Through the Eyes of my Deaf Teacher

Foreground: my Deaf teacher Rey Alfred Lee. Behind him are members of the Silent Steps, Faculty staff of DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, as well as GMEFI and UPSEC officers. Also in the photo is PULE film scorer Tumtum Mendoza [in white t-shirt with eyeglasses], a Person with Autism, standing between GMEFI President and me. 

Last August 25, PULE: UTAK ng REBOLUSYON, a documentary on our hero, APOLINARIO MABINI was shown for the benefit of the scholars of Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. [GMEFI]. The film participants include Deaf students and members of the Deaf playgroup, SILENT STEPS. They interpreted in Filipino Sign Language for the first time after 1898, one of the popular writings of the docu’s subject entitled El Verdadero Decalogo/The True Decalogue.  It was voiced by a man paralyzed by Guillain-Barre Syndrome who read Mabini’s writings. The film was scored by a twice-exceptional Person with Autism, his first time to do  so.

The screening was held at the UP Film Center in Diliman, Quezon City. Members of the Deaf community from DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies where I studied Filipino Sign Language came to attend the screening. One of them was my Deaf teachers, Rey Alfred Lee, former President of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf. Below are some of the photos he took.

John Baliza Interprets for UPSEC Prez Lowe Crisostomo

Historian Dr. Bernardita Churchill, guest speaker with Febe Sevilla, interpreter

The Audience — Hearing and Deaf

How the Deaf clap

GMEFI Prez Evelyne Dominguez awards the certificate of appreciation to Myra Medrana [Deaf choreographer]

Rey and Me

Rey, Cath and JM [Deaf]

Members of the Filipino Deaf community

With the DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies students and faculty

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Searching for Blind and Deaf Scholars

Went last week to scout for scholars from the Philippine National School for the Blind [PNSB] and the Philippine School for the Deaf [PSD]. With the help of Jun Sevilla, husband of my interpreter-buddy Febe Sevilla who currently teaches at PSD, I passed on the intent of Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. [GMEFI] where I am a volunteer to support a couple or so number of students. Though I live near the two schools, it was my first time to roam a little at the PNSB. I shot some footage and interviewed the principal of PSD for a feature-length docu on Deaf Filipinos ten years back, so, I am a little more familiar with the latter’s school setup.

At the Board meeting yesterday of GMEFI, I reported about my meeting with PSD teacher Jun and the PNSB Social Worker and Guidance Advocate Ms. Ma. Elena Rances-Carino.

Will be back after the Holy Week to get the requirements.

 

A Cultural Afternoon with Apolinario Mabini

The historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan where the First Philippine National Assembly of the First Philippine Republic was held on September 15, 1898. [MM with Even / 2017]

It was on February 23, 2017 when the partnership presentation by the Provincial Government of Bulacan and Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. [GMEFI] was held at the Maximo Viola Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan. The Honorable Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado [photo below] graced the occasion. He welcomed the select audience consisting of educators, cultural officers, art and heritage advocates, and members of Bulacan provincial art and tourism board.

Honorable Governor of Bulacan Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado delivers his Welcome Message to the Audience below

“PULE: UTAK ng Rebolusyon” an educational documentary which features the life of Apolinario Mabini, Chief Adviser of the First President of the Philippine Republic was introduced before its screening by Mirana Medina, board member of GMEFI and the film’s director. She gave background information as to why and for whom the film was actually made giving stress on the film’s inclusivity as it has narration in Pilipino, with captions in English and largely interpreted in Filipino Sign Language. Participants in the making of the film are Deaf students, a Person with Autism and a wheel-chaired man.  Gil Reoma, GMEFI Executive Director later joined to talk about what GMEFI does and asked how the partnership between Bulacan counterpart could be made possible so as to make the film’s content widely known to Bulakenos. The Malolos Congress was highly given importance in the documentary. There were good exchange of ideas during the open forum [photo below] as viewers saw the importance of the film, and history for our young students.

Bong, actor and heritage advocate

Gil Reoma of GMEFI talks about partnership

DepEd Officer gives his thoughts about the lost of interest on history subject by young students

Liberal Arts Professor of Centro Escolar University Marietta Alvarez reacts to the film

The select Audience / participants with the organizers.

