From November 7 to 9, 2024, representatives from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde—Mr. Oscar Sherlo Reyes of the Center for External Linkages (CEL) and Ms. Ana Kristina Arce of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS)—served as resource speakers at the Kyosaren 2024 Conference held in Shiga, Japan. The event brought together advocates, educators, and organizations working toward greater empowerment and inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Before the conference, the Benildean delegates visited one of Japan’s 7,500+ PWD-focused workshops, which provides skills training and employment opportunities for Deaf individuals. This particular center showcased a powerful model of sustainability and inclusion—upcycling saddle blankets into handmade bags, keychains, and brooches, and operating a bakery run by PWDs. These workshops receive comprehensive government support, with the Japanese government funding both operational costs and the salaries of PWD employees. The visit offered valuable insights into Japan’s structured approach to inclusive employment, a model that Benilde hopes to adapt and promote within the Philippine context.
At the conference, Mr. Reyes presented an overview of the landscape of disability rights in the Philippines, focusing on the country’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). He highlighted the importance of policy integration, inclusive education, and public-private partnerships in creating equitable opportunities for all. Ms. Arce, on the other hand, shared her personal journey as a Deaf Filipino, reflecting on both the systemic challenges and empowering breakthroughs she has experienced. Her story resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the strength of advocacy led by persons with lived experience.
The session culminated in a dynamic Q&A exchange, with questions led by the Kyosaren President and a professor from Hosei University. Participants expressed strong interest in the Philippine perspective, sparking meaningful dialogue on cross-cultural approaches to disability inclusion and empowerment.
Benilde’s participation in the Kyosaren 2024 Conference reaffirms its mission to advance inclusive education, social innovation, and international collaboration. By sharing best practices and lived experiences on a global stage, Benilde continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for change—championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive with dignity and purpose.
