The Center for Education Advancement of the Deaf (CEAD) under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics formally launched the Filipino Sign Language Learning Materials Innovations (FSL-LMI) to highlight Deaf-led initiatives in developing learning materials based on FSL linguistic research. The two-day event showcased CEAD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Deaf-centered bilingual education and improve access to FSL-based learning resources for Deaf students.
In his message, Chancellor Benhur Ong reaffirmed Benilde’s commitment to evidence-based practices and inclusive innovations that enhance outcomes in Deaf education. CEAD continues to build linguistic evidence to guide FSL instruction, strengthen teacher proficiency, and expand FSL-accessible academic content, which are now being implemented at the Benilde Deaf School (BDS).
The launch featured four key presentations led by Deaf researchers:
- FSL Corpus and Signbank, presented by Ms. Jasmin Rivera
- FSL Grammar and Dictionary Handbook, presented by Mr. Nathaniel Macariola
- Academic Signs Documentation, presented by Ms. Yamie Yadan
- Deaf Heritage and Deaf Life Stories, presented by Ms. Maricris Galang
These projects were supervised by Dx. Rafa Domingo, Unit Head of Deaf Heritage and Filipino Sign Language Studies (DHFSLS) and the country’s first Filipino Deaf linguist, along with a team of 19 Deaf research trainees.
The event gathered 93 participants, including Deaf teachers, teacher-trainees, researchers, and Deaf leaders from Deaf organizations, as well as hearing teacher and administrative allies from the Department of Education, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF), academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Through these innovations, CEAD aims to reduce language deprivation and promote academic success among Deaf learners by making FSL learning materials more widely accessible. The initiative also supports the implementation of the Filipino Sign Language Act of 2018, reinforcing Deaf-centered bilingual education in the country.
This initiative is part of the Model Learning Institute on Deaf-Centered Education (MLITEDCE), made possible through a grant from The Nippon Foundation.
