Maagap at Mapagkalingang Magulang (MMM) is a program designed to help parents share their concerns about raising children who are deaf, gain new insights on parenting their children, bond and interact with other parents, and actively play a role in their children’s lives, especially in their social, emotional, and moral development.
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the LINK Center for the Deaf hosted an engaging online orientation specifically designed for parents of deaf children. The session began with a warm welcome from the program coordinator, Ms. Ritz Jose, who introduced the organization's rich history, highlighting its commitment to empowering families and fostering a supportive community. Parents were guided through the various programs offered by LINK, including educational resources, social activities, and specialized support services tailored to meet the unique needs of their children.
Along with informative presentations, the session featured interactive activities. Attendees left feeling informed, connected, and better prepared to support their children through the different programs of LINK.
Webinar Title:
“Supporting the Journey: Understanding How Deaf Children Grow and Flourish”
“(Pagtulong sa Paglalakbay: Pag-unawa sa Paglaki at Pag-unlad ng Anak na Bingi)”
Date: August 2, 2025
Platform: Zoom
Event Overview
The LINK Center for the Deaf successfully launched the Parents’ Program Webinar Series with its first session held on August 2, 2025. The series is designed to support, educate, and empower parents and families raising Deaf children by providing practical knowledge, tools, and a supportive community.
The kick-off session, “Supporting the Journey: Understanding How Deaf Children Grow and Flourish”, set the tone for the program, combining expert guidance with meaningful parent engagement.
Resource Speaker
Ms. Anne Margarette Mahinan – A CODA, advocate and educator with expertise in Deaf education and family support. She provided practical, real-life approaches that were clear, compassionate, and easy to apply.
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The Parents’ Program Webinar Series 1 successfully achieved its objectives of supporting, educating, and empowering parents and families raising Deaf children. With 25 parents, guardians, and grandparents from MC-SDTEC, BSHS, and BSES in attendance, the session fostered active engagement, meaningful conversations, and shared learning.
Participants gained practical strategies on language, emotional, and social development, and feedback confirmed increased confidence in supporting their Deaf children at home, in school, and within the community. The interactive and supportive atmosphere also helped families feel connected and reassured that they are not alone in their journey.
This positive start validates the relevance of the program and strengthens the foundation for upcoming sessions. With continued partnership, the series will expand its reach and impact, ensuring more families are equipped to nurture the growth and flourishing of Deaf children.
Date: August 9, 2025
Platform: Zoom
Speaker: Ms. Clarigel “Jing” Cadiz
Topic: Connecting for Confidence: Communication Skills that Nurture a Self-Determined Deaf Child
The second session of the Parents’ Program Webinar Series gathered parents and grandparents of Deaf children for an engaging session on building confidence through intentional communication.
Ms. Clarigel “Jing” Cadiz, an educator with 23 years of experience, including more than 15 years in schools for the Deaf, shared practical ways to strengthen relationships while encouraging independence in Deaf youth.
A central idea in the discussion was the “Relationship Bank Account”, the concept that trust and connection are built through consistent “deposits” of time, attention, and understanding. These deposits help create a reserve of goodwill that supports children during challenging conversations or conflicts.
Key insights discussed:
Use intentional communication, combining signs, expressions, and tone to convey understanding.
Make regular “deposits” in your Relationship Bank Account by sharing quality time, listening actively, and showing empathy.
Allow children to explore decision-making opportunities to foster independence.
Balance empathy with guidance, helping them regulate emotions without limiting autonomy.
Avoid over-controlling approaches that may restrict growth.
Create inclusive moments that help them feel valued and connected.
The session’s interactive exchange encouraged parents to reflect on their own communication styles and consider new approaches. Participants expressed appreciation for the clear strategies and supportive environment, reinforcing the webinar’s aim to empower families with tools that nurture confident and self-determined Deaf children.
Date: August 16, 2025
Platform: Zoom
Speaker: Ms. Rachelle “Bing” Tansiatco
Topic: Motivation to Action: Growing Up in a Hearing Family
The third session of the Parents’ Program Webinar Series featured Ms. Rachelle “Bing” Tansiatco, Guidance Associate at Miriam College – Skills Development and Technical Center Education. With her extensive background in supporting Deaf learners through counseling, guidance programs, and student-led initiatives, Ms. Bing brought both professional expertise and personal insight as someone who grew up in a hearing family.
Her session, “Motivation to Action: Growing Up in a Hearing Family,” emphasized the importance of inclusion, trust, and active involvement of parents in their child’s journey.
Key themes from the talk included:
Seeing the child first - recognizing their identity, emotions, and communication needs.
Respectful communication - speaking at eye level, with patience and empathy.
Parental involvement - integrating Deaf children in family activities to avoid feelings of isolation.
