It was formally established during its 1st General Assembly held at the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City on May 19, 1997.

[citation needed] The PFD registered with the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 26, 1997.

[citation needed] PFD's activities include close monitoring with both government and non-government agencies on their efforts to enforce basic rights for the deaf and equalization of opportunities especially on employment to ensure that they are given just and equitable treatment.

The Project is funded for three years to develop dictionaries and teaching materials as well as a database of sign language data.

It was registered as a non-stock, non-profit corporation, but its registration was recently revoked after the Securities and Exchange Commission discovered that the PFD had not been filing annual reports.

The PFD had been unable to file an annual report because first, none of the officers knew of the requirement, and second, it could not afford to hire a regular accountant and auditor.

In late 2003 though, the PFD was able to secure some project funds that allowed them to hire an accountant, who then prepared a financial report.