In order to communicate well will their future deaf co-employees, the Human Resources Division and Data Entry Operations staff of Air21 Philippines held a one-day Conversational Sign Language training conducted by MCCID College last September 14, 2010 at Cargohaus building, Paranaque City.
MCCID Training Director Jojo Esposa conducted the training together with deaf alumni Owen Domagtoy and Maricris Siping. The deaf gave individual distinct sign names to each trainee based on their physical appearance.
The training was participated in by more than twenty Air21 employees led by their HRD Manager Levi Diestro together with Vicky Villarosa (Training Manager), Feddie Ross Saflor and Jennevin Sipat. Others include Mary Anne D. Lumaque, Mary Grace D. Pestaño, Sean Francis P. Magsayo, Paul Anthony G. Gomez, Jay L. Reyes, Emmalyn N. Lining, Mary Rose E. Sevilla, Michael John M. Racadio, Rozette Ann M. Lebii, Michael D. S. Bolos, Emerito A. Ilagan, Alvin P. Zaguirre, Angelo Carreon, Markie T. Tupas, Ruel P. Amaguin, Emilio E. Basco, Laurence R. Militar and Jose D. Garcia Jr.
Before the session, the trainees were already familiar with fingerspelling. This is because they already have a deaf person hired just this year, Sheryll Rose Agarap, a CAP CFD graduate. The company intends to hire more deaf employees in the future.
Aside from learning basic conversational sign language, the group was able to sign songs and appreciate the importance of understanding the deaf and their culture. Sir Jojo also emphasized the deaf's work ethics and positive traits.
