The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) celebrated the 27th Benilde Deaf Festival, alongside the 30th anniversary of Deaf education of the College, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 20, highlighting the importance of gratitude in these trying times. The theme of the festival aims to show SDEAS’ appreciation for how much the Benildean Deaf community has grown.

The eucharistic celebration Oct. 30 was presided by Rev. Fr. Jose Dela Cruz, C.Ss.R. and officially commenced the month-long celebration of the 27th Deaf festival.

“This is a celebration of the grace of God for us [...] we are gathered here today in this celebration because you [the Deaf community] are part of the light and the whole universal church. Continue sharing your light. [...] Let your presence be felt in spite of the weaknesses and limitations that you have,” Rev. Fr. Dela Cruz said encouraging the Deaf community to partake in various fields and be a light in these communities.

The opening program was kicked off by Niña Claire Samia, Chairperson for the 27th Deaf Festival, signing, “This year’s Deaf Festival theme aims to show our gratitude of how much we have evolved as a school community while we look forward and continue to be grateful for more blessings to come.” 

Furthermore, SDEAS Dean Ms. Ma. Giselle Montero also opened the festival through her opening remarks alongside Samia.

“This year’s festival is a celebration of gratitude [...] Gratitude is never about the receiver. It is about lighting a candle in the dark and allowing light to guide our way. Light is the kindness from others who are helping us, who are saying prayers and offer good intentions for us,” Ms. Montero said, highlighting the theme of gratitude.

To end her remarks, Ms. Montero emphasized the importance of everyone being a light in the dark and challenging times amid the pandemic, “We should strive to be a light for others always. We should always be kind and generous [then] this world would light up in these difficult times,” she ended.

Benilde President Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez, FSC officially welcomed the Benildean community in the opening of the month-long celebration saying, “The Deaf community is vital in the history of the [De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde] as we continue to pursue inclusion in many aspects. At the same time, the SDEAS network became a catalyst for change as it pushed for advocacies supporting the Deaf community,” Br. Dodo said, highlighting the milestone of the Benildean Deaf community in partaking in the declaration of the Filipino Sign Language as the National Sign Language of the Filipino Deaf.

Here is a recap to look back on the month-long celebration of the 27th Benilde Deaf Festival: 

Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Law Forum on Oct. 30 

• To commemorate the significant milestone of the Deaf community after the passing of the Filipino Sign Language Bill into Law as the Republic Act 11106 (also known as the Filipino Sign Language Act), Deaf leaders, advocates, legislators and allies such as Ms. Sheena Jade Manuel, Supervising Education Program Specialist of the Bureau of Curriculum Development; Ms. Carolyn Dagani, President of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf; Ms. Hazel Anne Catubias, Assistant Professor in Adamson University; Atty. Krissi Shaffiba Twyla Rubin, Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Equality and Women's Human Rights Center of the Commission of Human Rights; and Benilde’s SDEAS Facultes Ms. Yvette Apurado and Ms. Rowella Tanjusay-Par gathered together in a panel discussion to analyze the past three years since the enactment of the FSL Law and what else must be done to fully implement the law and to further support the Deaf community. 

Spiritual Wellness in the Family on Nov. 5

• With guest speakers from the Theology-Philosophy Area of the College, Chairperson Aldino Gonzales and Faculty Mr. Karl Salvador, the webinar aimed to strengthen the bonds among families by promoting positive communication behavior built on patience, love, and care as SDEAS acknowledges that one of the challenges that the Deaf community and their families face in the time of the pandemic is being confined in their homes. 

Interpreting during the pandemic on Nov. 6 

• Guest speaker Mr. John Xandre Baliza, Coordinator of the Interpreting Education Program, shed light on the unique nature of their work as a sign language interpreter amid the pandemic and also shared tips for fellow interpreters, clients, media and event partners, and stakeholders. The webinar also aimed to highlight the importance for interpreters to adapt in the online interpreting setup as they play a pivotal role in various areas such as in broadcast media and online events.

Together and by association on Nov. 6

• With panelists Ms. Sarah Mendoza, Principal of Paaralang Elementarya ng Maka; Ms. Ma. Teresa Buenaventura, Benilde SDEAS’ faculty; Ms. Ma. Lourdes Blacer-Navaros, Administrator of the Officer Welcome Home Foundation, Inc. of Ministry with the Deaf Bacolod City; Ms. Sarah Talibong, Academic Assistant of La Salle University School for the Deaf Ozamiz City, the panel discussion highlighted the significant contributions of SDEAS’ community partners and changemakers amid the global pandemic. It also shed light on how the partner communities transpired a positive change and promoted harmony within a diverse setting of the Deaf and Hearing.

Deaf awareness and basic FSL on Nov. 12

• An FSL training session was offered to hearing individuals to allow them to engage and empathize with the Deaf community. The training session was devised for hearing individuals to learn about the FSL and the Filipino Deaf culture. 

Deaf career and leadership talk on Nov. 13

• Benildean Alumni Inigo Alfonso Asilo, Maria Isabel Cabbab, Bennett John Cabanilla who are now an Entrepreneur, Teacher, and Designer respectively along with SDEAS alumni leaders Arlene Lastrella and Mark Kelvil Marcial shared during the panel discussions titled “Passion Chaser: Overcoming Career Challenges” and “called to LEAD: Learn, Engage, Advocate, and Delivery” their own personal experiences in the their workplaces as Deaf and the barriers and breakthroughs in Deaf employment and leadership. The panelists also gave tips on how to achieve a fulfilling career and be a Deaf leader and advocate in the workplace.

Digital Poster Making Competition

• The winners for the digital poster making competition with the theme “A celebration of gratitude” was announced on Nov. 20 via SDEAS’ Facebook page. 

Cultural Show on Nov. 20

• The annual cultural show officially concluded the month-long celebration of the 27th Benilde Deaf Festival with the SDEAS students and alumni showcasing their talents before their audience. 

The Benilde Deaf Festival is an annual celebration spearheaded by SDEAS every November which aims to celebrate Deaf inclusion and cultivate friendship and goodwill in the Benildean community.