College of Education, Wesleyan University-Philippines

23/09/2026

FEATURE | When Hands Speak: Stories of Language and Inclusion

A language does not always have to be spoken to be heard.

For the deaf and hard-of-hearing people around the world, sign languages provide a vital means of expressing thoughts, sharing ideas, building relationships, and participating in everyday life. More than a form of communication, sign language helps open pathways to education, information, and social participation.

Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) joins the global observance of the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23, highlighting the importance of recognizing sign languages and creating environments where deaf people can communicate, learn, and participate without unnecessary barriers.

The United Nations established the International Day of Sign Languages in recognition of the importance of sign languages in the full realization of the human rights of deaf people. The observance is an opportunity to promote awareness of sign languages and the linguistic and cultural diversity of the deaf communities.

For 2026, the observance carries the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” placing emphasis on the rights of deaf people and the importance of ensuring their full and equal participation in society.

Communication as inclusion

Access to communication can influence how people experience education and their communities. When communication barriers are addressed, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are better positioned to access information, express themselves, build connections, and participate in decisions that affect them.

Sign languages are recognized as fully developed natural languages, with their own linguistic structures and cultural significance. Recognizing them therefore goes beyond learning signs—it means acknowledging the language, identity, and experiences of the people who use them.

In educational settings, this recognition becomes particularly important. Inclusive education means creating learning environments that accommodate different ways of communicating and ensure that students have meaningful opportunities to participate.

WUP’s continuing commitment

WUP’s recognition of inclusive education is rooted in a commitment that dates back decades. In 1983, the University established the Support for the Handicapped and Their Rehabilitation through Education (SHARE) Program, which sought to provide access to quality education for persons with disabilities, particularly the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

The program forms part of WUP’s broader history of creating educational opportunities for learners with disabilities. Its establishment more than four decades ago reflects the University’s continuing effort to make education more accessible to members of the community with diverse needs.

While the International Day of Sign Languages places the spotlight on sign language and the rights of deaf people, it also invites institutions and communities to examine how they can remove barriers to communication and participation.

For WUP, the observance serves as a reminder that inclusion is built through access, understanding, and respect for different ways of communicating.

On this day, celebrating sign languages means recognizing the voices they carry—voices expressed through movement, gesture, and shared understanding—and reaffirming the importance of ensuring that every person has the opportunity to be heard, understood, and included.

References:
https://docs.un.org/en/A/RES/72/161
https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day
https://nad.org/knowledge-hub/position-statements/guidelines-for-media-portrayal-of-the-deaf-community/

Article by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)
Poster by John Carlo S. Dauz (PIO)

23/09/2026

22/09/2026

WUP turns concert into call for flood response and accountability

Wesleyan University–Philippines (WUP) turned music and performance into a call for action as employees and students from different levels came together for “For Life’s Sake: A Concert and a Call,” an advocacy event supporting communities affected by severe flooding in Central Luzon and other areas.

Held in response to the flooding in provinces including Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac, Zambales, and nearby areas caused by the monsoon rains and recent typhoons, the video-recorded concert brought together the University community through songs, dances, and messages of solidarity.

WUP Vice President Gladys P. Maguiduyos said the concert marks the University’s third “For Life’s Sake” concert for a cause, describing the initiative as part of the institution’s culture of responding to communities in times of crisis.

“After learning about what is happening in Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan and other nearby provinces, I asked the President to organize and mobilize people to do a concert so that we can reach as many people as we could,” Maguiduyos said.

She emphasized that the initiative goes beyond the distribution of relief goods, calling attention to the need for government action to address the recurring flooding problem.

“We are calling the attention of the government, calling for accountability, calling on people who would really address this perennial problem of flooding,” she added.

For WUP President Irineo Alvaro Jr., the advocacy reflected the Wesleyan tradition of connecting faith with service to society.

“Every time na may mangyayaring sakuna, we quickly address it in our own way, in our own capacity, in our own resources,” Alvaro said.

He explained that the initiative draws from the teachings of John Wesley, particularly the principle of social holiness, which emphasizes that faith should be reflected through service and engagement with society.

The performances also carried a message beyond entertainment, with Alvaro describing the songs as expressions of grief, hope, and solidarity with those affected by the floods.

“Maririnig mo rin yung mga salita na naghihimok ng pagkilos sa kinauukulan, hindi lang yung hahayaan na natin dahil resilient tayo,” he said.

Alvaro further described “For Life’s Sake” as a call for accountability among those entrusted with public responsibility.

“Ang ‘For Life’s Sake’ ay isang paraan upang tawagin natin ang mga nasa gobyerno, mga nanunungkulan na maging accountable sa kanilang ginagawa sa kanilang tungkulin,” he said.

The concert echoed the University’s “For Life’s Sake: A Statement of Conscience and a Call to Action,” which calls for more than immediate disaster relief. The statement penned by Mangiduyos and read by Sam Gabriel R. Pabilona, a student leader and reigning Mister Wesleyan, urged stronger flood-control systems, properly maintained waterways, responsible land-use planning, environmental protection, resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems, humane evacuation facilities, and accountable use of public funds.

It also cautions against treating Filipino resilience as a substitute for effective systems that protect communities from recurring disasters.

