Maria Lena Buhay Foundation ready for 30th school year

The MLBMFI, the first oral therapeutic school for the hearing impaired in the Philippines founded in 1987, celebrates its 30th year when it opens SY 2017-2018 this June.

The oral school was established in memory of Maria Lena, a Senior Psychology student at the Ateneo de Manila University and daughter of Roger and Leticia Nietes Buhay who passed away at the age of 21 only a few months after she was tragically diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 1986.

Now, 30 years later, the school continues its mission to help hearing impaired children learn how to talk, to understand, and to be understood through its various Speech-based intervention programs implemented by its well-trained teachers and staff.

As a testament to its success, many students from the MLBMFI have been successfully mainstreamed in regular schools locally and abroad. After providing its students with the foundation of Speech, many have now graduated, raising families of their own, gainfully employed or engaged in their own businesses.

Grateful for the continued support of generous stakeholders, donor organizations and development partners through the years, a simple but special reunion is in the works for its 30th year in September 2017. Former students, teachers, parents and guardians are to be invited to this special celebration.

Last March 31, 2017, the school held its 29th Recognition and Moving Up Day with the theme – “Class 2017 – Yes, we can!” The talented students with varying degrees of hearing impairment presented beautiful and meaningful performances ranging from choral readings, dance numbers and musical interpretations using varied music instruments. Before every number, each hearing impaired child introduced himself clearly. Some students even included Korean, Japanese and French phrases to emphasize the truth behind the school trademark slogan, “Yes, we can!”

The oral school is now open for enrollment, accepting inquiries and applications for SY 2017-2018 at No. 25 Starline Road, Blue Ridge B, Quezon City with contact numbers (02)647-1270 an (02) 647-1076. You may also email mlbmf87@hotmail.com.

Last April 3, 2017, in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, the MLBMFI’s founder and executive director Leticia Nietes Buhay was a recipient of the “Autism Advocate Award” for her invaluable contribution to autism awareness and advocacy in the Philippines.

She was a TOTAL Awardee in Education for 2014.