15/05/2026
LP: π¦π WESTERN VISAYAS DRIVING INSTITUTE CORPORATION JOINS ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR THE DEAF COMMUNITY ππ¦
Western Visayas Driving Institute Corporation (WVDIC), an LTO-accredited driving school, is honored to be the FIRST DRIVING SCHOOL to be part of this meaningful initiative under the RTSIP Awareness Program for the Deaf, in partnership with PROJECT C.A.R.E.S. RS10P, the Negrense Deaf Federation (NDF), and the Bacolod Integrated Deaf Association (BIDA).
The program was held in celebration of International Disability Day with the theme, βFostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Programs,β and the 21st Negros Celebration Week of Peace: βA Journey Towards Lasting Harmony.β
Our IDD celebration was made even more meaningful with the visit of 95-year-old βNANAY DIDAY,β together with her daughter, Mrs. Elda Espanola Barthelemy, CEO of Western Visayas Driving Institute Corporation, and grandchildren Grace Barthelemy and Elvie Sarrosa, Liaison for Education β YES! RTSIPp (Youth, Educators & Safety Advocate for Road Traffic Safety and Injury Prevention Program).
The event gathered 54 Deaf representatives from various Deaf Associations in Bacolod City, Talisay City, Silay City, Cadiz City, Sipalay City, Bago City, as well as some members of PWD associations in Bacolod City.
Through Filipino Sign Language, the program emphasized the importance of inclusive road safety education β empowering Deaf participants with knowledge they can understand, use, and share with their families and communities.
A moving highlight of the event was the sign-language βsing-alongβ of βSAVE MORE LIVES,β an original song by Monica Fernandez and Eugene Montenero, led by volunteer in-house Sign Language Interpreter Joan Jalandoni Briones. Their hands spoke what voices could not β honoring every life lost on the road and reminding us that every life lost is a story that deserved to continue.
The celebration also served as a remembrance of all road traffic crash victims who can no longer be with us, and as a reminder for everyone to stay safe everyday.
At WVDIC, we believe that road safety is a shared responsibility. Whether as drivers, pedestrians, commuters, or passengers, we all have a role in preventing road crashes, injuries, and loss of life.
Being Deaf should never prevent anyone from becoming informed and aware of potential risks and hazards on the road. Road safety education must always be inclusive and accessible to all.
As long as road traffic crashes continue to claim lives, true peace on our roads remains elusive.
Our message is clear:
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Every life matters
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Every voice counts
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Every road user deserves safety
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Road safety education must be for everyone
We extend our sincerest gratitude to Ms May Cueva, OverAll Chair of PROJECT C.A.R.E.S. RS10P PROJECT C.A.R.E.S. (Community Activities Reaching to Everyone through Services) INC., Negrense Deaf Federation, BIDA, VCDA, Joan Jalandoni Briones, Ms. Benja Lucasan and the PPDO Negros Occidental team, and all participants and partners who made this meaningful program possible.
Together, let us listen, act, and commit to saving more lives.