GMEFI staff: [L-R]: Gil Reoma on the extreme left, GMEFI President Even Dominguez, 3rd from left, Mrs. Natividad Villano and Mirana Medina, GMEFI Board Members with the co-organizers from the Governor’s Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office  led by Mr. Ely dela Cruz, 4th from left.

A repost from gawadmetronian.org

2017 Call for Proposals_Gawad Metronian Community Educational Program Fund Assistance

This is the 2017 Call for Proposals by the Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. under its Community Educational Program Fund Assistance

GMEFI’s First Three Recipients

The following are the Implementing Guidelines on the P30K Fund Assistance To be Granted to Community Organizations:

Scope and Coverage:

These guidelines shall apply to interested community-based organizations implementing educational programs for poor and indigent individuals. The applicants may avail of the fund grants offered by Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. (GMEFI) based on the following guidelines and requirements:

General Guidelines

The Community Educational Program Assistance Fund is intended to supplement the educational and technical-vocational scholarships that GMEFI provides. Consistent with the thrusts of the foundation, the fund’s ultimate aim is to support community-based education projects that contribute to GMEFI’s vision of developing individuals to become productive and service-driven citizens.

The following broad categories of projects and activities may be supported by the fund:

Literacy-Related
– Basic Literacy Classes
– Functional Literacy Classes
– Computer Literacy
– Others

Technical Skills Development
– Livelihood Skills Training
– Food & Beverage
– Housekeeping
– Front Office
– Bartending
– Bookkeeping
– Others

School Readiness and Tutorials
– College Entrance Exam Review
– Underachievers
– Remedial Class Math, Science
– Tutorials
– Others

Enrichment Classes
– Sports Clinic
– Dance Classes
– Music and Arts Class
– Theater Class
– Others

Application Requirements

1. A formal application addressed to the Executive Director of GMEFI. All requests must be signed by the board members of the community organization
2. Certificate of Registration with DSWD, SEC or CDA (if available) or Endorsement from Local Government Unit (Barangay or City/Municipality) on the existence and operation of the organization in the community
3.  A Project Proposal that includes the following:

i.. Title
ii. Rationale and Objectives

• Description of the education-related need the project wants to address
• The needs assessment tool / process used in identifying the education-related need
• Description and evidence of poverty or indigence of the target community / beneficiaries
• Learning outcomes of the educational project and the evaluation tool that will be used to assess achievement of the learning outcome

iii. Curriculum, Module and/or Learning Plan]

iv. Venue(s) of the Activity

v. CVs of the invited speakers or resource persons (if any)

vi. Budget Breakdown with at least 10% counterpart provided by the organization

vii. Proposed Terms of Reference with Resource Persons(s)

Approval and Criteria

All the applications received by the Executive Director shall be reported and/or submitted to GMEFI Board members for study, evaluation and approval. The grantee shall be chosen based on how the proponent’s project could actually help the members of their respective community. The project must be in line with GMEFI’s vision to help the NGO applicant in developing self-driven, productive, independent and useful members of their group in particular, and as citizens of the society in general.

Allowable Cost Items

A maximum grant amount of P 30,000.00 may be approved for qualified organizations per year. This amount may be used to fund the following cost items:

1. Learning Resources and Equipment(if necessary) – This item includes handouts, materials, and other learning-related tools and equipment
2. Training supplies – must identify office/schools supplies to be used including certificates to be given to participants;
3. Venue –rental or improvement costs for the facility / venue to ensure a conducive space for learning
4. Stipend/Honorarium/Professional Fee – must indicate the expected number of resource persons for the formation activity, must also indicate estimated stipend/honorarium/fees to be given to the resource person/s; must not exceed 20% of the total budget being requested.The proposed professional fee should consider the following factors: the expertise and background of the speaker, expected output, length of the program or activity (half day, whole day, overnight etc.) and the number of expected participants.
5. Meals – must include number of expected participants and the reasonable amount per participant;
6. Other related expenses – to be justified by the applicant.

As much as possible, all expenses must be supported by corresponding official receipts. For purchases done in stores or suppliers with no official receipts, an acknowledgment receipt that includes the name of the store, address, contact number and the name and signature of the person receiving the payment should be indicated in the acknowledgment. This should however be done in exceptional cases and should not serve as the general rule.

Project Completion Requirements
The completion and liquidation report must be submitted to GMEFI not more than fifteen (30) calendar days from the completion of the project.

