From Edison Sy, posted via Google Maps. A picture of Bay Central Elementary School

In the quiet corners of Bay Central Elementary School in Bay, Laguna lies a classroom unlike any other – a space where the dreams of young children and their families take shape, and hope is nurtured through graceful movements of sign language. 

At the heart of this extraordinary place is Ma’am Lina Parducho, a teacher who dedicated over 30 years of her life to patiently educating children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

With limited resources but boundless determination, Ma’am Parducho embodies what it means to be an unsung hero for her students.

Ma’am Parducho’s journey into special education (SPED) began long before she officially became a teacher. 

Her interaction with deaf children began while she was growing up because they were attending a school around the corner from her home. 

As the eldest of nine siblings, she learned the value of responsibility from a young age – a trait that would define her career later in life. 

After graduating in 1991, she became one of the first five SPED teachers in Laguna and joined a small community of just over 30 SPED educators nationwide. Her first teaching position was at the Christian School for the Deaf, but her time there was short-lived due to her disapproval of its system, which she felt did not align with her values. 

This did not deter her passion for teaching. Instead, it strengthened her resolve to continue serving SPED students, driven by her faith and her belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed 

Her guiding principle: “Be sure to teach the living Word to those with the silent word.” 

For Ma’am Parducho, teaching went beyond imparting knowledge but also about providing her students with equal opportunities to thrive as professionals and individuals.

Ma’am Parducho teaches soil erosion to her students using Filipino Sign Language or FSL.

Her journey as a SPED teacher has been marked by moments of triumphs and trials. 

At Bay Central Elementary School, Ma’am Parducho is the sole teacher for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. This means she is responsible for tailoring the curriculum, creating materials, and addressing the individual needs of her students — all on her own. 

With no internet access or mobile data allowance, her ability to use digital resources is severely limited. In the same vein, this shortage of SPED teachers also means that she cannot cover the entire curriculum. 

Instead, she bases her lessons on what she believes will be most impactful for her students’ success, prioritizing practical life skills over academic rigidity. 

“Hindi ko kayang ituro lahat ng nasa curriculum dahil mag-isa lang ako,” she shares. “Pipiliin ko kung ano ang makakatulong talaga sa kanila paglabas nila sa eskwelahan.” 

“It’s not just about teaching,” she adds. “It’s about giving these kids a chance to succeed in life.” 

 Ma’am Parducho also observes that many successful Deaf individuals come from wealthier families who often have access to better resources while those from marginalized communities face compounded challenges. 

With an average of 28 to 40 enrollees per year but only around three graduates annually, these realities demonstrate the urgent need to redefine the system around deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. 

Humanizing the Struggle, Celebrating the Triumphs 

Teaching materials made by Mrs. Parducho for her class.

Despite the challenges that constrain the potential of the SPED program and her ability to teach her students what is necessary, Ma’am Parducho goes above and beyond what is required of her as a teacher and even encourages her students to teach their parents sign language so they can better communicate with them. 

“Malapit ako sa mga estudyante ko kasi ako ang totoong nakakaintindi sa kanila,” she says. “Kapag may gusto silang sabihin sa mga magulang nila, ako pa minsan ang nagiging translator.” 

Her relationship with her students is deeply personal. 

“My students like different activities, and I try to nurture their interests,” she shares. Whether it’s art, sports, or academic pursuits, Ma’am Parducho ensures that each child’s unique talents are recognized and cultivated. Her role is not just as a teacher but also as a mentor, advocate, and second parent to many of her students. 

“Ang saya ko kapag nagtatagumpay sila,” she reflects. “Doon ako kumukuha ng lakas para magpatuloy kahit mahirap.” These moments of triumph are what keep her going, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The story of Bay Central Elementary School’s SPED program is both inspiring and sobering. It highlights the transformative power of education while exposing the systemic flaws that hinder its full potential. 

As she continues to shape the future of her students, Ma’am Parducho’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. It challenges us all to do our part in building a more inclusive and equitable education system—one where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to thrive.  Arvin Christian Castro