Ms. Carolina T. Cordero,
A Deaf with A Hearing Heart

   When MCCID students think of the name Carol, the first thing that comes into their minds is success. Are they exaggerating, making "sipsip" or just telling the truth?

   What better way to start telling about her exciting life than in her family. Carol Cordero nee Tang, a half Chinese mestiza is the eldest daughter of a naturalized Chinese father and a Kapampangan mother. She is not the only deaf in her family. She also has two sisters, Susan and Rose who are both hearing impaired since birth. She also had a brother and a sister who are both hearing. In analyzing her family history, she had a deaf great grandfather.

   In her school day, she studied at the now Philippine School for the Deaf (formerly National School for the Deaf and Blind) in Pasay City. She was an active pupil both academically and in extra-curricular. She even became an honor pupil.

   She was also an active student in high school. In college, she enrolled and was the only deaf student at that time being mainstreamed at the now Polytechnic University of the Philippines (formerly Philippine College of Commerce). She took up and graduated in a Secretarial Course. Recently, PUP gave her a "Distinguished Alumna Recognition" for her exceptional performance despite her disability.

   After college, she started thinking about her future. In 1969, when a friend of hers invited her to work at 3M Philippines in Sucat, she did not think twice. She knew that it is very difficult for the deaf to get a decent job in the hearing world during that time (even until now). At first, she was assigned as a dishwasher. But she did not mind it. She knows that it's her work. After a few days, the Plant Manager noticed that her work is not fitted to her qualification so she was assigned to man the packing machine. The rest is history.

   Carol married one of her co-worker and they are blessed with two hearing children, a boy and a girl. After more than 29 fruitful years faithfully serving the company, receiving numerous "Perfect Attendance" and "Most Outstanding Employee" awards in 3M aside from the very prestigious "Presidential Award for the Handicapped" given by no less than former President Corazon Aquino, Carol started to think about helping her fellow deaf.

   At first she thought of studying computers. One of MCCID's loyal friend, Pastor Julius Andrada encouraged her to study here. At her age, she was the oldest in her class. But she did not mind it. "Education is a continuous process", she said. "Age does not matter."

   This is where the love for her fellow deaf blossomed. Soon, she became a part-time computer and a typing instructor. She started holding some counseling sessions with the deaf students. She reminded them that the hearing world is so big. They have to strengthen their hearts and cooperate with the hearing. Do what the hearing does. Make them feel that the deaf can do many things even better. Love their work. It's the only thing they got.

   Carol is also one of the Board Members of Philippine Institute for the Deaf and a faithful Christian and the past President of Silent Witness Ministry of Greenhills Christian Fellowship. She is also a member of Philippine Federation of the Deaf.

   Carol is now holding the position of Senior Packer (Officer-in-charge in Packaging, 2nd Shift) which includes responsibilities such as orientation of new casual and regular employees, overseeing the operations in the Packaging Area and assisting in product operations. In 1997, she was awarded as the first "Outstanding Deaf Employee" of the Association of Agencies for the Deaf (AAD) during the Deaf Awareness Week celebration.

   She has been faithfully serving the Lord as acting treasurer for the deaf congregation of 1st Fundamental Baptist Church in Project 4, Quezon City. She has been in the ministry since 1978.

   Also in 1997, coinciding with the celebration of MCCID'S 4th Founding Anniversary, the members of the Board of Trustees for which she is the Secretary, recognize a remarkable and faithful friend by giving her the distinguished "Outstanding Alumna" award. Carol deserves it and MCCID honors this Christian Deaf with a "heart that listens".

Catholic Ministry to Deaf People,
Deaf Empowerment Towards Development

   Founded in 1989, Catholic Ministry to Deaf People, Inc. is registered as an incorporation, with a non government organization status, under the Securities and Exchange Commission (Reg. No. 183469) and has a tax-exempt status within the purview of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It is a member of the Commission for Deaf Ministry, headed by Fr. Nonnette C. Legaspi, within the Archdiocese of Manila.

   The dream of this office is to empower the Filipino Deaf community towards spiritual, educational, psychological, economic/vocational, political and socio-cultural DEVELOPMENT to help its members achieve their highest potentials as persons for and with others.

   CMDP's mission is four-fold:

   Among the latest accomplishments, achievements and current activities of CMDP include:

   Religious Education: Four new schools added to the list of public schools serviced by our staff in the teaching of Religion, Moral and Values Education to the Deaf.
   Outreach: In addition to interpreting Mass and conducting Bible study, literacy has been added in our services to the Deaf of Baliwag, Bulacan. Last August 24, 1997, a new outreach site was organized; the St. Vincent church in Solana, Cagayan where Verus Reyes, our Deaf cathechist interprets Mass, conducts Bible study to 35 Deaf Catholics and teaches Sign Language to hearing people.  All material that she uses come from CMDP.
   Advocacy: CMDP is spearheading and coordinating the movement to combat the ill effects of Deaf fraternities.  CMDP facilitated in cooperation with NCWDP the organization of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf, an organization of and for Deaf people.
   Concrete Human Services:  CMDP through its Vocational Services worker is conducting a follow-up of a case of two Deaf employees ad the Post Office.

  Our Mental Health staff are networking with other schools and agencies for the guidance of Deaf adolescents. CMDP has organized Guidance and Counseling Services for Deaf students at Quirino High School and Manila High School. Similar Services are also offered at the Batino Elementary School and M. Hizon Elementary School. CMDP is also currently working on the cases of sexually abused Deaf children. See the News Tab.