On February 14, 2024, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), in collaboration with the School of Management and Information Technology – Information Systems Program (SMIT-ISP) and the Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HiFi), successfully conducted the soft launching of the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Buddy App Version 2. The application, currently available on the Google Play Store under “Early Access,” is open for public beta testing to gather feedback from users for future updates and improvements.
The app was developed under the leadership of Mr. Jacob Catayoc, Chairperson of the Information Systems Program, with the SDEAS and HiFi teams providing expertise in accessibility, user experience, and community engagement. The project aims to promote inclusive communication by serving as an interactive learning platform for Filipino Sign Language—bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities through technology.
This initiative exemplifies Benilde’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and socially responsive innovation. By leveraging cross-unit collaboration, the FSL Buddy App project integrates technology, education, and advocacy—aligning with Benilde’s vision of using innovation as a tool for social transformation and empowerment.
Discover how the “FSL Buddy” app is helping learners of Filipino Sign Language — read more about it here and check out their full story on Google Play.
