by: Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
MANILA, (PIA) — The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has issued a strong statement condemning the use of derogatory phrases such as “Bingi ka ba?” (Are you deaf/mute?) as discriminatory and harmful to individuals within the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
During Wednesday’s Impormasyon at Aksyon sa Bagong Pilipinas radio show, NCDA’s Information Education and Communication Division chief Dr. Mark Anthony B. Inocencio emphasized the importance of respectful language and the need to foster an inclusive society. The weekly radio show is being hosted by Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region Director Emver P. Cortez.
“Halimbawa po ‘yung salitang bingi o bulag ay ginagamit ng karamihan para matukoy na may kakulangan ang isang tao, na kahit wala naman po talagang kapansanan. Kapag nahihirapan po ang isang katrabaho o kakilala natin na makarinig, madalas nga na sinasabi natin ang tanong na, ‘Bingi ka ba?’ na tila may kakulangan sila sa kanilang pandinig,” Inocensio said.
The NCDA official has called on the public to be more mindful of their language, highlighting that phrases like “Bingi ka ba?” not only offend but also contribute to a culture of discrimination against people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The council is advocating for greater awareness and sensitivity in conversations involving disability, like using “people with disabilities” instead of “disabled people.”
He said words matter, and using terms that belittle or demean individuals with disabilities perpetuates stigma and reinforces negative stereotypes.
“So bumubuo ito ng konsepto sa utak ng ating mga kababayan kahit hindi naman po ito sinasadya,” he added.
“Sa lipunan o sa workplace po, kadalasan na mas ginagamit ang may kapansanan at mga terminologies ng mga may kapansanan bilang pang-aasar, o panawag sa incompetence ng isang tao o trabaho,” he further said.
The official said communities must strive for a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is treated with dignity and respect.
Moreover, he said language is a powerful tool that our society can use to empower rather than marginalize.
For more information about the NCDA’s initiatives and resources on disability awareness, visit their official website: ncda.gov.ph; and social media page: facebook.com/ncdagovph. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
0 Comments