Through the participation of students and university leaders, the concert transformed the Wesleyan community’s concern into a collective call for solidarity, responsibility, and action —underscoring that protecting life requires not only responding to disaster but also addressing the conditions that allow communities to remain vulnerable.

The recorded “For Life’s Sake” concert was made available through WUP's official YouTube channel on September 17, 2026 (https://youtu.be/Aoko4gFDjrg?si=C3dw18ixJCSg6DIT) for those who wish to watch and learn more about the advocacy. Those who want to extend financial assistance to communities affected by the floods could also send donations through the designated account:

BDO PESO ACCOUNT
ACCOUNT NAME: WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 00930166159

The initiatives underscored the University’s continuing commitment to putting faith into action and standing with communities in times of crisis.

Article by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo S. Dauz (PIO)

20/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐄𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐝-𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬

The College of Education hosted a send-off service for its LEPT takers last Friday, September 18, at the Baguio City First United Methodist Church.

Led by COEd Spiritual Adviser, Dss. Jacqueline G. Serquiña, all full-time faculty and staff, together with Dean Jhon Carlo S. Villa, offered prayers and messages of inspiration to lift up the spirit and strengthen the faith of the board exam takers.

A candle-lighting ceremony followed, led by the COEd faculty and staff, which symbolized the presence of Christ in the lives of the examinees and the burning desire in their hearts. A song of praise was also done to honor and praise the Lord in their journey.

The service was filled with humble prayers and wishes, and it became a moment of surrendering all the fears and worries in their hearts and putting all their trust to God.

The program ended with everyone singing and prayer together while holding their candles, and later followed by a fellowship dinner.

Meanwhile, some COEd graduates will be taking the LEPT examinations today, Sunday, September 20. Results will be released in December this year.

20/09/2026

Panalangin ng Pagpapatibay at Paggabay para sa mga LEPT Takers

Aming mapagmahal na Diyos,

Sa araw na ito, itinataas namin sa Iyo ang lahat ng kukuha ng Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. Pagkalooban Mo sila ng kapanatagan ng loob, malinaw na pag-iisip, karunungan, at tiwala sa kanilang mga natutuhan.

Alisin Mo ang kanilang kaba at pangamba. Sa bawat tanong, gabayan Mo sila upang maalala at magamit nang tama ang kanilang mga pinag-aralan. Bigyan Mo sila ng lakas at tibay hanggang sa matapos ang pagsusulit.

Panginoon, ingatan Mo sila sa kanilang paglalakbay at ilayo sa anumang kapahamakan. Higit sa lahat, ipadama Mo sa kanila na anuman ang kanilang harapin, Ikaw ay kasama nila at hindi Mo sila pababayaan.

Nawa'y pagpalain Mo ang kanilang mga pagsisikap at mga pangarap na maging ganap na mga g**o na maglilingkod nang may puso, talino, at pananampalataya.

Ang lahat ng ito ay aming ipinagkakatiwala sa Iyo.

Amen.

Best of Luck, Future Teachers!

17/09/2026

FOR LIFE'S SAKE | Every Donation Helps a Family Rise Again

The music continues, but so does our mission.

For Life's Sake is more than a benefit concert. It is a collective response to the families devastated by the recent floods in Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and neighboring provinces, where many continue to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

If you were moved by the concert, you can turn compassion into action.

We are accepting donations of any amount. Every contribution will help support relief and recovery efforts for affected communities.
Send your donation to:

BDO Peso Account
Account Name: WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Account Number: 000930166159

Together, let our voices become hope, and our generosity become healing.

For Life's Sake: A Concert and a Call.

To watch the concert, you may visit this link: https://youtu.be/Aoko4gFDjrg?si=LnGJubXAT1nQGY64

16/09/2026

𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙥𝙬𝙚𝙙𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙥! 🤩🌟

Bawat araw, siguradong pwedeng mangarap, dahil nariyan ang ating mga g**o na patuloy na nagsisilbing gabay upang tayo’y patuloy na magsikhay. 📚

Kaya’t sa nalalapit na araw ng mga g**o, samahan ninyo kami upang isigaw ang mga katagang: "𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝑰𝒌𝒂𝒘 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒏!" 🫵🏻

This September 5 to October 5, we are celebrating the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, let us not forget to give honor, thanks, and commend the dedication, and passion of our incredible teachers who continuously share their wisdom and expertise to us.

The time, effort, perseverance, and selfless act of love that you have been giving us are immeasurable—without your help, we would be like birds without wings to soar high. 🪽So now, it’s our time to give back once again. 💙

Kaya teacher, ikaw naman, dahil ikaw talaga magpakailanman—ang aming g**o na hindi mapapantayan ng kahit na sino man. 🫶🏻😉

You are the ⭐️ in this celebration, and I [𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄] from the [INSERT PROGRAM & YEAR LEVEL] proudly celebrates all the amazing teachers who continuously hones our capabilities, finds strength beneath our weaknesses and guides us in unlocking our fullest potential.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁! 👩🏻‍🏫👨🏻‍🏫

📍 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗣 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦 (You may choose one from the three options:
* 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝟭: https://twb.nz/wupntm2026v1
* 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝟮: https://twb.nz/wupntm2026v2
* 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝟯: https://twb.nz/wupntm2026v3

✍️: Prof. Abegail Palma (English Professor)
🖼️: Sir Joshua Denise F. Ritual (PIO Staff)

’Month2026

09/09/2026

07/09/2026