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A series of Basic Sign Language seminars was organized by the Christian Society for the Deaf (CSD) officers in the Ecclesiastical District of Quezon City, Philippines, to raise Deaf awareness among Church officers and members. On February 11, 2024, it was held in Baesa 2; on February 25, in Batasan Hills 2; on March 3, in Cubao; on March 10, in Eco Park; and on March 17, in Campsite.
Every seminar includes an introduction to the CSD, discussions on Deaf awareness, importance of Sign Language interpretation, and an interactive lecture on basic signs. As of this writing, more than 500 members in the district have been taught the fundamentals of Sign Language.
“These seminars aim to give our brethren awareness on the condition of our Deaf brethren so that they may also do their part in taking care of our brethren who have special needs,” said Hiera Mangubat, district CSD vice president. “With this activity, the brethren will be equipped with knowledge and skills that they may use to help the deaf community not to feel neglected and discriminated.”
In 2020, it was estimated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that individuals with hearing difficulty number at 1,748,690. Among them, members of the Church Of Christ.
One of them, Catherine Joy Patriarca, now a Light of Salvation secretary from the Local Congregation of Projects 2&3, shared that when she met Church Of Christ members who learned to use Sign Language, she “felt happy communicating with them.”
“It is commonly observed that deaf brethren have family members who do not know how to use Sign Language. This communication barrier becomes a challenge in taking care of our deaf brethren even in their own homes,” said Brother John Bryner Case, district CSD adviser. “Through these seminars, our brethren further understood the situation faced by the Deaf and became eager in learning to use Sign Language so that they may help the Church Administration in nurturing their spiritual welfare.”
