24/08/2026
An informal meeting was held with Dr. Marquez, together with Convenor Dr. Liza Martinez of the FSL National Network (FSLN2), co-advocate Perpi Tiongson, and President Carolyn Dagani of the Quezon City Association of the Deaf (QCAD) on August 5, 2026, at the UP Population Institute, Palma Hall, Quezon City.
The discussion focused on the availability and collection of data on d/Deaf individuals who use Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and those who do not use signs. The group discussed the challenges of developing appropriate questions for data collection and determining how information can be gathered accurately in different communities and locations, particularly among Deaf individuals.
Carolyn shared QCAD’s concern about the need to determine how many Deaf residents are living in Quezon City. QCAD had requested crucial data from the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (QC PDAO), but the available information could not provide the specific data needed.
QCAD prefers to have data that specifically identifies Deaf residents in Quezon City. However, the current QC PWD ID classification combines “Deaf/Hard of Hearing” into one category.
This is an important concern because Deaf and haatard-of-hearing individuals may have different communication needs, language preferences, and access requirements. In particular, Deaf FSL users may require access to FSL interpreters and other FSL-based services, while some hard-of-hearing individuals may use different communication methods and assistive technologies.
Therefore, having more specific and disaggregated data on Deaf residents would help QCAD and local government identify their actual population, understand their needs, and develop appropriate, accessible, and inclusive programs and services for the Deaf community.
