In a remarkable display of inclusivity, GreenVas and PTV 4 took a groundbreaking step forward by providing four Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreters at the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). Notably, this historic occasion marked the first time in Philippine history when two Deaf interpreters, Jasmin San Juan, and Heineken Bibo Lee Perey, were included in such a significant public gathering.
Joining Sarah Jael Cortez and Jefferson Cortez, two talented hearing interpreters, Jasmin San Juan and Heineken Bibo Lee Perey brought a unique dimension to the interpretation of the SONA. Both San Juan and Perey are celebrated figures within the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community – San Juan is the first female Deaf interpreter and a Deaf anchor from Mata News, a channel devoted to serving the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, and Perey is one of the most renowned Deaf vloggers in the Philippines.
The decision to include Deaf interpreters stemmed from their inherent ability to convey messages in a more expressive and natural signing style, which significantly enhances the understanding of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing viewers. By having interpreters who are intimately familiar with the Deaf culture and community, the recent SONA achieved a higher level of accessibility, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of hearing ability, could comprehend and engage with the address.
GreenVas, a staunch advocate for accessibility and inclusion, collaborated with PTV 4, a leading broadcasting network, to facilitate this remarkable initiative. Demonstrating their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, GreenVas and PTV 4 set a precedent for future events by prioritizing the needs of diverse communities and ensuring equitable access to vital information.
The inclusion of four FSL interpreters, including two Deaf interpreters, at the SONA serves as a testament to our nation’s progress toward a more inclusive society. By amplifying the voices of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through skilled interpreters such as Jasmin San Juan and Heineken Bibo Lee Perey, we symbolize a society that values the diversity of its citizens and endeavors to break down barriers to communication.
GreenVas and PTV 4 extend their wholehearted gratitude to Jasmin San Juan, Heineken Bibo Lee Perey, Sarah Jael Cortez, and Jefferson Cortez for their immense contributions to making the recent SONA an inclusive and empowering event. Their expertise and dedication have paved the way for a future where every citizen’s voice is heard, understood, and embraced.
