A Second Look at ASP Laguna’s ARC

Janette Peña, Grace Adviento and Councilor Tony Kalawand

Wow! Ito na ba ang center ng ASP Laguna na binisita natin noong 2008?” Architect Rizal Morales of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) remarked with amazement.

“Yes, that’s why I wanted the group to see us again and for you to witness the development of its physical structure and its programs for persons with autism and other disabilities” responded ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon.

ASP Laguna Chapter’s Ms. Riza Cansanay, “perpetual” President, oriented to the busload of visitors from Manila about Autism Resource Center’s (ARC) programs and services and its vision for an Autism Enabling Community. The visitors were also amazed that such a facility thrived in the rural area of Los Baños.

Hon. Josephine Sumangil-Evangelista, Los Baños Vice Mayor and Councilor Tony Kalaw were also present to welcome the visitors. Hon. Evangelista narrated her long time support to ASP Laguna back when she was still serving as councilor. She also announced the good news to the group that the local government of Los Baños is giving Php 268,000.00 to support to ASP’s Early Detection and Early Intervention Project and also reiterated her continued support to the chapter.

Many were moved into tears hearing the commitment from the Vice Mayor, especially the members of ASP Laguna Chapter and Trustees form ASP National Office, who also joined the visit. Given the limited resources of the municipality, the gesture to prioritize autism was very heart warming.

The Community Based Rehabilitation or CBR visit is part of ASP’s priority program in line with the celebrations of the 15th Autism Consciousness Week. The visit was followed by a simple lunch prepared by the trainees with autism of ARC and sponsored by DOTC.

The busload of visitors came from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Education (DepEd, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Norfil Foundation, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Committee on Social Services, House of Representatives, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH), ASP Commonwealth Chapter, City of Mandaluyong and the Archdiocese of Manila-Person with Disability Ministry (AMO-PDM).

Click here to read part 2 of the CBR visit to the Municipality of Carmona, Cavite.

Indeed even in the rural areas accessible and quality services can be made available as proven by ASP Laguna Chapter and the Municipality of Carmona. It’s a RIGHT of every PWD that the government MUST PROVIDE as signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)!