Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies

31/10/2026

Highlights from the !

Thank you to our partners, including National Council on Disability Affairs, CIFAL Philippines, Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, Kat Out of the Box, and many others who helped bring together diverse voices to advance disability-inclusive development in the Philippines. We are ! 🇺🇳

The forum brought together persons with disabilities, government, civil society, youth, academia, and development partners to help shape a more inclusive future.

30/10/2026

Why do we celebrate Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Day every October 30?

October 30 marks the anniversary of the signing of Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act, into law in 2018.

This landmark legislation recognizes Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf community and the official sign language for government transactions involving Deaf Filipinos.

More than just a date on the calendar, FSL Day reminds us of the importance of recognizing Deaf identity, respecting linguistic rights, and building a society where communication is accessible to everyone.

FSL is more than a way to communicate. It is a language, a culture, and an essential part of the identity of the Filipino Deaf community.

Today, let us celebrate FSL, honor the Deaf community, and continue advocating for a world where everyone has the opportunity to be heard, understood, and included.

Happy Filipino Sign Language Day! 💚

May we continue to learn, use, respect, and promote FSL, not just today, but every day.

29/10/2026

How much do you know about Filipino Sign Language?

Did you know that Filipino Sign Language (FSL) was officially recognized through Republic Act No. 11106, also known as the Filipino Sign Language Act of 2018? Signed into law on October 30, 2018, it recognizes FSL as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf community.

But FSL is more than just a way to communicate. It is part of Deaf identity, culture, and everyday life.

Through RA 11106, FSL is promoted in important areas such as education, healthcare, the justice system, government services, workplaces, and media. This means helping ensure that Deaf individuals can access information, express themselves, and participate in society on equal terms.

As we welcome FSL Day this October 30, let’s take this opportunity to learn more about FSL, appreciate the Filipino Deaf community, and recognize the importance of making communication accessible to everyone.

You don’t have to be fluent in FSL to start making a difference. Sometimes, it begins with learning a simple sign, being willing to communicate, and making others feel included.

FSL is part of us! Let’s keep learning, signing, and building a more inclusive community together. 🤟💚

29/10/2026

🎬 Celebrating Deaf stories, one frame at a time.

Stories that challenge perceptions and champion inclusion take center stage as De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) earns a feature in The Manila Times, published on October 29, 2026, for its 32nd Deaf Festival, Deaf Cinema: Across Generations.

Held on October 19 to 20 at the Benilde Taft campus, the festival brought together stories across generations, highlighting the experiences, aspirations, and perspectives of the Deaf community through film. Among the featured works was Mike Sandejas’ Dinig Sana Kita, a Filipino classic that underscores a powerful message: Deaf people share the same passions, hopes, and dreams as everyone else and deserve equal opportunities to pursue them.

Beyond the screen, the festival served as a space for meaningful conversations, greater understanding, and a renewed commitment to a more inclusive society.

SDEAS extends its gratitude to The Manila Times for the feature, to Benilde Media Relations for disseminating the story, and to SDEAS Leadership and Involvement Specialist, and to the SDEAS Leadership and Involvement Specialist, who led the event and helped bring this celebration of Deaf stories and perspectives to life.

Through film and storytelling, SDEAS continues to champion Deaf representation and affirm the importance of creating spaces where Deaf voices are seen, heard, and valued.

The Manila Times
October 29, 2026
Campus Press; Page B13

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) recently held its 32nd Deaf Festival, “Deaf Cinema: Across Generations,” on October 19 to 20 at the Taft campus. Among the films featured was a local classic, Mike Sandejas’ “Dinig Sana Kita.”

“[Through ‘Dinig Sana Kita’], I wanted to send the message that the Deaf are perfectly capable of doing anything except hearing. They deserve to have more opportunities than they are already given,” Sandejas said. “The Deaf may have their own language, but they are no different from any regular person. They still have the same passions, hopes, and dreams.”

The article was written by Benilde Diplomacy and International Affairs (DIA) Program student Andreanna Dy.

Thank you, The Manila Times!

24/10/2026

🎬 Deaf Cinema: Across Generations

SDEAS brought Deaf stories to the big screen through Deaf Cinema: Across Generations, a film screening that featured narratives exploring Deaf experiences, relationships, and perspectives across generations.

