This week was the start of the pioneer batch of PAIDE's newly established FSL Enhancement Program, an intensive program for PAIDE-certified sign language interpreter aimed at improving its students' skills with Filipino Sign Language. I was fortunate enough to be part of this group because I am in the company of some of PAIDE's most respected graduates. Some of them even taught me and served as mentors before I graduated myself.
Heading the program is Rowena "Weng" Rivera, a long time advocate and Deaf teacher of FSL, and a prominent figure in the community, especially during the successful local campaign to officially recognize FSL as the Philippines' national sign language. Weng is also a student of the famed FSL advocate Dr. Liza Martinez, a hearing professor in CSB and UP. Dr. Liza, I learned is also a pioneer in documenting FSL around the time she founded Philippine Deaf Resource Center.
Assisting Weng is the respected Dr. Joy Cristal of DLSU-CSB, who by profession also works as a guidance counselor with extensive experience with the Deaf. With such big names, it is hard not to become overwhelmed by the history and knowledge being passed down by such champions who have made pioneering work in the local Deaf scene.
Comments