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Use of sign language in local news programs sought

Posted on September 9, 2013

MANILA, (PNA) — Lawmakers have filed a bill requiring the use of Filipino sign language insets for local news programs to make broadcast media more accessible to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), including the deaf community.

Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate said House Bill 356, to be known as the Filipino Sign Language Insets for News Programs Act of 2013, hopes to pave the way for other sign-language interpreted programs in the future.

“With around a million PWDs, including those who are deaf, there is a long-standing yet unheeded call to use subtitles or sign language in television programs. Without these aids, deaf individuals are deprived of timely and relevant information that broadcast news provides,” Colmenares said.

According to Colmenares, the State mandates the rehabilitation, self-development and integration of PWDs into mainstream society through Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, which encourages television stations to use subtitles or sign-language interpreters in their news programs.

“However, at present, only a small number of the major news programs are regularly using subtitles or sign-language insets. On the other hand, a couple of regional stations have been utilizing sign language insets with the help of non-government organizations,” Colmenares said.

Zarate said Filipino sign language is preferred over captions or subtitles since only a small percentage of the deaf community was able to get formal education.

“Less than 5% of the reported 120,000 hearing-impaired are literate or have received any form of schooling, according to the Philippine Deaf Resource Center,” Zarate said.

House Bill 356 seeks to amend Section 22 of RA 7277. Under the bill, “All free to air television stations are required to provide Filipino sign language insets and where possible, closed captions or subtitles in at least two newscast programs a day and special programs covering events of national significance.”

“The free-to-air television stations may likewise opt to provide for Filipino sign language insets in other programs such as those pertaining to cultural affairs, livelihood and those catering to children,” the bill added.

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