INTRODUCTION

          Language is an essential component of communication, inclusivity, and education. however, deaf and mute students struggle with learning opportunities as the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) remains underutilized in mainstream education. Integrating the FSL system into the K-12 curriculum will thus promote inclusivity and bridge present communication gaps. This initiative ensures that deaf and mute students receive proper education while also raising awareness and proficiency in FSL among hearing students and educators.

          Within the academic year 2022-2023, it was recorded in the Department of Education’s Learner Information System or LIS that 11,058 students were accounted for having hearing impairments, and approximately 1,784,690 individuals of the population are accounted for experiencing hearing difficulties according to the PSA or Philippine Statistics Authority in 2020. These values represent a significant portion of the population that faces communication barriers in both educational and social settings. This further supports the need for a learning program in which students will be taught a form of communication that will bridge ideas and messages across using a language that is not heard, but rather seen. 

          The FSL may serve as a vital tool in strengthening meaningful interactions and collaborations between individuals who are experiencing hearing difficulties and the general public. Furthermore, as the FSL is an officially recognized national sign language of the Philippines, it is deeply connected to the roots of the linguistic and cultural identity of the Filipino deaf and mute community. By strategizing programs that include FSL in the K - 12 curriculum, schools may now create a more inclusive learning environment that enables students to welcome different ideas from the perspective of individuals that are not commonly understood due to the medium of communication being bound by barriers. This initiative not only fosters the students in the deaf and mute community but also nurtures awareness, empathy, and social integration among their peers, educators, and the wider population.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

         The main goal of this petition is to integrate FSL into the K-12 Curriculum, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities among hearing and non-hearing students. This initiative will also raise awareness of FSL among students and teachers, fostering empathy and understanding to ensure that deaf and mute students receive equal access to quality education, and preserve FSL as an important part of the cultural heritage of the Filipino deaf and mute community.

•  To advocate for integrating FSL into the K-12 curriculum to provide equal educational opportunities and foster empathy, understanding, and social integration between hearing and non-hearing students, creating a more inclusive school environment.
• To raise awareness of FSL among hearing students and educators through curriculum communication and promote collaboration with the deaf community.
• To hold the rights of individuals with hearing impairments, ensuring they have equal access to education, communication, and social opportunities in line with national and international disability rights standards.
• To recognize and preserve FSL as a key part of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Filipino deaf community while ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students.
• To urge the Philippine government, educational institutions, and policymakers to support the inclusion of FSL in the K-12 curriculum through developing policies, teacher training, and resources for effective implementation.

 

DESCRIPTION

          Our petition advocates for the integration of FSL into the public school curriculum to promote inclusivity and accessibility in education. Recognized as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf community under Republic Act No. 11106 (RA No. 11106), FSL plays a crucial role in bridging communication gaps and ensuring that Deaf and hard-of-hearing students receive quality education.  

• WHEREAS, FSL was recognized as the national sign language by the Republic Act No. 11106 (RA No. 11106) for the Filipino Deaf community and was mandated its use in education and other sectors;  
• WHEREAS, including FSL teaching in the current school curriculum will promote inclusivity, bridge communication gaps, and create equal learning opportunities for all students;  
   

          Currently, many students with hearing impairments face challenges in accessing learning opportunities due to a lack of standardized sign language instruction in schools. By incorporating FSL into the curriculum, we can foster a more inclusive learning environment where all students, regardless of their hearing abilities, can communicate effectively and participate fully in academic and social activities. Additionally, teaching FSL to all students will encourage awareness, empathy, and respect for the Deaf community, helping to break down barriers and reduce discrimination.  

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned, urge the Department of Education to include FSL in the public school curriculum and provide necessary training and resources for teaching upon its implementation.  

          By doing so, we can ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a society that values diversity and inclusion.

SUPPORT

          To successfully implement the project, an estimated budget of approximately 210,000 which includes funding for implementing teacher training programs, developing learning materials, hiring FSL educators, developing technology tools, and creating awareness campaigns is needed. It will be allocated as follows:

• Implementation of Teacher Training Programs (PHP 50, 000).  This will fund training programs or training sessions for educators to improve FSL proficiency and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Development of Learning Materials (PHP 40,000). This will be used in developing learning materials such as lesson plans, textbooks, and interactive learning materials specifically for the speaking and the mute.
• Hiring FSL Educators (PHP 80,000). This will be used to hire experienced educators who can provide quality education about FSL.
• Development of Technology Tools (30,000). This will be used in developing technology tools specifically designed for FSL, such as FSL dictionaries, FSL interactive games, and FSL instructional videos.
• Awareness Campaigns and Workshops (10,000). This will be used to raise awareness and inclusivity of FSL in the broader community using awareness campaigns and workshops.

 

CONTACT INFO

A. Names of the Creators

• Almario, Jean Emmanuel P.
• Bernardo, Bryant Cyril D. C.
• Borlongan, Earl Jerome M.
• Abuel, Kate Gabrielle F.
• Asuncion, Tiffany Roffa D.
• Fernandez, Dorayne Nariss L.
• Pagdanganan, Julia Laurene S.
• Paguia, Raishel Lorelie A.

B. Address
          Marcelo H. Del Pilar Avenue, Bagong Bayan, City of Malolos, Bulacan

C. Contact Number
          0955 346 7890

D. Email Address
          mhpnhsstmig3@gmail.com