Ian Porlas and Mary Jane Abubutal, both deaf and nonverbal, exchanged vows in a unique and moving wedding ceremony officiated by Father Khim Caermare, a sign language-proficient priest. The wedding, which took place in Dapitan City, Philippines, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the community and the need to embrace and support the deaf community.
Two deaf and nonverbal individuals, Ian Porlas and Mary Jane Abubutal, celebrated their wedding in Dapitan City, Philippines. The ceremony, held at Saint James the Greater Church, was unique in its silent solemnity. Father Khim Caermare, a sign language-proficient priest who officiated the wedding, emphasized that this marked the first event organized by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dipolog’s Deaf Ministry, a program he initiated seven years ago.
The ministry aims to empower and support the deaf community within the Diocese, which covers Zamboanga del Norte.The wedding was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the community. Friends, family, teachers, benefactors, and the deaf ministry worked together to make the special day possible. Donations ranged from flowers and food to a wedding cake and even a deaf photographer documenting the event. Father Caermare expressed his desire for this wedding to symbolize a shift in societal perceptions, moving away from viewing the deaf as liabilities and instead recognizing their inherent goodness and kindness. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by the deaf community, including feelings of inferiority and social exclusion. Many people in Zamboanga del Norte, he said, perceive the deaf as a burden, limiting educational and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the deaf are disproportionately vulnerable to crime, with statistics indicating a high rate of sexual violence against deaf women and girls. Father Caermare stressed the urgent need to support and empower the deaf community, not only through spiritual guidance but also by providing them with meaningful livelihoods and opportunities to showcase their talents. He emphasized that the deaf are not defined by their disabilities but possess unique gifts and abilities, such as painting, photography, carpentry, baking, and sculpting
DEAF COMMUNITY WEDDING PHILIPPINES SIGN LANGUAGE INCLUSION SOCIAL SUPPORT
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