misunderstandings. Most of the time, one group feels less valued than the other, but every member of the SDEAS community is important – whether Deaf or Hearing. The challenge is how to translate this in our everyday interactions.
- Where and how do you get inspirations as the school’s Dean, on becoming one of the future builders for the Deaf community, if you can hear?
I get my inspirations from my interactions with the Deaf. I listen to their stories. From there, I take note of what needs to be done. Admittedly I cannot draw from my own experience in planning out Deaf Education, access services, and other such needs of the Deaf community because I can hear. But I can “listen” to what Deaf persons express. I can pay attention to their ideas and suggestions. I can also listen to other people who have worked with the Deaf Community longer than I have. I also read about Deaf issues from books, journal articles the internet. Hopefully, through these interactions, I get the bigger picture and make good decisions in bringing SDEAS forward, and become a contributor to the building of a strong Filipino Deaf Community.
Monday, July 19, 2010
2nd Asia Pacific Youth Water Forum (APYWF)
The International Award Association (IAA) Asia Pacific Office through the kindness of Ms. Sue Walker, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), extended their thanks and appreciation to the youth delegates, hosts, supporters and participating countries on the success of the 2nd Asia Pacific Youth Water Forum (APYWF) held in Singapore last June 25-30, 2010.
The APYWF is one of the many activities prepared by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council as part of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW). Now on its second year, the forum was participated by at least 100 youth leaders from Singapore and other overseas participants from the Asia Pacific Region including Farhana Meghami Zulhash (Bangladesh), Faat Chan (Hong Kong), Freya Katre and Ankit Durga (India), Nacitta Swissanto (Indonesia), Sonber Sohail (Pakistan), Biyangi Harshika Silva (Sri Lanka) and Leo Angelo Cabasag (Philippines). It provided an opportunity for these young leaders to get together in order to be more aware about the water issues and concerns faced by their respective countries. The participants shared their best ideas, perspectives, and practices on how to resolve this global concern and to try to bring about positive change.
The event held in the Courtyard Room, Marina Barrage was graced and kicked off by the NYAA Gold Award Holder and Chairperson, Organizing Committee of the APYWF, Ms. Joyce Koh and by the Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee. This was followed shortly by a keynote speech by Mr. Liak Teng Lit, Chief Executive Officer,
The weeks’ activities included field visits and attending the Opening Ceremony of the Singapore International Water Week & World Cities Summit 2010. SIWW is the global platform for water solutions. The event being held this week welcomes 12,000 visitors to its five flagship events and more than 90 co-located events. The World Cities Summit brings together 1,000 ministers, governors, mayors and leaders for several key events.
With reports from Ms. Sue Walker and Mr. Leo Cabasag.
Bridge Issue 2 Available for Download
We welcome you to School Year (SY) 2010-2011 with the latest copy of BRIDGE, the Official Publication of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, which you may now download from the front page of the DLS-CSB Website (www.dls-csb.edu.ph/).
This second issue covers the School's endeavors and activities from SY 2008-2009 & SY 2009-2010. You may send your comments, reactions, and suggestions to sdeas.opd@gmail.com and we will try to incorporate them in future issues of Bridge.
Thank you for your continued support in the mission of truly empowering the Deaf Filipino youth.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Deaf-Friendly Films for All!
July 6 - UP
July 14 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
July 20 - Anna and the King
July 28 - A Beautiful Mind
Sunday, June 20, 2010
When Hands Speak Louder Than Words
When Hands Speak Louder Than Words
By: Melinda Tormes-Quiñones
Walking straight and erect, her lips forming a soft smile, she confidently approached the podium to deliver her graduation speech. Silence cloaked the crowd of almost a thousand guests and fellow graduates.
“How will she do the speech?” Romeo Catap, her good friend, overheard the comment from the back corner of the convention hall.
Ana Kristina Macasaet Arce, the first Deaf student to graduate magna cum laude from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), smiled and let her hands do the talking. Delving into the biblical potter and the clay story in Jeremiah 18, Ana used a metaphor on the importance of hands to the Deaf as they interact with others.
“In pottery, the potter places a mold of clay on a table and turns it around carefully,” Anna gestured. “Using his hands, the potter will repeat the process several times until he gets the perfect shape. Likewise, the Deaf students’ primary source of communication is their hands. The Deaf talk and express themselves through hands. Just like the potter, we also hope to get the best, if not perfect, performance for ourselves using our hands. With our hands, we can go places, change lives and make a difference."
