MANILA, Philippines (13 October 2019) – The Department of Health (DOH) – Calabarzon has concluded its second batch of training for the “First Basic Filipino Sign Language (FSL)” for health workers of the region at Ciudad Christhia Resort, Barangay Ampid, San Mateo, Rizal.

The three-day training was attended by nurses, development management officers, Philhealth desk officers, pharmacists and administrative employees of the regional office.

“It is a sad fact that our society of deaf persons still face significant difficulties when accessing health services due to a lack of health workers who know sign language. Napakaimportante ng komunikasyon, verbal man o senyas, dahil susi ito upang maunawaan at maintindihan natin ang ating mga paryente na may problema sa pandinig,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said. 

“By providing the necessary information on deaf persons coupled with skills training on the basics of FSL, we can ensure effectiveness in communicating with patients who have difficulty in hearing to better understand their needs and wants,” he emphasized.

Janairo also emphasized that knowledge in FSL will provide equal treatment because health workers can convey information to deaf patients properly.

According to Paulina A. Calo, Regional Outcome Manager for Persons with Disability (PWD) and Mental Health, who also spearheaded the FSL training, there are now a total of 145 regional personnel trained in FSL including medical doctors, nurses, health promotion officers, development management officers, administrative personnel, barangay health workers and media personnel.

“The regional office will continue to provide a series of FSL training until all health workers will have the skills and knowledge to fully understand and communicate with patients who have difficulty in hearing”, she said.

The FSL training for health workers was held under the special projects program of DOH-CALABARZON through the directive and initiative of Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo.

“With the signing of the Universal Health Care Implementing Rules and Regulations, we can now push through with more meaningful projects and activities that will benefit the people and the community,” Director Janairo stressed. (BCuaresma/IAmigo/CNS)