The Philippines’ Magna Carta for Disabled Persons ensures the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-
reliance of persons with disabilities. The country provides educational assistance to people with
disabilities from primary to tertiary education, including vocational or technical training.
One such school is the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City. For over a century, the school
had demonstrated the transformative power of education in empowering and unlocking the capabilities of
those with diverse disabilities to live fulfilling lives.
Though standing as a testament to the Philippines' long-standing commitment to differently-abled
education, the school, one of Southeast Asia's oldest institutions for the deaf, suffers from the effects of
time and wear, compromising its ability to fulfill its mission.
The school lacked basic facilities and accessibility features: converted classrooms, timeworn corridors,
limited space for vocational training, inadequate furniture, dilapidated walls and ceilings, broken tiles and
faucets, and dim lighting. It was also prone to flooding due to drainage problems, and it had only one
functional toilet with a broken door infested by termites.
Revitalizing a legacy
In a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of
Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined forces to breathe new life into the Senior High
School building and a four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, executed under the DepEd's
adopt-a-school program, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in revitalizing educational
infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
Previously hindered by infrastructural limitations, the century-old school now features enhanced learning
spaces dedicated to various subjects, including dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending,
food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference
room were also refurbished.
To enhance safety and accessibility, ramps and railings were installed throughout the campus, ensuring
ease of movement for all students. Aside from revitalizing 10 classrooms, the SM group also refurbished
the conference rooms, and the lobby with a reception area to provide a comfortable environment.
Helping instill good hygiene and encourage healthy habits, a handwashing station, and separate male
and female toilets were rehabilitated with clean, functional cubicles, urinals, and PWD-friendly facilities.
The covered court was restored with a spacious stage, creating a conducive area for outdoor learning
and recreation.
The rehabilitation of the facilities at the PSD was undertaken, not just to address the physical challenges
but also to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive. The project stands as a testament to
the SM and Henry Sy Foundations’ continued pursuit of inclusivity and its commitment to empowering
differently-abled individuals through education.
