By: Ian and Kitt Lopez, Persons with Autism
The 4th World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2011, is the first to be commemorated by the ASEAN Autism Network, which was formed in December 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand. The 1st ASEAN Autism Network Celebration, “ACT for AUTISM NOW” is this year’s theme. ASP is a member of this network.
Calamba, Laguna, Philippines April 2, 2011. Hundreds participated in the commemoration of the 4th World Autism Awareness Day in Los Baños, Laguna. ASP Laguna Chapter President, Riza Cansanay, led the contingent for the Autism Walk, together with adult and adolescent trainees/apprentices from the Autism Resource Center (ARC).
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| ASP Laguna Walk for Autism |
We are accompanied by caregivers and trainors Jerome Nicolas, Catherine Lopez, Marivic Ramos, Lian del Valle, and Vay Chavez. As we held our group banner, a team of police officers escorted the group.
The event started at 6 AM at Caltex Gas Station along the National Highway. Participants composed of parents, volunteers students from UPLB, barangay health workers, day care workers, municipal social workers and health workers, selected members of the Los Baños Municipal Council, Paete Intervention Center came to support this special day for persons with autism. The whole group ended in Lopez Avenue for a short program at 7 AM.
Our chapter president, Riza made her welcome remarks as we made our first stop at Agapita Complex. To make the event possible, Mr. Jose Lopez, owner of Plaza Agapita, permitted the chapter to avail the place for a short program.
Vice Mayor Josephine Sumangil-Evangelista greeted the participants and reported that the Sanggunian is working with ASP Laguna to set up an early intervention center in Barangay Maahas.
Municipal Councilor Tony Kalaw also made a short speech supporting ASP Laguna Chapter’s advocacies and programs. The Vice Major was also joined by her office staff, Barangay Kagawad Janos Lapiz and Mr. Joel Umipig, PWD Federation President.
The participants took a short rest and partook in the simple breakfast of porridge courtesy of Lugaw Queen. Other sponsors and donors, Itlog ni Erick, Jollibee, UP Thursday Club and Aqua Altria, helped made this event a success through their donations and contributions.
Authors Ian and Kitt Lopez are persons with autism. Both are self-advocates and regularly submit reports/articles on autism in their community and abroad. Related Article: ASP Laguna Chapter’s ACTs for AUTISM.
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ASP continues to believe that persons with autism can be empowered and is working towards a rights-based, barrier-free and inclusive environment for persons with autism. Help us to continue Sharing Hopes and Building Dreams. Donate generously to ASP Programs and Services. Account Name: Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank Kamias Branch Savings Account No: 047-3-04751874-2.
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