In the last few entries, I mentioned what I had seen whilst I've been here in Cebu but what I hasn't said is the possibilities to why it is the way it is. Deaf Filipinos do not have the same academic achievement as their hearing counterparts and they highly depend on vocational subjects through education. There is also the case of teachers. It is "They don't know how to educate the Deaf" VS attitude. The question is why and how would you change it? (If you have an idea, do not hesitate to tell me).

First off, the language policy. Filipino Sign Language isn't recognised in this country but American Sign Language. But in America we, or I recognise them for being big eaters. Here, they make us normal sized British people look ginormous. Then there's the raising eyebrows and pouting meaning "yes," "can you get him/her." This is for all Filipinos, we don't see the Americans doing the same. That is two cultural differences of many, so why can't the Deaf community here have their own signed linguistic input?

Most Deaf schools especially Preschool and Elementary level use signed English as a medium of instruction only. Since the early stages of a child's development are the most critical, it isn't by any surprise to why the academic achievement for the Deaf is failing?

There is also the lack of professional Deaf teachers and the incomplete research and exploration of FSL as well as its linguistic input. Without the research, there is nobody in this country that can reinforce why FSL should be taught in schools or colleges. I have currently seen recent news articles based on approving subtitles and signed interpreted channels. That is progress! But there is yet to change the attitude as hearing ways “prevail” most aspects of Deaf access and education.

After attending 8 schools, I had noticed the differences in attitude in teachers, some were optimistic and would have a full blown conversation with the Filipinos in FSL and some would be reserved and give the “what are you doing here, get out” look. So the variations in Deafness and culture do have an impact on how the Deaf community and their needs are seen. Approx 60% of teachers and administrators do not see Deafness from a socio-cultural perspective – one that GVSP are currently trying to change.

90% teachers that are in SPED are hearing and there are a very few Deaf teachers due to subjects that require high professional competence. Not only that but Deaf teachers are not a priority of hiring and compensation.While in the UK, we believe to have Deaf role models to support families of Deaf children, they do not exist in the Philippines. This means that many families have no Deaf awareness whatsoever and as far as i'm aware of, they wont know anymore about Deaf people and their capability from teachers in SPED.

The dilemma of response from the government and from the community as a whole: Do we respond in the interests of the client or do we train the Deaf in fields where they can most likely find a job. Hence for the vocational subjects such as painting a UK volunteers toes…….