The Rotaract Clubs of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and University of the East College of Dentistry hosted the 2nd District Meeting of the Rotaract Clubs from the Rotary International District 3810 last September 18, 2021, with the theme “KUMPAS: Breaking Barriers through Filipino Sign Language.” This meeting was divided into three parts: the first part is the Pulong where the Rotaract Club presidents gather and be informed on the latest updates from the district; the second part is the Talakayan wherein an introductory lecture to Filipino Sign Language with the objective of increasing awareness on the deaf culture and importance of sign language, and; lastly, the Tambayan or the online fellowship portion in which it involved Rotaractors to foster camaraderie and friendship through virtual games.
With his buoyant personality, Mr. Jamil Q. Carvajal, a college instructor from the University of Santo Tomas and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and the speaker for this event, engaged the audience in a very participative method in discussing the Filipino Sign Language. Albeit virtually, the audience was able to have a hands-on experience by following his instructions on how to properly execute the hand gestures. His discussion did not only center on the technicalities of these but most importantly, on how one must do them without being disrespectful to the deaf community. Mr Carvajal added that his intention is just to raise awareness about the importance of Filipino Sign language and not to share the culture and ways of the Filipino deaf community as it’s ethical for a deaf person to discuss and share it to the masses.
As the event progressed, being persistent and witty are a few words to describe how the fellowship went. The show-do segment of the event was the most awaited part of all the attendees, where they got to do the signs themselves. Most of the attendees were diligently doing all of the signs shown by the speaker and are at the same time enjoying the company of one another.
