De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) and the Center for External Linkages (CEL), met with officials from the Municipality of General Mariano Alvarez (GMA), Cavite on July 10, 2024, to explore a strategic partnership focused on promoting inclusion and accessibility within the local community.
During the meeting, GMA’s local government unit (LGU) expressed its strong commitment to mainstreaming the inclusion agenda, particularly in supporting the Deaf and persons with disabilities (PWDs) across its programs and services. Benilde, known for its long-standing leadership in Deaf education and inclusion advocacy, was seen as an ideal partner to help realize this vision.
Both parties discussed several areas of collaboration, including the conduct of awareness and sensitivity sessions, Filipino Sign Language (FSL) classes, student internship placements, and employment opportunities for Deaf alumni. These initiatives are envisioned to build a more inclusive and empowered community by strengthening the LGU’s capacity to engage and support persons with disabilities.
To move the partnership forward, SDEAS is set to conduct a site visit on July 18, 2024, to assess the community’s readiness and finalize implementation details. The first collaborative activity is being targeted for launch in October 2024.
This initiative reflects Benilde’s continuing mission to extend its advocacy for inclusion beyond the walls of the college, empowering local governments and communities to embrace accessibility, diversity, and equal opportunity for all.
