The Turkish government, through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), turned over a modern speech therapy room equipped with advanced auditory devices and audiovisual tools to the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City on October 14. The ceremony was led by Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol, TİKA Vice President Ümit Naci Yorulmaz, and TİKA Philippines Country Director Ibrahim Katirci.
Yorulmaz highlighted the project’s significance, saying, “Our aim is not only to improve learning but also to build confidence, independence, and greater participation in the society.” He added, “For us, this is more than just a project — it is an investment in human potential and in the future of young people who deserve every chance to succeed.” The new room, the first of its kind in the Philippines, will enhance speech development and communication skills for students with partial hearing abilities, aligning with the Department of Education’s push for inclusive education.
PSD Assistant Principal Dr. Jordan Madronio expressed gratitude, stating, “The turnover of the speech therapy room is a milestone for us. It’s not just a new facility, it’s a new opportunity for our students to grow, to communicate and gain confidence.” Ambassador Akyol noted TİKA’s broader contributions, saying, “TİKA works towards building bridges between our country and all our friends around the world, and the philosophy is human-centric. It’s not only about building infrastructure but more about building bridges to the heart.”
On the sidelines, TİKA presented barista equipment for PSD’s Vocational Barista Training Program to help students gain technical skills and connect with partner firms. Madronio shared future plans, saying, “Gusto nilang maging sustainable ‘yong pagdo-donate nila na in the future, the students can make money out of their skills and that’s what we want them to have. We’re planning to open up like a coffee shop in the school.”
TİKA has invested USD3 million in various Philippine projects, with more planned. PSD, established in 1907, is the country’s only government-run institution for hearing-impaired students.