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Philippine School for the Deaf gets an uplift

The rehabilitation of the PSD facilities was undertaken not just to address physical challenges but also to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive.

DT · Dec 22, 2023, 2:15 PM

The Philippine School for the Deaf hand-signs a gratitude message to the Henry Sy Foundation, Department of Education and Pasay City local government after they collaborated to rehabilitate the 12-room laboratory building of Senior High School students. (PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE SM GROUP)

The Philippines' Magna Carta for Disabled Persons ensures the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of persons with disabilities. The country provides educational assistance to people with disabilities from primary to tertiary education, including vocational or technical training.

One such school is the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay City. For over a century, the school has demonstrated the transformative power of education in empowering and unlocking the capabilities of those with diverse disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

Though standing as a testament to the Philippines' longstanding commitment to differently-abled education, the school, one of Southeast Asia's oldest institutions for the deaf, eventually suffered from the effects of time and wear, compromising its ability to fulfill its mission.

The school lacked basic facilities and accessibility features: converted classrooms, timeworn corridors, limited space for vocational training, inadequate furniture, dilapidated walls and ceilings, broken tiles and faucets and dim lighting. It was also prone to flooding due to drainage problems, and it had only one functional toilet with a broken door infested by termites.

Teachers conduct lectures on electronics in a more conducive laboratory after the rehabilitation of the school building.

The laboratory for baking and cookery has been equipped with new tools and furniture, allowing for more hands-on classes.

Transformative partnership

In a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined forces to breathe new life to PSD's Senior High School building and a four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, done under the DepEd's adopt-a-school program, underscored the power of collaboration in revitalizing educational infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

Previously hindered by infrastructural limitations, the century-old school now features enhanced learning spaces dedicated to various subjects, including dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food and beverage preparation, Information and Communications Technology and dance.

A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room were also refurbished.

Differently abled students from PSD attend a beauty and cosmetology class in their new building.

SM Foundation school building program head Juris Soliman and SMFI project supervisor Ar. Caren Lopez (fourth and fifth from left) with PSD principal Shery Funcion and SDO Pasay City SGOD Sylwyn Tenorio (sixth and seventh from left) with the team behind the school's refurbishment.

To enhance safety and accessibility, ramps and railings were installed throughout the campus, ensuring ease of movement for all students. Aside from revitalizing 10 classrooms, the SM Group also refurbished the conference rooms and the lobby with a reception area to provide a comfortable environment.

Helping instill good hygiene and encourage healthy habits, a handwashing station and separate male and female toilets were rehabilitated with clean, functional cubicles, urinals and PWD-friendly facilities.

The covered court was restored with a spacious stage, creating a conducive area for outdoor learning and recreation. The rehabilitation of the PSD facilities was undertaken not just to address physical challenges but also to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive. The project stands as a testament to the SM and Henry Sy Foundations' continued pursuit of inclusivity and their commitment to empowering differently-abled individuals through education.