Letran i-Volunteer’s Filipino Sign Language Session: Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week

Charles Kirby Manuyag

SATURDAY, November 13, 2021 - The Letran i-Volunteer club managed an online event entitled, "Deaf Awareness Week Celebration - Filipino Sign Language session". It aims to raise awareness and stand with the Deaf community, aired through Zoom conference and FB Live from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.

The event formally started with the Quadricentennial prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the recitation of Colegio's Mission and Vision. Following that, a brief video showing respect for deaf individuals was directed.

Mr. Timothy Estañol from STEM12-C and Ms. Marielle Anne Teodosio from ABM12-C, the masters of ceremony, greeted everyone in the Zoom Meeting and the Facebook Live. They demonstrated the sign language of "Good morning," stating that today is the "Deaf Awareness Week", which started last November 10 and would end on November 16.

They were then followed by the opening remarks of Mr. Kenneth Aranas, the Letran i-Volunteer Club Adviser. "We believe that as future leaders, we should be allies and protectors of those who the community has left behind," he embarked.

The hosts then welcomed and introduced the first guest speaker, Mr. General Gabinera Palma, the creator and founder of the Filipino Sign Language for the Filipino Deaf.

“First thing that you really have to do is to be with them. So, kapag tayo’y kasama sila, doon natin mahahasa paano tayo gagalaw para sa kanila,” Mr. General stated during his discussion. Just as the program is concentrated on the community of the deaf, alongside the speaker is Mr. Jordan, who repeats the speaker's words with sign languages.

Mr. General's talk was slightly unclear and unstable due to his internet connection. He ends his discussion with the statement: "I hope you have learned something as you face your advocacies. Those challenges that you're going to face will surely develop you more to become better and greater people".

Ms. Sarah Aubrey Bolano, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas and a five-year employee of Miriam College - Southeast Asian Institute for the Deaf, was presented as the second speaker. She discussed the facts and myths regarding Deaf and Sign Language.

Ms. Sarah cleared the misconception that deaf people can't listen to music by stating that it's a myth. "People who are deaf CAN listen to music. The experience of sound is different for so many people," she emphasized during the discussion.

Furthermore, music is a multi-sensory experience where people use different senses. According to Ms. Sarah, a study shows that people with deafness can feel the music by feeling the vibrations. Ms. Sarah also said that cochlear implants and hearing aids couldn't restore hearing to normal. Due to this circumstance, no devices can restore hearing even though the technology is advanced.

"It cannot repair the damage because once the ear cells are damaged, they die and do not regenerate again," she noted, implying that deaf people can no longer send sound signals to the brain.

Ms. Sarah then presented an infographic showing the tips in communicating with the deaf, such as Talk Normally, Make Eye Contact, Sign Slowly, and clarity as speed is not essential; using pictures and other visual aids can be helpful. Also, take advantage of technology, put aside your English Grammar, and Ask them for ways to improve communication as every individual has their preferences.

As soon as she finished her discussion, the emcees opened the question and answer portion for the first two speakers. Participants were as active in fulfilling their interests.

The hosts then presented a special intermission of Leigh Servillion, Bjarne Feliciano, Krisha Veneracion, and Kristana Lorin Dela Cruz for an ice-breaker. Appreciation of the deaf is shown through their inspiring messages, songs, and performances.

Halfway through the event, the emcees welcomed the third and final speaker, Ms. Marites Racquel Estiller-Corpuz, the former Vice President and President of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf Incorporation.

She demonstrated and taught the different primary Filipino sign languages such as greetings, facial expressions, numbers, centavos, and alphabet signs to the Letran i-Vol club members with their cameras on as they followed her demonstration.

The platform for Q&A Portion began after the insightful demonstration. Just as the audience was active during the Q&A portion, the emcees also participated in asking questions.

As their questions were fulfilled, the hosts introduced the exceptional performance by Jan Vincent Francisco, Lui Raine De Guzman, Avrille Shania Fernandez, Jezireel Raven Pascua, Asia Mae Kwan, and Lyonne Daniel Silva.

Nearing the end, the presentation of certificates of recognition was delivered by Ms. Monica Monserate, the Club's Assistant Secretary. This was followed by the closing remarks led by Ms. Mary Jhea Agaton, the OIC, and the event's head organizer.

The said program formally ended with the hosts sending their event evaluation forms and the community singing of Himno del Colegio.

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