A. The project completion report, must include the following:

1. An executive summary of the activity
2. Learning Evaluation

• Targeted Learning Outcomes vs. Actual Learning Outcomes
• Summary of Results on the Learning Outcome Evaluation Tool
• Accomplished Learning Outcome Evaluation Tool per Learner
• Summary of reflections from participants and organizers
• Signed Attendance Sheets

3. Financial report (budgeted vs. actual spent) with supporting official receipts

4. Recommendations and possible future directions

5. Photos (hard and digital copies) with brief description

B. GMEFI must be acknowledged as sponsor/co-sponsor in all printed materials, i.e. newspapers, magazines, etc.; or in social media articles to be released whether in the grantee’s own website, facebook page, tarps and/or in any other announcements concerning the approved project.

C. GMEFI must also be allowed to publicly to release articles about the partnership and the approved proponent’s project in GMEFI’s own brochure, press releases — printed or online, including the final report to be submitted by the grantee after the grant’s implementation.

Deadline for the submission of proposals is on or before March 31, 2017. Project implementation must be done and completed within the year 2017.

Though preference is given to applications from Persons with Disability [PWDs] and Indigenous Peoples [IPs] – led organizations, significant and equally important project proposals from other NGOs shall be considered.

We are going to choose based on relevance, uniqueness, and should undoubtedly be of advantage to the proponent’s target beneficiaries in their respective sector or community. Most importantly, is the possibility that the proposed project be replicated in the future, or may be continued by the trained participants for continuity purposes because of its importance.

[A repost from gawadmetronian.org]

Remembering the UP Film Center

Tree planting ritual was part and parcel of celebrating important events at the UP Film Center, then headed by its co-founder, first Director, and my Humanities Professor, Ms. Virginia R. Moreno. I worked there as an artist-researcher, and was later sent as scholar to the Film and Television Institute of India.

Now, as Board Member and Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation Inc.’s [GMEFI] Community and Educational Fund Assistance Program Head, I thought of adopting the tree planting idea for GMEFI as part of Metro Manila College Foundation Day Celebrations. GMEFI is MMC’s Community Social Responsibility arm. Since a tree is one of the major design elements of GMEFI’s logo, it has become more than just replicating the UP Film Center’s activity. GMEFI scholars, I thought could be likened to a young plant which has to be nurtured to be able grow properly, and become productive in the future.

The mango seed that I planted and tended was sent to MMC to grow within the compound where the centennial-old Katipunan tree is located. Above are some of the Gawad Metronian scholars. The activity was held last September 27.

 

Hearts Full of Joy and Hope at CBR-SMILE Center, Payatas

Patti Rivera with the participants

Teacher Ana with Bryan Bautista, son of CBR-Smile President Sanny Bautista

[L-R]: Teacher Ana Rivera with daughter Patricia

It was quite exciting to see Children with Disabilities gathered together accompanied by their parents/caregivers to undergo sessions in Dance Movement Therapy [DMT] last Saturday, September 3 at the CBR Center. The Heart at Play Foundation led by Teacher Ana Rivera and her daughter Patti were there to train them.We witnessed varied expressions of anticipation from the participants of CBR-SMILE [Samahan ng mga Magulang na Iniingatan ang Lahat ng batang Espesyal Inc.] as they wait for the program to start. Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. [GMEFI] is co-sponsoring the project].As GMEFI’s Community Education Fund Assistance Programs Head, I joined the group led by our president Even Dominguez,  Administrative Staff Nina Padua, and Grace, an MMC student who is about to write a thesis focused on Persons with Disability. When we arrived, Mr. Ranil Sorongon, former ASP Executive Director, and currently the PPCWD Convenor and Norfil Foundation Consultant was giving the group a warm up talk, so to say.

Perlyn Brevano

Renea Leyva

Nitz Caliwan

GMEFI President Even Dominguez

The program started with the singing of the National Anthem led by a low-vision child, Perlyn Brevano followed by a prayer by Renea Leyva, mother of Terrenz Lukas Leyva, a child with cerebral palsy. The opening remarks was delivered by CBR-SMILE coordinator, Nitz Caliwan, in behalf of their president, Mrs. Sanny Bautista who came late because she had to attend another important meeting. GMEFI President Even Dominguez was the Guest speaker while Ranil Sorongon gave an inspirational talk. When Ms. Bautista arrived, she thanked GMEFI and all those who extended their hand to make the project possible like The Heart at Play Foundation, GMEFI and Norfil. Her voice cracked at one point.

