Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) is about to mark another milestone in its campaign to further promote Philippine languages.

KWF information officer Wilbert Lamarca said the agency set commencing in Metro Manila on Sat, Dec 10, its first sign language training for the public.

“During the training, participants will learn the basics of Filipino Sign Language (FSL),” he said.

KWF decided providing the training for free so more people can learn FSL, he noted.

FSL is a non-verbal language or communication system already used nationwide particularly by the country’s deaf community, said KWF translator Earvin Pelagio who’s involved in the project.

He noted FSL is visual, mainly involving use of hand signals to communicate.

“By providing FSL training, we hope to help increase and enhance communication among hearing and non-hearing people,” he said.

Lamarca said KWF will conduct the half-day training on five Saturdays.

The training dates are Dec. 10 and 17 this year as well as Jan. 7, 14 and 21 next year, he noted.

KWF said a total 15 people voluntarily enlisted as FSL training participants.

“Most of them are teachers handling students with impaired hearing,” said Pelagio.

He said KWF will award certificates of completion to participants who pass the examination this agency will give at the training’s end.

Pelagio said KWF earlier partnered with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in conducting the training.

A DLS-CSB expert will train the participants, he noted.

Pelagio said they will go on to conduct the second basic FSL training next year.

KWF may also offer advanced FSL training, he added. —Philippine News Agency (PNA)

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