Last December 11, the statue of the Philippine School for the Deaf Founder, Mother Delight Rice, a Thomasite, was unveiled in the compound of PSD. The school was founded in 1907. The making of the sculpture was initiated by Mr. Ronald Hirano, her foster son. Led by the O.I.C. Principal of PSD, Dr. Rosalie Condes, she welcomed Mr. Hirano who is based in the U.S., Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, the alumni of PSD and other guests.
Below is the copy of Mr. Hirano’s prepared speech.
The day I got hold of a book on Delight Rice written by her foster child Ronald Hirano was my first time to read about Ms. Universe-Jamaica Davina Bennett. That was 
yesterday November 28, a day [GMT] after Ms. Jamaica was proclaimed second runnerup in the 2017 Ms. Universe pageant held in the U.S.A. It was also yesterday, that I went to Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago with my film made with, and for Deaf people. Entitled ULTIMO ADIOS, it is based on a poem written by our greatest hero Jose Rizal before his execution in 1896. Shot largely in the area six years ago, it is the first-ever interpretation of the poem in sign language.
Ms. Rice was an American with Deaf parents who founded the Philippine School for the Deaf in 1907. Ms. Bennett is a Jamaican who founded the Davina Bennett Foundation for the Deaf in Jamaica. They both care for Deaf people to give them equal opportunities in the society. Ms. Rice stayed in the Philippines for many years to educate our Deaf youth, and even brought some to the United States to continue their studies in California.
Having learned that Ms. Jamaica wanted the Miss Universe competition as a platform to spread awareness for all deaf people made me appreciate her beauty even more. On an earlier interview when she won the Miss Universe Jamaica competition, she said: “I started the foundation before Miss Universe. I needed a platform to have a voice for these persons who need my support.” With that said, I find in her a noble heart, beautiful inside out. How I wish she won the pageant!
Working and advocating for Deaf people myself, I feel more inspired to know that a lot more people come to recognize that Deaf people need equal recognition, and support.
Ms. Universe Jamaica Davina Bennett with Britney Barnes, Deaf model
Come December, I heard a monument of Delight Rice shall be erected in the compound of the Philippine School for the Deaf. It is going to be led by Mr. Ronald Hirano himself. Incidentally, the Foundation I am connected with, Gawad Metronian Educational Foundation, Inc. supports a Deaf scholar.
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.
From my files: Photos grabbed from the Q & A Session after the Showing of Silent Odyssey at the Philippine School for the Deaf last year.
The showing was initiated by the Faculty and Personnel Club of PSD led by Jun Sevilla.
Mothers of Deaf Children studying at the Philippine School for the Deaf shared their thoughts after watching Silent Odyssey, a docu on Deaf Filipinos that touches on audism, history, Deaf culture and Filipino Sign Language.
Parents of Deaf Children Should Share [teach] Sign Language to Hearing People…
Deafness is not a Hindrance to Succeed
[Sign Language should be shared]… so that Deaf Children Won’t Get Stuck in a Corner with No One to Talk With… or else, Not Understood
Photos Grabbed from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfc2Ygj7S1Y%5B
To you all! Happy Women’s Month!
Today’s screening of “Silent Odyssey” at the Philippine School of the Deaf was held at 8 am in their Conference Room. It was attended by parents of Deaf children in pre-school and kindergarten levels.
Jun Sevilla, president of PSD Faculty Club [extreme right] welcomes the attendees
Parents of Deaf Children
Jun Sevilla introduces the film
MM gives background explanation on the making of Silent O
The audience
A short forum was held after the screening…We got positive reaction from parents re the film. A few who were touched shed tears. Three screenings are scheduled tomorrow for teachers, students and parents who were not able to view the film today.
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