Words by Remalyn Esuesta, Photos by Rhobynne Villaluna and Video by Carl Sayat
My fellow contributors and I attended the Angels Walk for Autism, with the theme Onwards to an Autism-OK ASEAN, which kicked off the 21st Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on February 5, 2017. This event was led by the Autism Society Philippines, together with their partner SM Cares. This was an event that advocates for acceptance, accommodation and appreciation for persons with autism, or PWA, in the work force and in society.
Before the walk proper, participants enjoyed the AOK-Talent Showcase, where different PWAs performed various song and dance numbers. This showcase highlighted the talents of PWAs, such as Chaelda del Carmen, Keeno Raralio, the Sparkle Band, Cid Tampo, Thara Santiago, and many more.
One of the performers, Vell Baria, was awarded the ASP Autism Angel Achievement Award, for bringing glory and hope to PWAs when she won 1st place for the Performing Arts – Adult category of the 7th ANCA Autism Festival in Vancouver, Canada last October 1, 2016.
We also witnessed the induction of the new national trustees of the Autism Society Philippines.
Various representatives from different sectors of the government and organizations that supported this advocacy also spoke up on how they could further spread awareness to build culture-sensitive programs for PWAs, not only in the Philippines but also internationally. Even Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez, came and expressed how honored she was to be a part of this event.
After that came the walk proper from MOA Arena to SM Music Hall. With a turnout of more than 24,000 participants, the event achieved its purpose in spreading not only awareness but also on how PWAs could share their own exceptional talents to society and prove just how strong they could be.
Some of the attendees that we talked to praised on how this event supports PWAs and help people have a better understanding about autism.
Ms. Marie Chris Palafox-Pascua, the Executive Director of Communicare Therapy Center, shared that having a big event like this is something to encourage more people to support and help to fulfill the advocacy. “It shows more to the community that there are a lot of persons with autism and that more than being a person with autism, they are people that have abilities.” she added.
Ms. Marielle De Guzman from Camp Pagkakaisa Volunteers Incorporate, an organization for special and abandoned children expressed the same sentiments, adding that the skills and talents of PWAs help them in achieving their dreams.
With the success of this year’s event, Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., stated that they have really reached out to a lot more people now and that they are all welcome in the mall and in the community.
Engr. Bien Mateo, Director for SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities also conveyed his surprise and appreciation to the participants, breaking last year’s record “More and more families with relatives with autism are really coming out. And that it is, for us, we are doing something right,” Mateo said.
Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP’s National President, added that the fact that they had a great turnout is really a testament to the preparations that went into the event. She also thanked the attendees and the people who continued to act and provide good services to people with autism, creating programs that gave a wide, reaching impact to the community.
Indeed, attending the event gave us a better understanding and showed how there are opportunities being created and gave hope to PWAs.
To learn about Autism Society Philippines’ programs, visit:
#9 11th Jamboree Street, corner Scout Fuentebella
Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City
www.autismsocietyphilippines.org
E-mail: autismphils@gmail.com
IG: @autismphils
