KWF completes IRR for Filipino Sign Language Law

The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino has reached the completion of the long-awaited Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11106 or the Filipino Sign Language Law (FSL).

RA 11106, which was enacted in 2018, can now finally be implemented to support and uplift the life of the deaf population, thanks to the efforts of the current administration, led by KWF Chairman of the Commission on the Filipino Language Dr. Arthur P. Casanova.

The IRR was established with the cooperation of a number of stakeholders, including Dr. Liza Martinez, a proponent of Filipino Sign Language (FSL), and KWF Commissioner Benjamin Mendillo Jr., with the goal of substantially aiding hearing-impaired individuals.

Dr. Martinez expressed gratitude and appreciation for the KWF’s cooperation in the finalization of the IRR during the virtual flag raising event.

“Sa batas na ito, ang Pilipinas ay isa sa apatnapung bansa na kinabibilangan ng isang daan limampu’t dalawang bansa ng UN na nagsabatas ng pagkilála sa wikang senyas ng komunidad ng mga bingi,” said Dr. Martinez.

“Sa ASEAN naman, pangatlo lámang ang Pilipinas kasunod ng Malaysia at Thailand na may ganitong kakaibang batas at táyo ang pinakamasigasig ngayon na nagsusulong ng ganitong uri ng pagkilála sa wikang senyas sa buong ASEAN,” she added.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Mendillo expressed gratitude to Chairman Casanova for his assistance in the creation of IRR. He also lauded the three-agency Inter-agency Coordinating Council for their active participation in the IRR delivery process.

RA 11106 declares the FSL as the national sign language of the Filipino deaf and the official sign language of government in all transactions involving the deaf. It also mandates the use of FSL in schools, broadcast media, and workplaces.

The Principal author of R.A 11106 Assistant Minority leader and Act Teachers Representative France Castro and Former Representative Antonio Tinio.

RA 11106 was enacted into law on Oct. 30, 2018 by President Rodrigo Duterte.