With an aim to strengthen and empower deaf persons to help them realize their full potential in an inclusive and accessible society, the Sorsogon Deaf Association Inc, in partnership with Sorsogon State University College of Teacher Education (SorSU CoTEd), conducted a seminar-workshop on Filipino Sign Language on November 23, 2022, at SorSU e-library in celebration of Deaf Awareness Week 2022.
The activity featured Ryan Clint M. Marcaida, Arlen D. Lastrella, Jose Mari P. Jolloso, and Arlen H. Hular as resource persons who taught the Bachelor of Special Needs Education and other SorSU students the Filipino sign language. They were facilitated by BSNED faculty Jackielyne M. Bosquillos and SDA members Kevin H. Ortiz, Oliver L. Galace, Bianca B. Legazpi, Sarah Mae B. Dollente, and John Rey L. Astano while Ryan Carl M. Marcaida served as translator.
The group expressed their hope that students will keep in their hearts and minds the learning of sign language because it is a big help to the deaf. By simply having someone who can understand them and translate their thoughts, their life may be changed as this can make them feel that they belong. They added that even the simple fingerspelling is a big help. They expressed their appreciation to the university for responding to their advocacy to spread sign language.
The student participants pledged that they will not stop learning and will promote the same advocacy of inclusion and inclusive education. They stated that in consonance with the ideals of ‘Pamantasang May Puso’, they will always support activities to recognize and empower people with special needs. (AAM)
