Organization
Philippine Federation of the Deaf(PFD)
A national non-stock, non-profit organisation established in 1996 to represent and serve the Deaf community across the Philippines. PFD advocates for the rights of Deaf Filipinos and promotes Filipino Sign Language recognition. Its membership spans regional Deaf associations throughout the country, and it was key in securing the 2018 Filipino Sign Language Act.
About
The Philippine Federation of the Deaf, Inc. (PFD) was founded on 19 October 1996, with its first General Assembly held at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. It is a national, non-stock, non-profit organisation that represents the interests of Deaf people across all regions of the Philippines, bringing together regional and local Deaf associations into a single coordinating national body.
What They Do
PFD advocates for policy reforms that protect and advance the rights of Deaf Filipinos, including the recognition of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as an official language — a landmark campaign that contributed to the passage of Republic Act 11106 (The Filipino Sign Language Act) in 2018. The federation promotes inclusive education, access to sign language interpreters in public services, and employment rights. It also engages with the World Federation of the Deaf.
Who They Serve
PFD serves Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in all regions of the Philippines, from Luzon to Mindanao. Its membership-based structure directly represents local and regional Deaf communities, amplifying grassroots concerns at the national level. The federation also engages hearing families of Deaf people and professionals working in Deaf education and interpreting.
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