De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), and the Department of Education (DepEd)-Manila forged a partnership to enhance Deaf advocacy through community engagement programs on May 14 at the Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle.
The collaboration builds upon DLS-CSB’s long standing dedication to inclusion and DepEd Manila's mission to provide quality education for all. Through community engagement initiatives, both institutions are striving to create a more accessible and inclusive educational landscape, particularly for individuals with hearing impairments.
The partnership also incorporates Benilde’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) and Deaf Studies Internship (DESTUIN), as well as other endeavors spearheaded by the Center for Deaf Esteem and Formation (CDEAF). These programs provide practical experiences that foster understanding and collaboration between Deaf and Hearing communities.
One of the key initiatives under this partnership is the integration of Deaf advocacy programs into DepEd Manila's curriculum. Starting from Academic Year 2024-2025, and continuing until Academic Year 2028-2029, innovative approaches and specialized training will equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively engage with deaf learners, ensuring that their educational needs are met in mainstream classrooms.
DepEd Manila’s Dr. Aurelio Alfonso, CESO V, conveyed gratitude to DLS-CSB for their invaluable support in empowering learners with disabilities, particularly the Deaf.
“Today is a time to celebrate this extraordinary gathering to heed the call and to help bring about a radical change to fulfill our mission—to provide quality and inclusive education for our Filipino youth,” he stated.
SDEAS, being at the forefront of pioneering inclusive practices in education, plays a pivotal role in driving these initiatives forward. Established with the aim of empowering the Deaf community through education and skills development, these include the Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies and the Bachelor in Sign Language Interpretation, which focus on Deaf identity, language, and culture.
“We look forward to working with DepEd Manila and the schools in the next five years. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child—and in Benilde we say, it takes a community to make inclusion work,” Dr. Marian Patricia Bea Francisco, SDEAS OIC Dean, shared.
The core of the partnership involves the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the College and DepEd Manila. Through joint training programs and workshops, educators are equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to support deaf learners effectively. By fostering a culture of inclusivity within schools, both institutions are paving the way for a more equitable educational system.
