By Leiane Bennice Zamora
Nursing students participate in interactive sign language activities during Project CONnected, a workshop organized by the CPU College of Nursing and College of Education to promote autism awareness, inclusive communication, and compassionate healthcare.
The Central Philippine University — College of Nursing in partnership with The College of Education, successfully conducted Project CONnected: A Sign Language and Autism Awareness Workshop for future healthcare workers last June 5, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM at the Educational Media Center Building. The event brought together nursing students, advocates, educators, and members of the Deaf and Autism communities in a meaningful learning experience centered on inclusivity, communication, and compassionate healthcare.
The workshop was spearheaded by Adeo Guillever Gutierrez, Minister for Outreach, alongside Ministerial Staff Nicole Anayan, Jindro Acla, and Leiane Zamora, and creative support from Nightingale Creatives Isnah Esponilla. Through their collective efforts, the event successfully provided a platform for learning, awareness, and meaningful engagement.
The workshop featured esteemed resource speakers and advocates, including Ms. Karen Aujero from the Autism Society Philippines — Visayas Chapter, Ms. Mary Catherine B. De La Torre, LPT, a Deaf Resource Speaker from the CPU College of Education and Ms. Rizalina C. Condes, LPT, from SPED-ISEC who served as the Sign Language Interpreter throughout the program. Each speaker contributed valuable insights on autism awareness, deaf communication, and overall inclusivity towards all.
The workshop aimed to equip nursing students with the essential knowledge and skills in communicating and interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As future healthcare professionals, participants were encouraged to recognize the importance of accessible and inclusive care in promoting positive health outcomes for all individuals.
As the program progressed, a significant highlight of the event was the participation of the members of the autism community, where two individuals with autism delivered inspiring speeches. Their heartfelt words touched every heart of the people present at the event as they expressed the realities they face in their daily lives. They emphasized that when they struggle to put their feelings into words, it does not mean they have nothing to say; when they cannot maintain eye contact, they are still listening attentively; and when they do not answer immediately, they are often carefully processing their thoughts. Through their testimonies, participants gained a deeper understanding of autism and were encouraged to look beyond misconceptions and communicate with greater patience, empathy, and respect.
In the words of Ms. Karen Aujero, “They (people with autism) will really teach you to be better people.” Her words highlighted the importance of understanding and acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum, as her lecture talked about the value of learning from them and recognizing their role in shaping more compassionate and empathetic communities.
The session was further enriched by a special musical performance of Dreamers by Jungkook, performed by three members of the autism community, showcasing their talents and abilities, reinforcing the message that every person has unique abilities that deserve recognition and appreciation.
The workshop also featured a comprehensive sign language learning session facilitated by Ms. De La Torre and Ms. Condes who were joined by students from the College of Education—Vioncey Glindro, Nel Angelo Hablado, Ephraim John Teruel, and Jollin Marc Camarista—as they helped in the discussions and demonstrations. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of sign language, including counting, the alphabet, basic greetings, and commonly used medical terms. Through interactive discussions and demonstrations, students gained practical communication skills that can be applied in healthcare settings to better serve patients hard of hearing.
To further enhance learning, the participants engaged in interactive activities such as a sign language “Pass the Sign” challenge, which encouraged teamwork and accurate communication through sign language. A role-playing activity was likewise conducted, allowing students to apply their newly acquired sign language skills in simulated healthcare scenarios and reinforcing the importance of effective communication in patient care.
Through these engaging activities, the students were able to bridge understanding and practice, fostering greater empathy, awareness, and confidence in handling and communicating with diverse patients. Leaving them with not only practical sign language skills and a deeper sense of understanding for people with special needs, but also a sense of responsibility in providing inclusive care for all patients.
The CPU College of Nursing expresses its sincere gratitude to the resource speakers, organizations, participants, and advocates who contributed to the success of this workshop. Special thanks are also extended to the Autism Society Philippines — Visayas Chapter, the College of Education, and all individuals who generously shared their time, expertise, and support to make the event possible. More than a learning experience, the event served as a step toward building a healthcare workforce that is inclusive, empathetic, and responsive to the diverse communication needs of the communities they will one day serve.