An intermission dance was amazingly performed by CBR SMILE KIDS, namely: Bryan Bautista, Levilyn Bendal, Marie Claire Yeong, Teza Carl Cervantes, and Judy Ann Goyala. They danced and swayed their bodies gracefully and with gusto. They visibly enjoyed dancing; their talents, honed by patient teachers, and/or parents evident.

Finally, an introductory lecture on what Dance Movement Therapy is – as a combination of science and art — was explained by Patricia “Patti” Rivera who was aiding her mom, Teacher Ana. The Dance Movement Therapy session then started. THP prepared an IEP-Based Movement Grading Sheet to serve as their tool to gauge the development of the individual participating child. Their main criteria, physical baseline has percentage of 40%, while the Elements of Dance were set each at 12%, as follows: Direction, Size, Level, Speed, and Balance.

Indeed, it was “heart at play” [to borrow from THP’s acronym] that we, as outside observers witnessed. For only committed hearts and soul could make such a unique activity happen in the name of love and in embrace of Persons with Disability.

Unfortunately, we had to leave early so we were not able to watch the entire session. Sayang!! Hoping for the success of the project, joy for the participating children and their parents!

[L-R]: Ranil Sorongon, Even Dominguez, Mirana, Nitz Caliwan, Sanny Bautista, Nina Padua

[Reposted from https://gawadmetronian.org/2016/09/05/hearts-full-of-joy-and-hope-at-cbr-smile-center-payatas/%5D

30 Children with Disabilities from Payatas to Participate in the Dance Therapy Movement

Joining the “Dance Movement Therapy for Children with Disabilities [CWDs]” a project initiated by CBR-SMILE under the Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc [GMEFI] Community Educational Fund Assistance Program are 30 CWDs. Participant’s disabilities are described as follows: Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Global Delay, Autism, Psychosocial, Dwarfism/Orthopedic, Deaf with CP, Learning Disability [LD], Meningocelle/LD, Intellectual Delay, and Low Vision.

Participants of the Dance Movement Therapy to be conducted by Teacher Ana Rivera of The Heart at Play Foundation. CBR Smile of Payatas, Q.C. headed by Mrs. Sanny Bautista, is the project proponent; Nitz Caliwan is the coordinator

Ten sessions will be held starting this Saturday, September 3 at 10 a.m. Venue will be at the CBR Center located in Payatas, Quezon City. The other sessions are scheduled on September 10, 17; October 1, 15, 29; November 5, 19, December 3, 10. Teacher Ana Rivera, president of The Heart at Play Foundation, and a dance therapy specialist shall be handling the children.

“Teacher Ana, as she is fondly called, belongs to a family of dancers.   In 2000, she opened her own dance studio that catered to students from exclusive schools in Greenhills, San Juan.  Amidst her flourishing private dance studio, she felt a strong urge to act and make things happen on the dance floor for children with special needs. So she completed a diploma course in special education (SpEd) from the College of the Holy Spirit.

In between her SpEd course and current pursuit of a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology (SLP), Teacher Ana went to Wichita, Kansas, USA for training and immersion programs in dance therapy. During her observation in a dance school that caters to special children, she witnessed a child with autism who was being physically assisted all throughout a session. The CWA and her mother struggled as they tried to follow the teachers’ instructions.  Later, they left the dance floor and never returned.  From this incident, Teacher Ana vowed to promote the “No Child Left Behind Act” where her heart is – on the dance floor.

With her observations from different dance schools (including an intensive training with the American Dance Therapy in New York), her SPED background, and a heart moved by compassion for children with special needs, Teacher Ana designed a unique and innovative Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) that accommodates special needs children of all functioning levels. Cecil Sicam, Vice President of Autism Society Philippines and a seasoned SpEd teacher, observed that “Teacher Ana and her team use task analysis (the process of breaking down complex tasks into smaller chunks used to teach special needs children) in teaching dancing; they modify their teaching strategies based on individual learning styles. The DMT adopted the principles of behavior management and structured teaching that are necessary in teaching children with autism and other special needs.” [Manila Bulletin on May 20, 2013; excerpts from http://www.autismsocietyphilippines.org/2013/05/the-heart-dances.html%5D

It was Ranil Sorongon, former Executive Director of Autism Society Philippines who referred CBR-Smile to me when I asked him for a possible project that we could assist. As head of the Community Educational Fund Assistance Program, I found the project quite interesting. I submitted the proposal to the board in May. It was approved, and ready for implementation this Saturday, September 3.

