For its role as one of the Philippines’ pioneering organizations for disability inclusivity, the Philippine Council of Organizations on Disability and Empowerment (PhilCODE) awarded De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde with an Appreciation Award on Monday, Nov. 11.
Representatives of the College, along with several other companies and organizations in the Philippines, were invited to the Awarding of Disability Inclusive Companies hosted by PhilCODE, as well as the launching of The Equals Mobile Application.
Through the efforts of Benilde’s Saint Brother Jaime Hilario Institute (SBJHI), an organization that trains and empowers persons with disabilities (PWDs), the College was nominated for an Appreciation Award. Awardees were recognized for their conscious efforts in creating an accessible environment and workplace for people with disabilities. APPEN Services Philippines and HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines were also candidates that were nominated by SBJHI.
“The PWD section is often neglected or not given enough attention, and it is we [SBJHI] who cater to them. We help them out. That is part of our inclusion for Benilde.” Mr. Levi M. Umali, SBJHI Director, expressed in an interview with The Benildean. He underscored the importance of creating an accessible environment for those with disabilities, and to provide them with opportunities to foster their skills.
PhilCODE is an organization whose main purpose is to promote the development and awareness of people with disabilities, most especially in the workplace. With equals.org.ph, their online research hub, they aim to provide people with disabilities more opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
The full list of companies that were recognized in the event are as follows:
- ACCENTURE Philippines
- ANZ Global Services & Operations
- De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
- TAHANANG WALANG HAGDAN Inc.
- National Federation of Cooperatives of Persons With Disability (NFCPWD)
- TELUS International Philippines
- CALLWERKS Solutions Inc.
- APPEN Services Philippines
- HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines
Representatives from SBJHI—including their Director Mr. Levi M. Umali, Ms. Caroline Trinidad (Operations Coordinator), and Ms. Rowena Jimenez (Program Coordinator)—and Human Resources Services—Ms. Alona M. Bonuan (Senior Director of People and Organization Development), Mr. Lawrence P. Tolosa (Head of Engagement and Community and Relations Unit), and Ms. Mary Ann S. Palomo (Engagement Specialist Coordinator)—received the reward on behalf of the College.
The College’s advancements towards creating an inclusive environment began in 1991 with a course for people with hearing disabilities, and its efforts came to fruition with the establishment of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS). SBJHI, on the other hand, was instituted on October 1, 2012. The organization was placed directly under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics in January 2016.
True to their mission, SBJHI continues to host various programs and activities that integrate innovation for inclusion among all members of the community. These programs and seminars include Behavioral Training, CCTV Operations Training, and Basic Bookkeeping. They have been working with the College for seven years now, advocating for disability inclusivity.
More information about SBJHI and their programs can be found on their official Facebook page.
In addition, one of the events promoting inclusivity is the ongoing 25th Deaf Festival, a week-long festival that aims to promote empowerment for the Deaf Community in Benilde through activities such as learning sessions and bazaars hosted by the SDEAS Community. The festival kicked off last Monday with a mass led by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
The event ends with a Cultural Show on November 16 at the School of Design and Arts Theater.
