Benilde’s Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies (BAPDST) program is now officially accredited. The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) granted it Level I Accredited Status. This recognition came through the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP). It is a major achievement for the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS).
The BAPDST program is the only Deaf Studies program in the Philippines. No other university offers a similar course. It is uniquely positioned in the country’s higher education landscape. It is also the only program with dual recognition. It holds both PAASCU and ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) accreditation.
This accreditation is valid until August 2028. It reflects the program’s strong curriculum. It highlights excellent teaching. It also shows a commitment to student success. The approval reaffirms SDEAS’s mission. That mission is to deliver quality, inclusive, and world-class education. This education is designed for Deaf individuals and their allies.
The BAPDST program empowers young Deaf individuals. It gives them knowledge. It builds skills. It boosts confidence. Students are prepared to become leaders. They are trained to be professionals in various fields.
They learn to become advocates. These advocates are competent. They are competitive. They are compassionate. They are ready to make a real difference. They impact their communities. They influence industries. They contribute to the nation.
Sign language is at the heart of the program. It is not just a communication tool. It is a cultural and academic foundation. Classes are conducted in Filipino Sign Language (FSL). This ensures full access to learning. It respects Deaf identity. It promotes linguistic rights.
Faculty members are skilled. Many are Deaf themselves. They understand the needs of their students. They bring lived experience into the classroom. They combine academic expertise with cultural insight.
Students engage in hands-on learning. They take part in community outreach. They do research. They build projects that serve the Deaf community. They learn how to design inclusive programs. They study policy. They gain leadership training.
This accreditation is a milestone. It belongs to the entire SDEAS community. Credit goes to the faculty. It goes to the students. It goes to the partners who supported the journey.
PAASCU is a respected accrediting body. It was established in 1957. It is private and non-profit. It sets high standards for education. It reviews the curriculum. It evaluates faculty. It checks research output. It inspects facilities.
When a program earns PAASCU accreditation, it earns a “quality seal.” This seal shows excellence. It is recognized nationally. It is respected internationally.
The BAPDST program met all standards. It showed strength in teaching. It demonstrated innovation. It proved its impact.
This achievement is historic. The Philippines now has a fully accredited Deaf-centered academic program. It sets a benchmark. Other schools may follow.
At Benilde, inclusion is not an afterthought. It is central to education. The SDEAS campus is designed for accessibility. Sign language is valued. Deaf culture is celebrated.
“This accreditation proves that Deaf education can meet the highest standards,” said a program leader. “It shows that when we invest in access, we get excellence.”
The future is bright. Graduates will go on to lead. They will work in education. They will shape policy. They will start businesses. They will advocate for rights.
This is more than a degree. It is a movement. It is about empowerment. It is about equity.
Congratulations to everyone at SDEAS. This is a proud moment. A program like no other. In a school like no other.
In Benilde SDEAS, you are free to be excellent. You are free to be extraordinary.
