It was a tremendous blessing and opportunity for the IDEA family to be able to celebrate its 29th Deaf Festival on January 26–27, 2024, at Bohol Deaf Academy (BDA)!
Deaf students from IDEA-supported Special Education (SPED) centers in Bohol, as well as alumni, teachers, and workers gathered to honor the remarkable achievements and resilience of their amazing community. They had fun with basketball and volleyball games. The little kids watched movies and enjoyed the fun games prepared for them. Aside from delicious meals, they also had delightful treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream.
On the evening of the 26th, everyone was treated to an awe-inspiring array of talents during the variety show. In every school’s performance, the students and teachers portrayed the incredible journey of IDEA and the Deaf Community in Bohol over the years, while BDA alumni and deaf workers performed a tribute dance to thank IDEA for making their dreams come true. The variety show was the Deaf Festival’s highlight. Through the event, we honored and celebrated our beloved founder, Dennis Drake’s life and the work that he did, which undoubtedly changed the lives of the Deaf in Bohol. The event was also graced by the presence of IDEA Philippines President, Marilou Drake, IDEA US President, James Movius, IDEA US Executive Director, Jim Haw, the IDEA Philippines Board Members, and some IDEA friends and supporters.
The Deaf Festival is one of the most anticipated events for the deaf community. IDEA used to hold it annually, then every three years, but due to the pandemic, it has been put on hold. The last Deaf Festival took place in November 2018. After nearly six years, everyone is extremely grateful and joyful that we were able to celebrate it again and strengthen lifelong friendships. A big thank you to our donors for your unwavering support! Thank you also to the entire working committee, teachers, dorm mothers, parents, staff, and everyone else who contributed to the event’s huge success! It was truly a momentous celebration, and it would not have been possible without you all.
Watch the videos below of the event’s highlights and the performances of each school.