In this file photo, Karen Dianon, a PADS member and relay deaf interpreter, is teaching other PADS deaf and non-deaf members basic sign language conversational skills.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Councilor Pancrasio Esparis has proposed an ordinance that would require sign language interpreters in any forum or meeting in the Cebu City government.
Esparis said that it would advance the rights and welfare of the deaf-mute community if the path to the full comprehension of the discussions becomes open by providing a sign language interpreter.
“The discussions of the developments and programs of the Cebu City government conveyed by the Executive Department in any forum or meeting are of great importance to every Cebuano,” he said.
He said that “full comprehension” of the discussions would give meaning to the ideals of democracy and freedom.
In his proposal, among the duties and responsibilities of the sign language interpreter to be employed by the city government are the following:
- Interprets oral or spoken words to sign language during speeches delivered by the chief executive or his or her representative
- Conducts regular and continual sign language trainings to employees of the Cebu City government
- Does such similar tasks as may be determined by the chief executive
During the council’s regular session on Wednesday, September 6, Esparis referred the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling, and to the Committee on Budget and Finance for review.
Committee on Budget and Finance Vice-Chairman Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera also referred it to the Department of Social Welfare and Services.
/bmjo
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