Day 14: On Laws that Hears the Deaf

It's the 2^nd day of our In-Community Orientation. We discussed about the three bills that are being passed to strengthen the Inclusion of our Filipino Deaf Members. It made me asked a question whether there are any party list that represents the deaf sector. And, I was saddened to know that there are none.

There are three bills that is on congress at the moment. These are:

1. Making Filipino Sign Language as the official National Language for the Filipino Deaf.
   It will surely enable deaf all over the Philippines to share a common Sign Language that would surely help them to easily understand each other.

2. Interpreters availability in Hospitals , Courts and other places where it is needed specially to those giving social services.
   This can guarantee improved service to the deaf community knowing that someone will be able to assist and help them out.

2. A space for Sign Language Interpreters at television specially during news reporting.
   This can make them more aware of what's happening around the country or locality they are in. By making them aware, you can be able to involve them.

Later this afternoon, we came to visit the Barangay Captain of Mabolo to have courtesy call on what VSO-ICS in Cebu are doing. We also shared that some of us are staying with host families in their barangay.

Person's with Disabilities sector in Cebu City is given P5, 000.00 a year starting 2013. Formerly, it was P2, 000.00 in 2011 and P3,000.00 in 2012. Aside from this, they also give P10, 000.00 for the Senior Citizens in the City.

These bills should have been passed and were given priority. Delaying this is already similar to allowing Injustice to continue to lurk among our Filipino Deaf brothers and sisters.

I heard stories of my deaf friends during court hearings. Cases of sexually abused deaf children are always being delayed in court because its hard to find Court Interpreters for the Deaf. Have you ever visited a new place with a new language? Have you ever felt that you wanted to make yourself be understood by them?

Deaf people literally can't hear us. But, have we ever though that you don't need to hear for you to listen? PASS the bills on Laws about the Deaf!