Ma. Teresa Balido Buenaventura

When the deaf needed to know their rights and their opinions be heard, Ms. Ma. Teresa Balido Buenaventura selflessly stood up as the deaf community's messenger when history unfolded itself during the EDSA II rally.  She knows that there is no room for second thoughts especially when her deaf brethren are in much need. The same is true when she interprets court/legal cases for the deaf. Although the challenges get intimidating for the deaf in the court she calms him in the best way she can by doing her task in the most accurate manner and never forgetful of the ethics in sign language interpretation. Thus, she wins the trust and loyalty of the deaf who sees her and all the others who can hear her. 

      This tough lady is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Philosophy candidate at the University of Sto . Tomas. She served the Southeast Asian Institute for the Deaf (SAID) as an elementary and high school teacher and became a Professional Incentive Awardee in one of her 4 fruitful years in the school. She also taught at the CAP College for the Deaf for 4 more years and a part time instructor at Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf. In the year 2005, she was given a Service Award when she worked as a part time member of the faculty at the College of St. Benilde , De La Salle University. Most importantly she became a classroom sign language interpreter at the Miriam College , Assumption College and John Robert Powers Finishing School. 

      Aside from interpreting in legal and educational fields, she has been an interpreter of Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko and an artistic interpreter of the Teatro Silencio Filipinas. Likewise, the Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE) is truly fortunate to have Ms. Tess as the current chairperson of the Certification and Evaluation Committee, a group that scrutinizes the skills of future sign language interpreters of PAIDE.

      She has been a recipient of local and international awards including a recognition from the Jamestown Learning Center in San Fransisco , California and another equally important citation from the Stitching Liliane Fond, Vlijmen , Netherlands for her quality service and contribution to the growth and development of the deaf. 

      Ms. Teresa Buenaventura, the supervisor of the Human Services Department of the Catholic Ministry to Deaf People (CMDP) values meaningful communication and serious commitment for deaf service. She continues to reshape the lives of the deaf even though she finds it challenging at times for in her heart one will discovers that it feels, hears and speaks for them.

      “My biggest challenge was interpreting to low verbal and deaf survivors of sexual and physical abuse. Their experiences were too harrowing that I ended up crying each time I finished with my responsibilities.” - Tess Buenaventura