Encouraging expression - avoiding dismissive language that limits self-expression.
Community connection - guiding parents to learn about Deaf advocacy and encouraging participation in Deaf Awareness Month, International Deaf Day, and other movements.
Breaking stereotypes - understanding the harmful effects of biased treatment and communication barriers.
Ms. Bing highlighted that exclusion and silence within families often lead to rejection, sadness, or rebellion among Deaf children. In contrast, trust and empowerment foster independence and resilience.
Drawing from her own story, she shared how her supportive family, who communicated in Sign Language, gave her the confidence to grow into an independent individual who believes in herself.
Her message to parents was clear: “Do not be overprotective. Allow your child to make mistakes, to learn, and to grow. Don’t hinder their dreams, support them, trust them, and include them.”
The session left parents with both reflection and motivation, underscoring the role of families as the first advocates, allies, and cheerleaders of their Deaf children.
Date: August 23, 2025
Platform: Zoom
Speakers: Ms. Maria Cristina Collado and Mr. James Mariano
Topic: Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams: The Power of Deaf Potentials
Defining Potentials and Success in Different Lenses
At LINK Center for the Deaf, we believe that Deafness is not a barrier. This belief shines brightly through the inspiring journeys of Maria Cristina Collado and James Mariano, who shared their stories in our talk, “Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams: The Power of Deaf Potentials.”
Cristina’s journey was anything but easy. After becoming Deaf, she had to stop schooling for four long years. It was a season of uncertainty, but never defeat. With courage and perseverance, she returned to school in 2012 and kept moving forward despite the obstacles. In 2025, she proudly graduated from Miriam College, a powerful reminder that success is not about speed but about persistence.
Today, she works at the LINK Center for the Deaf as an Admin Staff. Her advocacy is close to her heart: inclusive education. She believes every child, Deaf or hearing, deserves equal opportunities to learn and thrive. Her story is proof that patience, resilience, and faith can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
James meanwhile, carved his own path in the creative world. As a Graphic Designer at Bastion, Inc., he proves that art is a universal language that needs no sound to make an impact. For James, design is more than just visuals; it is representation, accessibility, and storytelling.
Through his craft, James shows that the Deaf have a rightful place in the creative industry, bringing fresh perspectives and a unique vision. His journey inspires Deaf youth to embrace their talents and chase their passions without fear.
A Message to Parents
In their message during LINK’s Parent Program, Tin and James shared a powerful truth:
“Deafness is not a barrier; it is a different path to the same dreams.”
Deaf children have the same dreams as any other child: to learn, to succeed, and to build a future. The difference lies only in the path they take, which may be filled with unique challenges. But with love, patience, and support, those dreams are always within reach.
They reminded parents to believe in their child’s potential, learn their language, celebrate small wins, and provide opportunities to grow. Most importantly, they emphasized that parents are the strongest foundation of a Deaf child’s confidence.
Cristina and James’ stories are proof that Deafness does not limit a child’s future; it opens a different, equally meaningful path to success.
Together, let’s continue building a world where every Deaf child can dream, achieve, and thrive.
Date: August 30, 2025
Platform: Zoom
Speakers: Ms. Addie Isidro
Topic: Spirituality and Values: A Learning and Reflective Session for Parents
Pause, Reflect, Renew: Parents’ Recollection with Ms. Guadalupe “Addie” Isidro
The Parents’ Program Webinar concluded with a heartfelt Recollection Session facilitated by Ms. Guadalupe Isidro, offering parents a space to pause, breathe, and reflect on their journey as caregivers of Deaf children.
Through guided reflections and quiet moments of prayer, parents were encouraged to look back not only on the challenges they’ve faced but also on the love, strength, and resilience that have carried them forward. The session emphasized the importance of self-compassion, faith, and community support, reminding parents that caring for themselves is just as essential as caring for their children.
More than an activity, the recollection became a gentle reminder that parenting is not about perfection, but about presence – being there, embracing every moment, and growing together as a family. It was a fitting close to the program, leaving parents with renewed hearts, uplifted spirits, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Guided by Love, Strengthened by Community
Over the past weeks, LINK Center for the Deaf journeyed with parents through our Parents’ Program Webinar Series, a space built for learning, reflection, and community.
From orientations that introduced LINK’s mission, to inspiring talks that opened hearts, to workshops that taught practical parenting tools, to ending with a spirit-filled recollection, this journey was all about empowering parents to walk with courage, faith, and love alongside their Deaf children.
The series reminded us of one important truth: parents are not alone. Together, we share stories, build courage, and discover that love and understanding are the greatest tools in raising Deaf children.
Thank you, dear parents, for showing up with open hearts. Here’s to walking hand in hand, building a future where every Deaf child is embraced, empowered, and celebrated.
