The activity was spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs, the Christian Blind Mission and Liliane Foundation Philippines. It was attended by various government and non-government organizations that offer CBR programs and strategies within their communities. Ms. Teresa Dela Cruz, LFP National Correspondent was one of the co-emcees.

The two-day event aims to harmonize all the sectors of Persons With Disabilities in promoting community activities with focus on inclusive education approach. MCCID already started its CBR strategy this year by opening up its first branch in Tiaong, Quezon in partnership with Liliane Foundation Philippines and Bethsaida, Inc.

Palawan SL Seminar and Tours 09

Day 1 - Meeting with the faculty and staff of Aborlan School for the Deaf at Ma'am Sarah and Ptr. Isagani's residence in Puerto Princesa City

Day 2 - Tour at Buenavista Bay View, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Day 2 - Tour at the Mangrove Park

Day 2 - Another view of virgin mangrove trees

Day 2 - Sir Ervin plants his remembrance Mangrove shoot.

Day 2 - View of South China Sea

Day 2 - Underground River Facade

Day 2 - Underground River Entrance

Day 2 - Bell-shaped stalactite formed inside the cave

Day 2 - Cave opening viewed from the inside

Day 3 - Life Church, venue of Sign Language Training

Day 3 - Deaf Pastor Isagani Sta. Ana leads the prayer.

Day 3 - Start of Sign Language Training with Teacher Sarah Sta. Ana welcoming the participants at Life Church, Puerto Princesa City

Day 3 - Sir Jojo starts with the sign language class

Day 3 - Sir Jojo explains the deaf culture

Day 3 - Students sign "Our Father"

Day 4 - Ptr. Isagani leads the tour to Aborlan School for the Deaf in Aborlan, Palaan

Day 4 - Aborlan School for the Deaf front gate overlooking the Canteen

Day 4 - High School building donated by Lamoiyan Corporation

Day 4 - Part of the 5 hectare farm cultivated by deaf students led by Ptr. Sta. Ana

Day 4 - Deaf farmers showing their produce

Day 4 - Handing out of certificates with Sir Jojo, Ptr. Isagani and Ma'am Sarah

Day 4 - Participants waving I-Love-You signs

Day 4 - Aborlan School for the Deaf faculty and staff posing wacky shot

Day 4 - Last side trip to Crocodile Farm and Nature Park before heading back to Manila

A total of twenty faculty, staff and social worker students attended the basic sign language training conducted by MCCID Training Director Jojo Esposa from August 19 – 22, 2009 at Life Renewal College in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

MCCID head was invited by Aborlan School for the Deaf Director and Pastor Isagani Sta. Ana together with his wife Mrs. Sarah Sta. Ana. The activity was part of the Community Based Rehabilitation Program (CBR) of Deaf Evangelistic Alliance Foundation, Inc. (DEAF) in partnership with Christian Blind Mission (CBM). The sign language training was aimed to equip the participants with the proper sign language skill as well as become more aware about the Filipino deaf’s culture. The sign language systems and common problems encountered by workers for the deaf were also deliberated and discussed during post-workshop time in the evening.

Aside from the training, Sir Jojo together with MCCID Deaf Coordinator, Sir Ervin Reyes had an opportunity to visit the School for the Deaf in Aborlan, Palawan. The 5-hectare school compound is complete with boys and girls dormitories, school canteen, elementary and high school buildings, basketball courts, mini-park, rice and crop farms as well as library and CBR office. The Deaf School is being run by the able leadership of Ptr. Sta. Ana and his wife together with generous financial supports from Lamoiyan Corporation, CBM and Liliane Foundation Philippines.

Sir’s Jojo and Ervin were also able to visit the various popular tourist destinations of Palawan including the world renown Underground River. Through this activity, the team will be able to promote the province and entice foreign visitors especially the Persons with Disabilities to make Palawan as their destination of choice.

Visit this link to view the complete list of attendees and the giving out of certificates.