PAIDE has lost its inspiring and committed co-founder and president, Sir Jun Celada. A great loss to the Filipino Deaf community and Filipino sign language interpreters.
Sir Jun has been a remarkable force in co-establishing the following organizations:
1. Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE)
2. Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (PNASLI) which aimed to unify the SLIs from different organizations and help the Deaf community receive caring and quality interpreting services.
3. Catholic Laymen’s Association of the Deaf (CLAD) which is composed of Deaf communities in Marikina, Antipolo, Quezon City, Bulacan where organized activities are provided to support and empower Deaf catholics.
He also imparted his knowledge and skills in promoting quality sign language interpreting abroad and presented Filipino sign language interpreters with dignity, commitment and love.
The people who had the chance to be with him, personally and professionally, will remember how he graced a room with his comforting presence with funny remarks, kind-heartedness, humility and generosity. Sir Jun leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten and his spirit will forever be felt within us and within PAIDE.
Maraming salamat, Sir Jun. Mahal ka namin!