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A local college institution in the south Philippines, Aurelio Mendoza Memorial College, has recently organized a transformative training session on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) to equip social worker interns with the essential skills needed to communicate effectively with the Deaf community. The training, which took place on September 11, 2024, emphasized the importance of breaking down communication barriers and providing better services to the Deaf, who are a vital part of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) sector.

The Adventist Church in Zamboanga, Philippines, alongside Deaf trainers Clyde Santuyo, Carren Balandra, Jaireh Parbaquel, and Jomar Canabano, spearheaded the initiative to equip interns with the tools needed to build relationships and communicate effectively with the Deaf community. These dedicated Deaf educators provided invaluable insights into Deaf culture and the intricacies of Filipino sign language. Their commitment to sharing their language with the hearing community played a crucial role in helping participants gain a deeper understanding of the Deaf community’s perspectives and experiences.

In addition to the Deaf trainers, Adventist hearing interpreters Princess Rhea Caberte and Paulmarc Arbe Caberte, a married couple and long-time advocates for the Deaf, also contributed to the training. Their expertise in bridging communication between the Deaf and hearing communities offered valuable insights to the interns. Their dedication to promoting understanding and inclusion provided the interns with essential skills for future interactions with the Deaf community.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church remains deeply committed to serving and being a blessing to all, including the Deaf community. The church feels especially grateful for the growing collaboration with government institutions and schools, which are opening new opportunities for partnership in this shared mission. Together, they strive not only to share the gospel with the Deaf but also to advocate for their right to accessibility in all areas of life.

The training session aimed to ensure that the interns, who will eventually work as social workers, are well-prepared to cater to the needs of the Deaf. Through this initiative, participants gained practical communication skills and a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the field of social work.

Princess Rhea C. Caberte, Deaf Ministry / Hope Channel Zamboanga Peninsula Mission

The original article is published in the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission website.