Philippines
Metro Manila
Filipino sign language youth org continues advocacy through art, training
Filipino sign language youth org continues advocacy through art, training
FSL for Inclusive PH (FSL4IPH), a youth-led advocacy group under the British School Manila (BSM) in Taguig, continued its campaign to make Filipino Sign Language (FSL) accessible to everyone.
FSL4IPH advocates the use of FSL, which, under Republic Act 11106 or The Filipino Sign Language Act, is “declared as the national sign language of the Philippines.”
The group recently held two projects, the DEAFinitely Creative Art Workshop and the FSL Training and Museum Tour, that showcased how communication can bridge communities together.
DEAFinitely Creative Art Workshop and Exhibit
FSL4IPH held the DEAFinitely Creative Art Workshop in collaboration with Hearlife-Verein that culminated in an exhibit.
“Our goal for this workshop is to nurture confidence and creativity in Deaf youth while promoting Filipino Sign Language as a vital part of our culture,” said Johann Chan, FSL4IPH president and co-founder.
Seth Yang, FSL4IPH vice-president, said, “We wanted to show that Deaf art has its own voice deserving to be seen and celebrated in cultural spaces.”
The workshop brought together 20 Deaf youth participants and an outstanding student artist who painted with her foot for an immersive creative experience.
Guided by Hearlife-Hearpeers Art Mentors led by University of the Philippines Fine Arts graduate Jes Evangelista, and assisted by Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing facilitators, along with FSL interpreter Leah Apuli, participants explored the fundamentals of art - from shapes and colors to pencil drawing, oil pastel and landscape painting.
During the second session, participants toured the Yuchengco Museum, where they learned about Filipino art and culture, drawing inspiration from the exhibits for their own creative works.
The three-part workshop culminated in an art exhibit at Yuchengco Museum, where the community came together in celebration of creativity, inclusion and talent of the participants.
The exhibit featured not only the works of the Deaf youth participants but also those of Hearlife-Hearpeers art mentors and FSL4IPH youth advocates.
The FSL4IPH team coordinated every detail, including communicating with art mentors, hosting the program and presenting the awards.
After awarding certificates of completion to participants, interspersed with raffle prizes provided by National Bookstore, the exhibit continued with the recognition of outstanding participants, with artworks judged by Gloria Ocampo of Yuchengco Museum, guest speaker Ana Ma. Dizon, executive director and co-founder of My Children’s House of Hope, and FSL4IPH sponsor Cecile Palanca Costa.
Dizon said, “We sincerely thank FSL for Inclusive PH and Hearlife-Verein for co-organizing this inspiring initiative that allowed Deaf youth to explore their creativity and showcase their talents. Special thanks to the British School Manila FSL ASA students for volunteering and supporting the sessions — your kindness and presence made a real difference.”
Artist awardee Ryza Yohanne Reyes said, “I’ve had fun but I’m a little sad that it was only for four days. I’ve learned more drawing skills and discovered new ways to be creative. I’ve also enjoyed spending time with all the people there and learning from them. I really had a great experience and will always remember it.”
Participant Vincent Matthew Leanza said, “My experience in the art workshop taught me that creativity has no limits. Every activity allowed me to explore different techniques and express myself freely. I also learned to appreciate the effort and beauty behind every artwork. I learned new skills, discovered my creativity, and gained confidence in expressing my ideas through art.”
Parent Lyza Reyes said she was “truly grateful for the opportunity given to my daughter to participate in this art workshop. She thoroughly enjoyed each week’s activities — not only for the new knowledge she gained but also for the wonderful friends she made. She loves art, and this workshop has helped deepen her passion.”
While the art workshops were ongoing, FSL4IPH youth leaders participating in the BSM FSL After-School Activity were also learning signs for colors, shapes, and art-related vocabulary.
“Our goal is not only to create art but to create understanding that spans across boundaries of spoken language, bridging the hearing and the Deaf towards an inclusive community,” said Ethan Chan, executive director and founder of FSL for Inclusive PH.
FSL Training and Museum Tour
FSL for Inclusive PH hosted a Free FSL Training and Museum Tour in celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) 2025 at Yuchengo Museum.
The event, coordinated through Vins Balingan, president of the Hard-of-Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP); “Ser RJ” Damian, executive vice president of the National Youth Volunteers Coalition Inc. (NYVC); and JD Castro, founder and CEO of Project Empower, brought together members of their respective communities in an afternoon of learning, culture, and connection.
It continued FSL4IPH’s mission to promote understanding, accessibility, and inclusion through meaningful, interactive experiences that bridge the hearing, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf communities.
Guided by Deaf coach Catherine Joy Patriarca-Ociano, interpreter Leah Apuli, and the FSL4IPH youth leaders, participants had the opportunity to learn the basics of FSL while exploring the museum’s cultural exhibits, an experience that combined language, art, and culture in one inclusive event.
The event began with a guided museum tour led by Yuchengco Museum event officer Pia Peña-Lejano, where participants explored art and culture.
With FSL interpretation by Leah Apuli and sound system support ensuring accessibility for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing guests, participants were able to ask questions, and share reflections.
After the tour, participants joined a lively FSL learning session where they learned basic signs through games and interactive conversations.
“It was inspiring to see everyone so eager to learn,” said Liam Conlin, one of the FSL4IPH student leaders.
Volunteer Kyle Ynson said, “It was a fun and meaningful experience as we got to help demonstrate signs and join the role plays while learning alongside everyone.”
Through projects like DEAFinitely Creative Art Workshop and FSL Training and Museum Tour, FSL for Inclusive PH said it continues to push forward its vision of a society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals are seen, heard, and valued.