The Cadiz City government has started institutionalizing sign language at its city hall as part of its inclusivity thrust to cater to deaf mute clients.
As part of the thrust to make Cadiz the first fully deaf mute-friendly locality in Negros Occidental, a two-day training program on Filipino Sign Language was recently held at Balay Cadiznon.
Eighty city department heads and employees were trained on basic sign language techniques to equip them with skills to communicate with the deaf mute people who go to the city hall, a press release from Cadiz City said.
Acting as trainers were professional interpreters – Joan Briones and Cecilia “Cici” Villacin.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said institutionalizing sign language is part of the city government’s thrust in furthering inclusivity.
“It’s a must in our daily dealings at city hall. We need to be friendly with everyone, including with persons with disabilities, especially those in the category of deaf mute,” the mayor said.
“Let them (deaf mute people) feel that they really have a special place in our local governance,” Escalante said.
Cadiz, at present, has 119 deaf mute people being taken care of by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office*