By: Gina Luna Bermudo, ASP Trustee
”Have you heard about the positive news and feedback on ASP Laguna Chapter’s Autism Resource Center?” Wanting to have a first hand experience on what the program is all about, I joined Ranil Sorongon, our Executive Director, for his monthly trips to the center.
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| ASP Laguna Logo |
Once the vehicle hit off road, we easily navigated our way to Los Banos Laguna. I felt the aura of peace and serenity, as I looked at the provincial surroundings out my window. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a breeze of fresh air by ASP Laguna Chapter President, Ms. Riza Cansanay, ASP Laguna Chapter Treasurer Ms. Vay Chavez, and ASP Laguna Chapter Vice President Ms. Cathy Lopez plus several moms, also warmly welcomed us.
Autism Research Center or ARC is a proud and visible testament of the efforts by selfless and dedicated parents of children with autism. A brief history of the place was narrated as we as we toured the facility. Young adults in the spectrum were all busy doing tasks assigned to them.
Found in the ARC is a canteen catering to the needs of the small community. Their duties were divided into enterprising, cooking, packing and delivery. The canteen can equal a small restaurant in function, as well as aesthetics. A peek to the kitchen, with stainless steel kitchen counters, is spick and span and also very impressive.
After the tour of the facility, we had a satisfactory gastronomical experience, The Bicol Express, Breaded Chicken and Chopsuey (mixed vegetables) made me forget that I was on a diet! The canteen crew gave excellent service, all thanks to the training, care and guidance of volunteer mothers.
After lunch, an impromptu karaoke-style singing, rendered by RJ, Kitt, Wilbert, Paolo, Miko, Ian and Emman, PWAs who worked at the ARC, sang songs from the album “Mga Awiting alay sa Autismo” CD. Click here to know more about the CD.
After lunch, we were given another tour. This time to the HOME Life Program Facility - a rented house located a few blocks away from the ARC. HOME (Harnessing Options in Managing Everyday Life) was started during the summer of 2010. Selected boarders followed a very structured schedule. House rules were also strictly enforced to maintain an orderly way of living. The boarders worked at the ARC during daytime and went home to the housing facility at night. This kind of set up will eventually prepare them for community integration.
The day trip was full of fond memories. But it was the passion of the young adults with autism that gave me the best impression-working independently in a community. ASP Laguna Chapter’s Autism Resource Center will continue working towards the vision of giving hope, dignity and pride to young adults with autism.
ASP Shares our Hopes. Help us Build our Dreams. Be an Angel for Autism. Give generously to ASP programs and services. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496 for more information.
ASP Diliman Chapter Parent Support Group will be going on a fieldtrip to ASP Laguna Chapters' Autism Resource Center on August 19, Quezon City Day. Keep checking the blog for more stories.
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