20 October 2026
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to help teachers and school personnel build the communication skills needed to support Deaf learners and create more accessible learning environments in public schools.
The partnership began with the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Level 1 Training Program held on October 17, 2026, at the Gonzalez Theater in Benilde Taft Campus. The first session focused on Deaf Awareness, Culture, and Identity, giving participants an introduction to Filipino Sign Language, proper visual-gestural communication, and a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and identity.
Through the initiative, Benilde aims to share its experience and expertise in Deaf education with DepEd teachers and school personnel who work directly with Deaf learners. The program helps participants communicate more effectively in the classroom and better support the participation, learning, and well-being of Deaf students.
The training also supports the continued implementation of Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act, which recognises Filipino Sign Language as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf community and promotes its use in education, government services, and public communication.
Present during the opening session were Benilde Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson, School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies Dean Dr. Marian Patricia Bea Francisco, and Center for Deaf Esteem and Formation Director Agnes Canayon.
The initiative continues Benilde’s long-standing work in Deaf education through its academic programs, community engagement efforts, and training initiatives. Over the years, the College has worked with schools, government agencies, and educational institutions to help expand access to Deaf-centred and inclusive education across different learning environments.
In 2024, Benilde and DepEd Manila entered a five-year partnership that opened more opportunities for community engagement programs supporting Deaf advocacy and inclusion. The collaboration connected Benilde students, faculty, and partner schools through activities that promoted greater understanding between Deaf and Hearing communities.
The College has also worked with public schools on teacher development and Deaf-centred education initiatives. In 2025, Benilde’s Center for Education Advancement of the Deaf partnered with the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Muntinlupa to help prepare educators for a bilingual approach to Deaf education through specialised training, mentoring, and classroom support.
More recently, Benilde partnered with the Philippine Normal University to expand Deaf teacher training and capacity-building programs for educators. The collaboration supports efforts to prepare more teachers and education professionals who can contribute to inclusive learning environments for Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.
As the partnership with DepEd moves forward, more training activities are expected to help educators gain practical knowledge of Filipino Sign Language and Deaf culture. These efforts support a common goal of making schools more welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Deaf learners.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
