The Meeting Plate, Pasay City, Metro Manila
November 25, 2018

The Humanist Alliance Philippines International (HAPI) was again happy to wrap up yet another educational class opportunity to help those interested to learn Basic Filipino Sign Language. Now on its 3rd session, the class series aims to provide a very welcoming and open space for newbies to be introduced to FSL and also have a better understanding of the Filipino Deaf Community.

The classes are facilitated by indefatigueable subject matter experts Ms. Disney Aguila, a deaf person herself, and Mr. Jay Maisel Lardizabal, a trained sign interpreter and a current instructor at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay City.

Photo by JELLO ESPINO / CNN Philippines

It is very important for people with the ability to hear to understand that the deaf and the hard of hearing in the Philippines also have a culture and language of their own… the Filipino Sign Language. For the Filipino Deaf community, FSL is embedded in their identity especially because it’s very much influenced by the culture and environment that surrounds them. As a visual language, it’s informed by what the deaf see. As part of HAPI’s goal to create a very inclusive society, it is very important to educate people to have a better understanding of  FSL as opposed to American Sign Language (or ASL) and that we as Filipinos have a unique voice in the world, and so does our brothers and sisters belonging to the Filipino Deaf Community.

Watch out for HAPI’s other scheduled Basic FSL tutorial sessions intended for newbies as well in the near future.

About the Author

An NGO practitioner for almost two decades, Dweng Bulaclac is a humanist and equal rights advocate who wants to promote critical thinking skills through education, civilized discussions and having a resolute voice in the darkness.