To make the services of the City Government of Tacloban more inclusive, around 40 front desk employees of the Tacloban City Government participated in a three-day sign language training, organized by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

The program, running until November 14, 2024, is part of National Deaf Awareness Week and aims to equip City Hall employees with essential communication skills to better serve the hearing-impaired community.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Fe Chona Bahin welcomed participants, highlighting the need for patience and dedication in acquiring the said skill. Reading a message from Mayor Alfred Romualdez, she conveyed his vision of a City where inclusivity is at the forefront. “This initiative is a testament to our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive City where everyone is heard, seen, and valued,” the mayor’s message stated.

In his message, the mayor also acknowledged PDAO’s ongoing efforts under Jose Juvy Alday’s leadership to advocate the rights and welfare of differently-abled individuals.

Educators from the Special Needs Department (SNED), Leah Amor Felicilda and Ruby Rosales of Leyte National High School, led the training session.

This initiative, marks the second round of the basic sign language training provided by the city government this year, following an earlier session held in April.