Partnering with UP Special Education Council

The partnership between UP Special Education Council [UP SEC] and our foundation, Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. [GMEFI] was finalized last February 9. They accepted our offer of collaboration in support of my educational documentary, PULE: Utak ng Rebolusyon. I had several UP groups in mind to choose from as partner[s] but it was UP SEC that I gave priority to because the participants in this particular film are special, and my subject, Apolinario Mabini, one of our great heroes is the recognized icon of Persons of Disability [PWDS] in our country.

I know that sped teacher’s training would be to maximize a person with special needs’ potentials. It so happened that in this film, the talents and capabilities of Deaf students as performers, and a Person with Autism who is a music genius are showcased. Our objectives aligned.

Though I was a little disappointed in my last partnership with UP SEC some years back, I still reached out to this group, since this time, I know that there would be a new set of officers. Comparatively, they appeared to be quite a happy lot too as shown in the photo below.

[L-R seated]: Joey Guardiano, Mela Mendoza, Cherry Nicdao, Lowe Crisostomo, Selina Sandiego, Mirana and Shaira Odono; Standing: Gil Reoma

Well, my first impression was that this batch is promising —and that they are going to be different. They initially showed enthusiasm and interest in the project, and I could feel that full COMMITMENT, unlike before would be there in their hearts. Still, I do hope that they would really put into practice good Service, awesome Excellence, and 101% Commitment to make our joint project a success.

I was referred to them by U.P. College of Education Dean Therese A.P. Bustos, my consultant in A MI PATRIA, a collection of Five Poems of Rizal in Filipino Sign Language. This is my fifth time to work with the UP College of Education – Special Education Area. The first time was when ALYANA was premiered in 2006.

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