We thank the following producers for providing the digital films featured in the screening:

1. Dinig Sana Kita - Director Mike Sandejas
2. Children of a Lesser God - Tekcreate Enterprise
3. The Silent Child - Network Ireland Television (NITV)

We appreciate our film partners for their support and everyone who joined us for this initiative. Through film, we continue to create opportunities to engage with Deaf stories and promote greater awareness of Deaf culture and experiences.

23/10/2026

RECOGNIZING PARTNERS. ADVANCING DEAF EMPLOYMENT

Beyond Barriers 2026 honors the new and longstanding industry partners of the Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) for their continued commitment to advancing employment opportunities for the Deaf community.

Through their partnership with Benilde SDEAS, these organizations help bridge the gap between education and employment, champion inclusive hiring practices, and create workplaces where Deaf professionals are valued for their skills, talents, and contributions.

We celebrate our partners not only for their support but also for their shared commitment to building a future where Deaf individuals have equitable access to meaningful employment and opportunities for professional growth.

Together, let us continue breaking barriers and opening doors to a more inclusive workforce. 🤟🏼💚

22/10/2026

A look at the setting that brought partners, advocates, and industry leaders together for Beyond Barriers 2026, united by a shared commitment to advancing inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces.

22/10/2026

Breaking barriers takes more than commitment, it takes collaboration. 💚

Beyond Barriers 2026 is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to champion Deaf inclusion and create opportunities for all.

The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde extends its heartfelt appreciation to The Nippon Foundation, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati by IHG, Cebu Pacific, Hapee, UCC, Luxe Skin, SM Hotels and Conventions, Creativly Studio, and Happy Burritos for being part of this meaningful initiative.

Your support helps move us closer to a future where Deaf individuals are not only included in the workforce but are empowered to thrive, contribute, and lead.

Because inclusion is more than opening doors, it is making sure everyone has the opportunity to walk through them.

Together, let’s keep breaking barriers and building workplaces where everyone belongs. 🤟

22/10/2026

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, through its School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), formalized its partnership with the DepEd Schools Divisions of Manila, Pasig, Valenzuela, San Juan, Parañaque, and Las Piñas through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing to advance inclusive education and strengthen support for Deaf learners.

Under this partnership, participating teachers will undergo the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Level 1 Training Program, which covers Deaf Awareness, Culture, and Identity. The initiative aims to strengthen educators’ communication skills and promote more accessible and inclusive learning environments in line with Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act.

Stronger partnerships, more inclusive classrooms, greater opportunities for every learner. 🤟🏼

📸 Photos by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde CIC and CLR

22/10/2026

Benilde SDEAS takes pride in Dr. Leonides D. Sulse, our Filipino Deaf Full-time Professor and Research Coordinator, for amplifying the call for a Deaf-inclusive 2027 national budget.

In a feature by BusinessMirror, Dr. Sulse emphasized that legal recognition alone does not guarantee accessibility. Deaf rights must be reflected in concrete policies, adequate funding, and government accountability.

As an institution committed to Deaf education and empowerment, SDEAS stands with Dr. Sulse in advocating for a future where Deaf Filipinos enjoy equitable access to education, healthcare, employment, information, and public services in their own language.

We are proud to see Deaf leadership and expertise helping shape the national conversation on inclusion. Recognition must lead to action, and rights must be backed by resources. 🤟🏼

Read the full article: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/10/22/beyond-legal-recognition-longstanding-deaf-advocacy-for-a-deaf-inclusive-2027-national-budget/

Dr. Leonides D. Sulse, a Filipino Deaf Full Professor and Research Coordinator at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), stated that the call for a Deaf-inclusive 2027 national budget is more than a request for government support — it represents years of collective advocacy by Deaf Filipinos, hearing allies, civil society organizations, and policy advocates working to translate the recognition of linguistic rights into meaningful government action.

“The broader principle is clear: legal recognition alone does not guarantee accessibility,” he said. “Rights must be reflected in policies, budgets, institutional responsibilities, and measurable accountability.”

“Deaf Filipinos must have equitable access to education, healthcare, justice, employment, information, and public services in their own language,” he added.

Read the full article here:
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/10/22/beyond-legal-recognition-longstanding-deaf-advocacy-for-a-deaf-inclusive-2027-national-budget/

Thank you, BusinessMirror, for the feature!