Sonia Bermas-Lodado

Blessed with abundance of patience, determination and talent Ms. Sonia Bermas Lodado, Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment or PAIDE's own sign language trainer and one of my mentors in sign language reaches the momentous time when each of her little steps are now being magnified by her colleagues in the interpreting field. This kind hearted mother, wife, teacher and interpreter views the world with much optimism that no challenge is too frightening to handle. This woman is a true reflection of someone who believes in her God given talents and finds happiness in generously sharing them with others.

      Teacher Sonia is a graduate of commerce, major in management. But, fate has led her to a different path for she has been an elementary teacher for more than 8 years now after taking education units at the Ortanez University . She also took up her masters units in special education for the hearing impaired at the Philippine Normal University and Miriam College and 21 masters units in educational management at the Marikina Polytechnic College . She has served as a Special Education teacher at the Southeast Asian Institute for the Deaf from 1982-1990 where she was awarded with a Professional Incentive Award in 1987. Before she became part of the PAIDE group of sign language trainers she was one of the most appreciated sign language trainer at the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf for five straight years and has also served as an interpreter at the Catholic Ministry to Deaf People. Now, she is currently a SpEd Teacher 1 at the BATINO Elementary School and a sign language trainer for students in the intermediate level at PAIDE. 

      Because of her true dedication in her profession she has learned to perfect her craft in signing through more than two decades (22 years) of service as interpreter and teacher for the deaf. Aside from the love that she is receiving from her husband, Mr. Leandro M. Lodado and her children, Ms. Sonia Lodado knows how to use the joy and peace within her making her succeed in winning the trust and loyalty of other people especially the deaf. For this woman the path to victory will at times be an easy road to follow because of her own self worth and the strength of character that dwells within her. 

“I am thanking God for all His blessings and for making me an instrument to serve the special children.” - Son Lodado