From 28 October - 5 November 2005, a four-staff delegation from the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies at the College of St. Benilde, Manila, Phillipines, visited the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York, U.S.A. for a specialized weeklong training on student development theory and counselor skills specific to postsecondary students who are deaf and hard of hearing.

The team consisted of Ria De Gracia, lead counselor in the College's Office for Deaf Esteem and Formation, Jeniffer Mendoza, a paraprofessional counselor in the same office, Rosario Rachelle Tansiatco, also a paraprofessional counselor, and John Xandre Baliza, faculty member and Filipino Sign Language interpreter.

The purpose of their visit here was to receive intensive training in counseling skills pertaining to academics, career planning and personal development/ mental health. During the week, they attended a multitude of presentations and student panels by NTID faculty, staff and students, and observed a freshman seminar class (see presentation list, evaluation summary).

There will be a follow-up training at the College of St. Benilde in the Philippines from 5-9 March 2006, by a team from NTID consisting of Robb Adams, Chairperson, NTID counseling services; Lee Twyman, faculty, NTID Counseling Services; Denise Kavin, Senior Project Associate, PEN-International; and Pat DeCaro, sign language interpreter and consultant.