[For the complete list of the participants and their parents/caregivers, click https://gawadmetronian.org/2016/08/31/gmefi-funded-project-dance-therapy-for-children-with-disabilities-to-be-launched-on-september-3/%5D

Showing of PULE Moved in Time for Apolinario Mabini’s Birthmonth

The original plan to show PULE: Utak ng Rebolusyon /Brains of the Revolution in Metro Manila College, Novaliches, Quezon City was reset to an earlier date by Gawad Metronian Educational Institute, Inc. [GMEFI]. Intended to be shown in time for the Celebration of 2016 National Heroes Day in August, it was moved instead to last week of July.

Apolinario Mabini [1864-1903] was born on July 23, 1864. Hailed as a PWD icon, himself physically disabled, the National Disability Rehabilitation and Prevention Week is held in the Philippines annually from July 17-July 23 to serve as a tribute to the man.

Explaining my proposal to show the educational docu for the benefit of Gawad Metronian Scholars and Persons with Disability of Bo. Kaligayahan, Novaliches. Present were the Board Officers and Members of GMEFI, Inc.

Metro Manila College will sponsor the showing with the hope of sparking nationalism in their students and for them to know who Mabini really was. Though an important figure who helped shaped the destiny of our nation, not so many people, especially young students are aware of his contribution as a hero.

GMEFI Offers Scholarships in Basic Education Course for Persons with Disability this School Year 2016-2017

Reposted from gawadmetronian.org

Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation (GMEFI), a non-stock and non-profit organization offers scholarships to poor but deserving students through the Foundation’s Scholarship and Educational Assistance Program.

This school year 2016, the GMEFI Board of Trustees has decided to offer two [2] slots for Persons with Disability [PWD] studying in any school in Metro-Manila in line with their desire to provide education to PWDs following the principle of Inclusion and Mainstreaming in education. Those who are eligible may apply for scholarship in Basic Education Course [Grade 7 to K12].

The scholarships and educational assistance offered by GMEFI are in two categories:

• ACADEMIC – Successful applicants who graduated with honors from elementary school with graduating class of not less than 40 students can avail of the following:

Valedictorian – free tuition fees, free miscellaneous fees, free computer fees except other fees. They shall receive book/uniform allowance of ₱5,000.00 per annum

Salutatorian – free tuition fees, free miscellaneous fees, except computer fees and other fees. They shall receive book/uniform allowance of ₱3,000.00 per annum

Honorable Mentions – free tuition fees, free miscellaneous fees, except computer fees and other fees. They shall receive book/uniform allowance of ₱1,500.00 per annum

• NON-ACADEMIC – Those who graduated without honors, and/or those who are already studying in Grade 8 or up, and wants to avail of the scholarship may also apply. He/she must have an average grade of 85%. However, successful applicants can avail of free tuition fees only.

Requirements for Admission

• Completely filled-up Scholarship or Educational Assistance Application Form;
• Form No. 138;
• Original copy of Birth Certificate issued by NSO;
• Certificate of good moral character from the School Principal where he/she graduated; or, where he/she is currently studying;
• Income Tax Return [ITR] of parents or guardian or affidavit of family income of not more than P150,000.00 per annum
• Recommendation from Guidance Counsellor and/or Social Case Study Report by appointed Registered Social Worker of designated Local Government Unit for non-Academic Scholars;

Interested persons may inquire at the GMEFI office for information, telephone # 936-36-27, or email: gawadmetronian@gmail.com.

For information about Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. visit our website: gawadmetronian.org

Community Educational Program

Last Friday on April 15, I was appointed Community Educational Program Head while at the same time serving as member of the Board of Trustees of Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. [GMEFI]. My task is to take care of the Foundation’s network with other organizations and institutions with regards the implementation of its Community Fund Assistance Program. It aims to serve the community first and foremost.

My suggestion to include Persons with Disability [PWD] as recipients of the scholarship for either high school or college student has been welcomed. Most PWDs I know of belong to the poor, and indigent sector. In my experience, some of them exhibit exceptional intelligence which should be helped nurtured. I am just waiting for the finalization of the list of requirements for them.