By Jane Teston
In its ongoing effort to make disaster preparedness inclusive for everyone, the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) Knowledge Sharing Division, in partnership with the Kakamay Movement and FSL for Inclusive PH, successfully hosted the two-day workshop called ‘SENYAS: Signs of Resilience’ last June 23-24, 2026 at the UPRI Training Room.
UPRI staff learned different signs for resilience and disaster preparedness
The workshop aimed to bridge the communication gap between the hearing and the Deaf community through Filipino Sign Language (FSL) in the context of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and climate change adaptation. Under the guidance of Sir General Gabinera Palma and Ms. Rack Estiller Corpuz, the workshop strengthened the participants’ capacity to communicate disaster-related information in a much more inclusive and accessible manner. The workshop was attended by UPRI staff from various divisions and members of the Tarlac State University. Their joint participation highlights a shared commitment to advancing inclusive DRRM.
Activities included deep-diving into Deaf culture, understanding their situation and challenges. As an example, they are unable to hear early warning signals. Responders should use alternative means of communication such as using a torchlight to signal evacuation. They showed the proper sign language for different commonly used terms, including ‘resilience’ and ‘flooding.’ In addition, they also created a sign name for ‘NOAH.’ They also taught vital safety terms into FSL, and adapted the UPRI song ‘Intensity’ into the language of the Deaf.
Through these hands-on activities, FSL was highlighted as a powerful tool for empowerment and expanding awareness within disaster contexts. Moving forward, UPRI remains committed to fostering inclusive resilience building initiatives.