De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) proudly represented the Philippines at the International Conference on Education of the Deaf (ICED) 2025 in Rome, Italy, delivering three symposium presentations and one poster presentation that highlighted the institution’s pioneering work in inclusive education and Deaf empowerment.
Symposium Presentations:
- Sherlo Reyes, Bea Francisco, and Ana Arce presented “Ensuring Deaf Employment Success” and “The Collaborative Mindset: What It Really Takes in Making Curriculum Relevant”, emphasizing strategies for meaningful workforce inclusion and curriculum relevance for Deaf learners.
- Leo Sulse delivered a study titled “A Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experiences of Selected Filipino Deaf Educators Regarding Inclusive Education in the Philippines”, offering insights into the challenges and successes of Deaf educators in the local context.
Poster Presentation:
- Michael Vea and Patrick Padao showcased “Beyond Words: A Frame-by-Frame Cinematographic Analysis of FSL Literature”, demonstrating innovative approaches to documenting and analyzing Filipino Sign Language narratives.
The conference also provided an invaluable platform for networking and exploring international collaborations. Benilde representatives engaged with organizations such as E-Deaf (South Africa), which provides employment support services for the Deaf; Deaf Reach (Pakistan), focused on Deaf education and training; and the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, offering undergraduate and graduate programs for Deaf students.
Dean Bea Francisco and Ana Arce will lead follow-up discussions to explore academic linkages and partnership opportunities, ensuring continued knowledge exchange and collaboration in Deaf education globally.
Benilde’s active participation in ICED 2025 reinforces its position as a regional leader in inclusive education, showcasing innovative programs and research that advance the empowerment, professional development, and global engagement of Deaf learners.
