rgettable 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.
1 comment:
Just add more info: The petitions were submitted to House Speaker Hon. Sonny Belmonte as I requested him to pass HBs into laws. Hon. SB said no reason to fail and assure that the HB will pass into laws.
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