Casiño bats for funding for sign language interpreters in courts

Saying Congress should protect the right of Deaf people to attain justice, Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño is asking Congress to allocate at least P2,080,000 to fund sign language interpreters in the country's courts.


"This seems like a small amount but will do wonders in ensuring that our deaf citizens will have more access to justice. It will give meaning to the adage that those who have less in life should have more in law," said Casiño.

In yesterday's hearing of the Judiciary, Supreme Court Administrator Midas Marquez admitted that despite an SC memo and circular that provides for sign language interpreters in courts, their proposed 2012 budget does not have a specific allocation for said item and related expenses. Instead, such expenses are charged to the savings in the appropriations of the lower courts.

Casiño said because of this, expenses for sign language interpreters have to compete with other expenses charged to savings, like maintenance, repair and improvement of facilities as well as adjustments in pension payments which are often given priority.

"It is urgent that we have specific appropriations for sign language interpreters. Studies indicate that one out of three deaf women are victims of rape and a lot of deaf children are being molested because they find it difficult to complain and seek help. They are victimized twice over in our courts, where justice becomes elusive because our courts do not have the facility to make them participate meaningfully," said Casiño.

According to the Philippine Deaf Resource Center, of the 200 or so cases requiring sign language interpreters in 2010, only a handful were able to employ such services and less were actually paid for by the courts.

Casiño recounted an experience of a deaf woman in Cagayan de Oro whose parents were killed in a car crash. The case she filed against the driver of the truck that killed her parents dragged because of the lack of a sign language interpreter. She found it difficult to keep track of the court proceedings and, out of frustration, eventually gave up her case.

Casiño is principal author of House Bill 4631 titled "An act providing for interpreters in all judicial, quasi-judicial, investigative proceedings and public hearings involving deaf individuals" which is pending with the Committee on Justice.

Please Inform Me Too: A Forum on the House Bills for the Deaf

De La Salle University-College of Law hosted yesterday's Deaf Forum from 8:00am-12:00nn at the Natividad-Fajardo Auditorium, Bro. Andrew Gonzales Bldg. The DLSU Law Student Government A.Y. 2011-2012 invited the following resource speakers: Rey Alfred Lee and Raffy Domingo (Philippine Federation for the Deaf), Dr. Liza B. Martinez (PDRC), and Hon. Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño (Representative, Bayan Muna Party List). Also present were Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno and Atty. Rosario Olivas-Gallo Dean and Vice Dean of the DLSU College of Law respectively.

Silent Steps leads the Opening Prayer and the Philippine National Anthem

Rey Alfred Lee and Raffy Domingo on Human Rights

DLS-CSB SDEAS DEAN Nicky Templo-Perez voicing for the Deaf resource speakers.

Dr. Liza Martinez's Presentation

Hon. Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño discusses the House Bills in detail
and answers questions from the audience as well




ATTY. MARWIL LLASOS of IDEALS (Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Inc.) contributes to the discussion.

Guests and speakers on stage to answer more of the audience's questions and concerns.

DLS-CSB SDEAS and CEAD proudly turns over 50,000+ signatures as their contribution to the House Bills Signature Campaign

Mackie Calbay, SDEAS CPD Deaf Advocacy Coordinator explains the process of how the signatures were collected.

Dr. Martinez gratefully accepts the signed forms on behalf of PDRC.
She calls it a legacy and a labor of love



Mackie thanks the audience for their contribution to the campaign.

Michael Lopez: A Sharing from the Heart

The sharing of Michael Lopez with the topic "Live Jesus in our hearts" at the Chapel of the Resurrection, during the Novena Mass in honor of Saint Benilde Romancon on August 10, 2011 (Wednesday).

“Live Jesus in Our Hearts”

As a Deaf student, I am studying in a college school that serves as memorial of Saint Benilde. I have listened attentively to whoever shares knowledge on
extraordinary life of Saint Benilde, avidly read materials and wall posts that feature the exemplary values constituting his total personality and observed how
individuals identify themselves as Benildean and Benildean community lives up to Benildean Core Values like deep root in faith, creativity, appreciation of individual uniqueness and worth, social responsibility, professional competency, and sense of nationhood. Reading the story about Saint Benilde’s life, I am inspired by his devotion to educating students from all walks of life and deeply appreciate his enthusiasm for learning sign language to teach a deaf boy Catechism.

In order to deepen my understanding of his inspirational message which says, “Benildean does ordinary things extraordinarily well”, I have studied in determination to pursue academic excellence, attended mass, participated in faith sharing, recollections, retreats, and a series of activities that teach me value formation and enhance spiritual growth, and been getting involved in curricular and extracurricular activities that encourage living in harmony and upholding BCV.

