Revitalizing the Philippine School for the Deaf
Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) hand signs a gratitude message to Henry Sy Foundation (HSF), Department of Education, and Pasay Local Government after they collaborated for the revitalization of the 12-room laboratory building of Senior High School students.
The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons of the Philippines guarantees the self-reliance, self-development, and rehabilitation of people with impairments. From school to tertiary education, the nation offers educational aid to individuals with impairments, including vocational or technical training.
The Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City is one such institution. The school has been demonstrating for more than a century how education can empower people with a variety of disabilities and help them realize their full potential in life.
One of Southeast Asia’s oldest schools for the deaf, the school is a tribute to the Philippines’ longstanding commitment to education for people with disabilities, but its ability to carry out its goal is compromised by time and wear.
The school lacked basic facilities and accessibility features: converted classrooms, timeworn corridors, limited space for vocational training, inadequate furniture, dilapidated walls and ceilings, broken tiles and faucets, and dim lighting. It was also prone to flooding due to drainage problems, and it had only one functional toilet with a broken door infested by termites.
Revitalizing a legacy
In a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined forces to breathe new life into the Senior High School building and a four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, executed under the DepEd’s adopt-a-school program, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in revitalizing educational infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
Teachers conduct lectures on electronics in a more conducive laboratory after the rehabilitation of the school building
Previously hindered by infrastructural limitations, the century-old school now features enhanced learning spaces dedicated to various subjects, including dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room were also refurbished.
Through the social good collaboration, the laboratory for baking and cookery has been equipped with new tools and furniture, helping conduct more hands-on classes.
To enhance safety and accessibility, ramps and railings were installed throughout the campus, ensuring ease of movement for all students. Aside from revitalizing 10 classrooms, the SM group also refurbished the conference rooms, and the lobby with a reception area to provide a comfortable environment.
Differently abled students from PSD focus as they attend their beauty and cosmetology class in their new building.
A handwashing station and separate male and female restrooms were renovated with clean, functional cubicles, urinals, and PWD-accessible amenities to promote excellent hygiene and healthy habits.
Restored with a roomy stage, the covered court offers an ideal setting for outdoor education and leisure.
SM Foundation school building program head Juris Soliman and SMFI Project Supervisor Ar. Caren Lopez (fourth and fifth from left) with PSD Principal Shery Funcion and SDO Pasay City SGOD Sylwyn Tenorio (sixth and seventh from left) with the team behind the school’s refurbishment.
In addition to addressing the physical issues, the PSD’s facilities were rehabilitated to create an atmosphere in which each student may succeed. The project is evidence of the SM and Henry Sy Foundations’ unwavering dedication to empowering people with disabilities via education and their ongoing pursuit of inclusivity.
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