De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Manila formalized a five-year partnership aimed at advancing inclusive education and strengthening advocacy for the Deaf community on May 14, 2024.
Through this landmark agreement, both institutions commit to implementing community engagement activities, conducting seminars and workshops on Deaf education and Filipino Sign Language (FSL), and providing specialized teacher training to foster inclusive classrooms.
As part of the collaboration, Benilde SDEAS will deploy its Deaf students to various public schools across Manila through its National Service Training Program (NSTP) and Deaf Studies Internship (DESTUIN) courses. This initiative provides meaningful real-world experience for Benildean Deaf students while supporting the inclusive learning goals of DepEd Manila.
The ceremonial signing was led by Rita Riddle, School Division Superintendent of DepEd Manila; Angelo Marco Lacson, Benilde Vice Chancellor for Academics; and Bea Francisco, Officer-in-Charge Dean of SDEAS.
This partnership stands as a testament to both institutions’ shared commitment to empowering Deaf individuals and promoting a more inclusive and accessible education system—one that values diversity, equity, and the power of communication through Filipino Sign Language.
