Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and other officials during the unveiling ceremony in declaring Philippine School for the Deaf and Blind as important cultural property. Photo from Pasay PIO
The National Museum of the Philippines recognized the Philippine National School for the Deaf (PNSD) and Blind (PNSB) in Pasay City as important cultural property in a ceremony on Friday, May 19.
“We thank the Lord above for His provision and favor for allowing us to maintain this building since 1907. It has definitely stood the test of time, and as a family here in Pasay, we vow to take care of such a precious gem. The architecture and overall structure of this cultural property has never failed to amaze even the most meticulous eyes of artists up to now, and we will do everything that we can to keep it that way," Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said.
Rubiano said the Philippine School for the Deaf, formerly known as School for the Deaf and Blind, is the pioneer school for the handicapped in the country.
She said the school is a semi-residential school and the only government-owned institution catered for the deaf in the country.
The school for the blind became independent on July 10, 1970 by virtue of the passage of Republic Act No. 3562 or an act to promote the education of the blind in the Philippines.
Joining Rubiano during the unveiling ceremony were Engr. Albert Paredes, chief of staff of Congressman Antonino Calixto; Nishimura Tokiko, Second Secretary of the Economic Section, Embassy of Japan; Jeremy Barns, Director General of National Museum Philippines; and Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums-NMP.