Henry Sy Foundation promotes inclusive education
Revitalizing the
Philippine School for the Deaf
Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) hand signs a gratitude message to
Henry Sy Foundation (HSF), Department of Education, and Pasay Local Government
after they collaborated for the revitalization of the 12-room laboratory
building of Senior High School students.
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 (PSD) in Pasay City. For over
a century, the school had 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' long-standing commitment to
differently-abled education, the school, one of Southeast Asia's oldest
institutions for the deaf, suffers 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.
Revitalizing a legacy
In
a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI),
and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined
forces to breathe new life into the Senior High School building and a
four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, executed under the DepEd's
adopt-a-school program, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in
revitalizing educational infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
Teachers conduct
lectures on electronics in a more conducive laboratory after the rehabilitation
of the school building
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 & beverage preparation,
ICT, and dance. A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room were
also refurbished.
Through the social
good collaboration, the laboratory for baking and cookery has been equipped
with new tools and furniture, helping conduct more hands-on classes.
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.
Differently abled
students from PSD focus as they attend their beauty and cosmetology class in
their new building.
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 space
for outdoor learning and recreation.
The rehabilitation of the facilities at the PSD was undertaken,
not just to address the 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 its
commitment to empowering differently-abled individuals through education.
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.
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