Janine Gutierrez happy to see Filipino sign language interpreters in news

If you tuned in on 24 Oras yesterday, April 20, you might have noticed a little box on the lower right corner of your screen with a lady doing various signs as newscasters deliver their daily report.

If you are wondering who they are, well, they're the sign language interpreters relaying the news surrounding the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Filipino sign language interpreters are vital in the fight against COVID-19 especially for the deaf community in the Philippines.

With this recent addition, Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez couldn't help but laud the news program.

“So good that there's Filipino Sign Language on the news now.

“Sana tuloy-tuloy na, even when the crisis is over,” she wrote on Twitter.

A fan also noticed the inclusion of the Filipino deaf community in 24 Oras and commented, “I grew up watching GMA news with that. Ewan ko lang kung bakit nila tinaggal and yes, nakaka-happy na mayroon na uli.”

Another netizen took notice of the update, “First time Ms. Janine sa 24 Oras kaya all eyes ako kanina sa sign language interpreter. Ang tanong, sobrang bilis nakuha kaya nila lahat ng mensahe?”

To which the actress replied, “Sigurado! Mabilis talaga mag-sign ang deaf community na gumagamit ng Filipino Sign Language.

"It's only right that they are represented and that the news is made accessible for everyone.”

In 2018, the Filipino Sign Language Act or RA No. 11106 was passed that states, “the FSL shall be the language of broadcast media interpreting and that interpreter insets are required in news and public affairs programs.”

Sign language interpreters, vital to fight against COVID-19

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