Ana, who was born Deaf, brought the house down. “As she ended her speech, I saw some parents teary-eyed and the members of the audience waved their hands to do a Deaf clap,” shared Romeo, who was documenting Ana’s speech with a video camera.
For Ana, graduating from college is just a beginning of her active participation in Deaf advocacy. She is committed to stepping up to the fore and bridging the gap between the Deaf and the hearing community. “She’s a person with a passion for excellence,” says Ana’s mom, Vilma, who believes that her daughter can fulfill whatever she takes upon herself.
By means of a Filipino sign language and help of Romeo, an interpreter-friend, Ana shared to H&H her aspirations to raise the level of appreciation and understanding of people about the Deaf and their community that struggles to belong.
Read the rest of the story in Health and Home's Official Website.
Melinda Tormes-Quiñones, Information Officer III (PMD) of Philippine Information Agency, holds office at PIA BLDG. in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
39th Philippine International Open
DLS-CSB SDEAS Deaf Sports Program Trainor and Formator Lovella Catalan dominated the first round of the Women's Open Masters finals of the 39th Philippines International Open.Visit the Official Website of the Asian Bowling Federation to read the rest of the story.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Australia Supports Promotion of Human Rights in the Philippines
Australian Ambassador Rod Smith said the declaration further strengthened the partnership on promotion and protection of human rights between the two countries.
Ambassador Smith and CHR Chairperson Leila de Lima signed the Declaration during an Asia Pacific Policy Forum (APPF) on human rights organised by the Australian Embassy at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel, Ortigas. The Declaration was witnessed by the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, The Hon Catherine Branson QC, visiting the
“The Australian Government is pleased to assist partner governments such as the
“Australians strongly believe in the concept of a ‘fair go’ for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Both the governments of
The APPF is the 14th in a series of policy forums hosted by the Australian Embassy to facilitate policy dialogue on issues of importance to
Deaf Life Skills and Development Facilitator, Mary Jane Puson, and Communications and Production Program Coordinator, Joyce Dalawampu, attended the 14th Asia Pacific Policy Forum (APPF) on human rights in behalf of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies.
www.philippines.embassy.gov.au
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Deaf student wins Best New Actor award
NO ONE was more surprised than Rome himself.
Romalito “Rome” Mallari, the Deaf actor in the Cinemalaya entry “Dinig Sana Kita,” scored an “unexpected victory” at the Star Awards, handed out by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).
Mallari won Best New Movie Actor, beating ABS-CBN’s current fair-haired boy Enchong Dee (who was nominated for “Paano Ko Sasabihin?”).
“Dinig” director Mike Sandejas commended the PMPC for choosing “a Deaf boy with no real future prospects in the industry over an upcoming popular actor … They simply believed that he deserved it. It was a leap of faith.”
Read the rest of the Inquirer.net article hereMonday, May 3, 2010
Dinig Sana Kita: Director's Notes
BEST NEW MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR
"When Romalito lost the Cinemalaya Best Actor award, I was surprised because I thought poetic justice would win it for him. I decided that in the real world, there would be no special treatment. IF THE DEAF WANT TO COMPETE AT THE SAME LEVEL OF THE HEARING, THEY MUST BE JUDGED USING THE SAME STANDARDS AND BE GIVEN NO SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.
I hated the fact that a hearing actor playing a Deaf character has a bigger chance of winning rather than a Deaf actor who merely performed. People do not realize how hard it is for them to merely perform in the world of the hearing. The mission of DSK is to open doors for the Deaf but we needed an award for Rome in order to bring down the walls.
Last night, Rome won and I knew the mission was over for me. Not only can Deaf people dream to be actors, they can dream about becoming award winning actors... Rome won an award against hearing actors using normal standards.
Dinig Sana Kita is a quiet film. We have no network behind us. We have no money, in fact we are still in debt. But I shall tell you why we always look so happy when we are together. We had the Grace of God on our side. Not to win awards but to touch people. It would not be the greatest film using Deaf people but it will be a reference to the next one. As much as we hoped it to be more earth shattering, the humility of what it has achieved will be the same humility we shall exercise. I have no doubt that it will still grow within people for years to come. We hope filmmakers will hire more Deaf performers after what we had proven."
www.echoandmirage.com
www.facebook.com/dinigsanakita