Good Things Come to Those Who Can’t Wait

By: Marivi Cabason

ASP-Marikina-Rizal Chapter continues to work hard in its advocacy expansion and autism awareness campaigns. And due to the success of the previous Autism Early Detection and Early Intervention Program (EDEIP) seminar last March 20 at Teatro Marikina, some teachers from Antipolo National High School (ANHS) eagerly clamored to have a similar seminar be conducted in their school.

ANHS Principal, Ms. Corazon La Serna personally requested Dang Koe, ASP National President to conduct the seminar. Alex Cabason, Jr, President of ASP-Marikina-Rizal Chapter, awarded certificates to a surprising number of 161 participants last May 29, 2009.

“Alex’s contagious leadership rubs off on his chapter leaders as you see their all-out team work and support, manning tables, talking to participants inquiring on autism, selling merchandise. Others, seeing their commitment, signed up for membership,” observes Dang.

Also in line with ASP’s goal of developing new pool of resource speakers to address demands for more Autism Orientation nationwide, Alex rises up to take the challenge like a true leader. Equipped with a Power Point template developed by ASP National Office, he conducted his first seminar to GFA or Golden Faith Academy, Taytay on June 19, 2009.

ASP Marikina Officers with Ms. Dang Koe

Teachers and parents who attended the seminar

Attended by 40 teachers and parents, the seminar was a success, receiving positive reactions from Mrs. Nenita Cao, GFA Directress and the participants themselves. The seminar ended with hopes of future collaboration with the GFA Special Education Coordinator, Mrs. Elma Ruth. The parents were also invited to register as members of the chapter.

In addition to the above mentioned seminars, on June 13 and June 17, we also visited Schola Antipolo Integrated (SAI) and My Kid’s World Laboratory School (MKWLS) in Midtwon Subdivision, San Roque, consecutively. Upon the invitation of Ms. Maan Alvaran, (Schola School Administrator) the chapter’s objectives, thrusts and activities were presented to the parents. They were also encouraged to join the chapter and be active in the advocacy for autism awareness.

The same challenge was posed during the meeting conducted by My Kid’s Administrator Mrs. Nancy Perrucho together with some teachers and school staff. And the good news is, she offered the facilities of the school for future activities of the chapter. Initial coordination is ongoing as Marikina Catholic School administrator requested the chapter to schedule ASP Marikina-Rizal Chapter for a seminar on autism early detection and early intervention.