I am deeply impressed with Benildean community’s willing heart to provide financial aid and grant scholarship to poor students like me who desire to study in learner-centered institution to pursue academic excellence and professional career and attain their goals of serving people in need outside our campus. I have seen diligence, patience, mutual respect, and willingness in Benildean community. I have observed that Benildean community strengthens our relationships through transformational experiences guided by BCV and facilitates activities which enhance holistic human development. I sincerely appreciate how I gain benefit from wonderful opportunities being given by SDEAS and different departments that support mission-vision of DLS-CSB. Not only do I learn how St. Benilde influences them but also take action and share these significant learning with others outside our campus.

As a Deaf Benidean, I show how Jesus lives in our heart. I have helped my family do household chores and my parents do business. I have taught children and adults, who are interested in Deaf culture, how to use sign language in order to strengthen our relationship through communication. Moreover, I have been taking part in tree planting with care and respect for Mother Earth, undertaking activities that promote environmental awareness, provided service to the Deaf community, worked on construction project, and doing great opportunities in accordance with St. Benilde’s message saying: “Benildean does ordinary things extraordinarily well”.

Whatever difficulties I am experiencing, I know I alone cannot solve every problem but with God and through relationship with another, I make it through. I commit mistakes as a sinner so I humbly ask for God’s pardon. I appreciate God’s immense kindness toward me.

I am very happy that I am enjoying a Benildean life! I sincerely appreciate how Benildean community lives a similar life.

Remember to always be proud to be Benildeans and to always live Jesus in our hearts.

Thank you very much and Good day!

--
By Michael A. Lopez, Sophomore, Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies,
Business Entrepreneurship Track, School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies,
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

Celebrating Diversity: Arts for All 2011,Thailand

The Ministry of Culture of Thailand invited the Philippines to participate in the Arts for All 2011: Celebrating Diversity held last July 14 to 18, 2011 at United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok and Wangree Resort, Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand.


Our very own National Commission for Culture and the Arts then invited DLS-CSB SDEAS members to compose the Philippine Delegation.

Teresa F. Quintanilla (Interpreter/Faculty)
Maria Elena Lozada (Youth delegate/Deaf artist/Student)
Myra V. Medrana (Art Administrator/Deaf Choreographer/Trainer)

Elena, Myra, and Ms. Tere with the rest of the international delegates

The United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok was the venue for the first day of orientation and welcome messages from distinguished guests from the Thailand Government. The following days, however marked the beginning of a more relaxed teaching and learning environment in Wangree Resort, Nakhon Nayok Province.

Teaching Session and Workshop for Thai Youth Participants

Myra and Elena leading a dance workshop for other PWD delegates

Group picture after a job well done

A night of fellowship and sharing: the delegates releases lanterns
for the King's health and recovery

During the last night at camp, it was Elena's turn to share her talent. Myra introduces her first to the audience through sign, voiced by Ms. Tere in English, translated to Thai by Ms. Ohm and interpreted in Thai Sign Language.

Elena's dance interpretation of Gabriela Silang
accompanied by instrumental music choreographed by Myra

Elena with the Event Head Organizer



To cap the activities, the delegates were asked to share and reflect on their experiences



It is a privilege to represent the Philippines and we are proud of our SDEAS delegates
who shared their time, effort and talents to prove that
through the Arts, there can be unity in diversity.


Until next time Thailand! Thank you!

SY 2010-11 Honor's Convocation

Last July 30, 2011, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies gave recognition to students who excelled   in  academics as well as to those who performed well in the non-academics area. 

The students as well as their parents were present in the event. 

The Academic Achievers are: 

PICO, GRACE ANNE MERCADO (No photo)

 BISNAR, GLADYS GLAUDY JANE LEGARA

 JUSTIN CAMILLE JAVIER

 ANTONIO, NERISSA ESTRELLA NANGCA

 USAL, KRESTA MARIE JOIE GUZMAN

ABLAZA, ABIGAIL CATHLYN CHUA

  NOFIES,MA. JESUSA CHARISMA NATISON (Award received by her sister) 

ANTENOR, MAE ZHIELA LAPAZ

 LOPEZ, MICHAEL ALAGAR 

Recognition was also given to excellent volunteers. These are: 

 GEMMALYN MORTA

 DAN LESTER PEREZ

 JACKY CHAN

 JONADEN ALEGARIO

 JONATHAN SAN JUAN 

 JUSTIN CAMILLE JAVIER

 MARIA ELENA LOZADA

 MICHAEL LOPEZ

 NERISSA ESTRELLA ANTONIO

 PATRICK SILVER PADAO 

 ROCHELLE CORRALES

 YAMIE FIESTADA 

Two students also received the recognition of Most Promising Deaf Writer/Journalist. They are: 

 PATRICK SILVER PADAO

JESUSA NOFIES  

Congratulations to all the achievers!

Michael Lopez and Patrick Silver Padao gave their message to the school, the parents and peers. 

Leo Sulse, Chairperson for Academics, opened the ceremony. 

Dean Nicky Perez gave the closing remarks. 

Faculty members Michael Vea and Jessel Arriola were the hosts for the event. 

SDEAS would like to thank all those who made this event possible- parents, volunteers and interpreters. Special thanks to the Office of the Registrar and the LRC.