The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-6 regional office on Dec. 1 and 2, 2021 conducted a sign language blended training to capacitate frontliners on sign language and address the gap in communicating with the deaf and hard of hearing clients.
The two-day training was participated by 39 DTI VI frontliners and PWD Focal Persons onsite and online, via Zoom. The trainers were from the SPED Integrated School for Exceptional Children (SPED-ISEC).
SPED-ISEC chair Dr. Dorothy S. Tarol managed the training with support from her staff – Alberto B. Bilan, Ma. Luisa S. Belandres, Renelita S. Arsenio, Rizalina C. Condes and Fely A. Margarico.
DTI-6 Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon urged the frontliners to be open and friendly in extending services to all the clients with different disabilities. She said that the agency has been very supportive of the economic challenges and needs of the PWD community, which includes access to livelihood and employment.
“We need to learn from them to appreciate and understand their needs. This will also boost our comprehension and appreciation of their skills to provide them with better assistance,” Director Rascon said.
Some of the programs extended by the agency to PWDs in the region were the provision of Shared Service Facilities, support from the Negosyo Center, training from OTOP Philippines and inclusion in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
Other activities include HOORAY PWD, a program encouraging young PWDs to become entrepreneurs; UbraPWD sang Rehiyon Sais, an online platform showcasing the products of PWDs in Region 6; and, participation to Panubli-on, DTI-6’s annual trade exhibit.
DTI VI Asst. Regional Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes also graced the activity and was amazed with the flexibility of frontliners in learning new things, especially using sign language.
The activity capped with a demonstration from participants on sign language using alphabets, numbers and a brief dialogue of the usual scenarios at the DTI frontline offices such as business name registration, financial assistance and training inquiries.
