In celebration of Persons with Disabilities Month, Tarlac State University, through Kakamay Movement Organization, held a Filipino Sign Language Capacity Building Training on July 14 (Tuesday) at the College of Engineering AVR in the Main Campus.
The event, in partnership with the International, Differently Abled, Indigenous, Marginalized Student Services Unit (IDIMSS) and the Office of Gender and Development (OGAD), aims to build a “DEAF Ready University”.
Founded in Tarlac (during the pandemic), the Kakamay Movement Organization is a deaf-centered nonprofit that advances inclusivity through Filipino Sign Language (FSL) education.
The event brought together faculty, staff, and students, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and skills to foster a university that values inclusivity, accessibility, and effective communication with the Deaf community.
During the training, participants were taught Basic greetings and self-introduction and received a lecture on the “Understanding Deaf Culture and the Filipino Sign Language Act (RA 11106)”.
On behalf of Dr. Niño B. Corpuz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, Engr. Emir Lenard Sicangco, Director of the Office of Extension Services and Planning Office, highlighted the people’s participation in realizing this inclusive development.
“We gather here not just for knowledge and an equally important sector of our society, but also to celebrate the resilience and brilliance of PWD brothers and sisters. So, as we celebrate this month, let’s commit to building an academic community for everyone, regardless of ability, to give everyone an equal opportunity to learn, to innovate, and to lead,” Engr. Sicangco said in his speech.
The training program will run until August 7, 2026, focusing on building a community where everyone is seen, understood, and valued, where every voice is heard, every hand is understood, and inclusivity becomes a shared responsibility.
Photo by: Leslie S. Carreon and Axcel Ross L. Palos (OPA Inters)
