The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde supports House Bill 6079

The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde supports House Bill 6079,

 "An act declaring Filipino
Sign Language as the national sign language"

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde supports House Bill 6079: An Act Declaring Filipino Sign Language as the National Sign Language of the Filipino Deaf and the Official Language of Government in All Transactions Involving the Deaf, and Mandating its Use in Schools, Broadcast Media, and Workplaces.

DLS-CSB recognizes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Article 21, Freedom of expression and opinion and access to information specifically states that 

“States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice, as defined in article 2 of the present Convention, including by:

a) Providing information intended for the general public to persons with disabilities in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different kinds of disabilities in a timely manner and without additional cost;

b) Accepting and facilitating the use of sign languages, Braille, augmentative and alternative communication, and all other accessible means, modes and formats of communication of their choice by persons with disabilities in official interactions;

c) Urging private entities that provide services to the general public, including through the Internet, to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities;

d) Encouraging the mass media, including providers of information through the Internet, to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities;

e) Recognizing and promoting the use of sign languages.

Furthermore, DLS-CSB calls on the Philippine government as a signatory of theUNCRPD to “ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability.”  

DLS-CSB recognizes and uses Filipino Sign Language as a medium of instruction in classes for the Deaf.   It requires faculty members handling Deaf classes to learn Filipino Sign Language and provides competent and professional interpreters to those who are still beginning signers.Filipino Sign Language (FSL) is the true, natural, and unique visual language of the Filipino Deaf.  The use of Filipino Sign Language defines the Filipino Deaf’s culture and identity. 

With our declaration of support, DLS-CSB will work for the full realization and recognition of the rights of the Filipino Deaf people. We vow to work on our institutional policies to be able to achieve and contribute to the full exercise and protection of People With Disabilities. We will actively monitor government efforts on the implementation of the UNCRPD and participate in ensuring it’s full implementation.