De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Calls for a Deaf-Inclusive 2027 National Budget

De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) supports the call of Filipino Deaf national organizations, advocates, and allies for a more inclusive 2027 national budget that advances accessibility, linguistic rights, meaningful participation, and the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act.

RA No. 11106 recognizes Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and affirms the linguistic and cultural identity of the Filipino Deaf community. Its effective implementation requires clear policy direction, coordination, resources, accountability, and meaningful Deaf participation across government institutions and public services.

DLS-CSB recognizes the importance of the proposed General Provision on FSL in the 2027 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The provision can strengthen the implementation of RA No. 11106 by ensuring that FSL and Deaf inclusion are integrated into government planning, budgeting, programs, and services. It primarily seeks stronger policy direction and accountability within existing government mechanisms.

Deaf Filipinos should have equitable access to education, healthcare, employment, justice, information, communication, and government services. Accessibility must be built into public systems, while Deaf people’s language, culture, lived experiences, expertise, and leadership must inform decisions that affect their lives.

As the 2027 GAA deliberations continue, DLS-CSB encourages government institutions, policymakers, legislators, and stakeholders to support the proposed General Provision on FSL and strengthen accessibility, accountability, and meaningful Deaf participation in governance.

As an institution committed to Deaf education, FSL, accessibility, and Deaf leadership, DLS-CSB stands with the Filipino Deaf community and their allies in advancing equal opportunities, linguistic rights, and meaningful participation.

Guided by the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” we believe in meaningful consultation with the Filipino Deaf Community and their allies to help ensure that national policies respond to the lived realities of the people they seek to serve. Deaf inclusion is not an additional consideration. It is essential to building a just, equitable, and humane society.”