The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

05 February 2014

Beyond words

The success of the recently concluded 18th National Autism Consciousness Week could not have been possible without a strong community of volunteer-leaders who forged on despite the challenge of mounting nation-wide, large-scale, multiple advocacy events over several days. No words could describe the gratitude the ASP leadership feels for individuals and companies who have been moved by our advocacy into meaningful action. We hope these come close...

For being the power behind our advocacy for autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion, thank you to leaders and members of ASPs 70 chapters nationwide!

For representing a government committed to disability inclusion, maraming salamat po, President Benigno Aquino, Senator Koko Pimentel, Senator Bam Aquino, DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, Rep. Sonny Belmonte, Rep. Lito Atienza, Rep. Irwin Tieng, Rep, Michael Velarde, Rep. Alfred Vargas, Rep. Arturo Robes, Rep. Emmeline Aglipay, COMELEC Commissioners Grace Padaca and Rene Sarmiento, CHR Commissioner Coco Quisumbing, Gov. Jonvic Remulla, and Pasay Mayor Antonino Calixto!

For being a valuable partner and enabler, thank you to our fellow advocates in the NACW working committee NCDA Executive Director Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, Ms. Brenda S. Vigo (CWC), Ms. Marilyn Dumaano (DepEd Bureau of Elementary Education), Dr. Luz S. Almeda (DepEd-NCR), Atty. Dulfie Tobias-Shalim (DSWD-Protective Services Bureau), Dir. Ma. Alicia Bonoan (DSWD-NCR), Asst. Secretary Dimas S. Soguilon (DPWH), Asst. Secretary Ildefonso Patdu (DOTC), Dir. William Ragos (DENR), Hon. Arturo Robes (House of Representatives Social Services Committee), Engr. Emerito Rojas (NAPC), Dir. Marlene Ruth Sanchez (NCCA), Dir. Emelyn Libunao (PIA), Mr. John Manalili (Presidential Communications Office - Bureau of Communication Services), Deputy Director Teodoro Pascua (TESDA), Dr. Lirio Sobrevinas-Covey (AAAP), Ms. Celia Yangco (Autism Hearts), Ret. Capt. Oscar Taleon (AKAP Pinoy), Ms. Alyanna Marie Rivera (Health Justice Philippines) and Mr. & Mrs. Octavio Gonzales (PACDLD)!

For enabling us to cater to 10,000 angels, thank you Mr. Hans Sy, Ms. Annie Garcia, Mr. Bien Mateo, Mr. Rheybie Nipas, Mr. Chito Bauzon and the rest of the SM Program on Disability Affairs, SM Mall of Asia, SM Cares, and Mall of Asia Arena family!

For sharing their gift of event artistry, warmest thanks and lots of love to Mr. Albert Aragon, Ms. Unikka Padilla, and the Chain Reaction Family!

For bringing our message of hope and inclusion to a nationwide audience, thank you to Atty. Annette Abrogar, Ms. Tex Jimenez, Ms. Jana Egualan, GMA Network, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine News Agency, PTV 4, Net 25, Solar News, ZOE TV, Radyo5, and UNTV!

For never failing to amaze us with their talent, thank you, ASP Dreamgirls, The Soaring Angels of Pasay SPED Center, ILLC Hunks and Heartthrobs, GS Option House, Trisha Cardino, Buboy Dolor and Hopewell Integrated School, Clarence Cruz, and Christian Caragayan!

For generously hosting an intimate gathering parents of children with autism, our heartfelt thanks goes out to Ms. Karen Davila, Ms. Cecile Sicam, and the Bridges Foundation!

For bringing smiles to our Angels Walk 2014 participants with their talent, thank you Donna Lim and the Gold's Gym Zumba Team, Ken Chan, Renz Valerio, Bettina Carlos, Mikoy Morales, Julian Trono, Hiro Peralta and Andrea Brillantes!

For flexing their generous hearts in support of the Angels Walk for Autism 2014, thank you: MIESCOR President Lito Bermudo, Canon VP for Consumer Systems Bong Serevo, Chef Tony’s Snack Food Corporation CEO Anthony Elepano, Eurotel, Sogo Hotel, ABA Special Learning USA, Armadillo Holdings Inc., A Best Print and Cut ℅ Anna Ong, Malate Catholic School Batch 1980 ℅ Nina Serrano, Explore Tours ℅ Arminda Catabay, Tiffany Tan, Baldwin Kho, Joseph Sy, John Tan,and Elvis & Avic Lim!

For being the epitome of devoted ASP über-friends, sa uulitin po, Ranil Sorongon, My Sorongon, Lilet Laviña, Bing David, Excelsis Magno, Evert Malapad, Cathy Genovia and Abby Mendoza!

For capturing the best moments of the week, salamat Jamil Buergo, Mikhail Alexis de Guzman, Nicco Valenzuela, Art of Silence Photography, and FotoKlase sa Kalye!

For warming the arena with their presence and guiding hands, thank you to our production staff, marshalls, ticketing staff, and VIP handlers from Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc. (PVI), Armadillo Holdings Inc., UST College of Education, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, and ASP Friends!

For keeping the Angels Walk for Autism a lively and safe affair, salamat po Philippine Coast Guard Marching Band, Riders with Disabilities, and the Philippine Red Cross Medic team!

For making the NACW closing ceremony a possibility, and for making the cosplay community inclusive and friendly for autism, thanks to Ms. Edith Tayko, Mr. Drake Amante, and the rest of the SM City Bacoor family; Nicole Pausal and the entire Gendai Shikaku Bunka Kenkyukai group of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Naruto Cosplayers Philippines, and Lea de Castro Music Studio!
We have also been overwhelmed by words of congratulations and support from those who have experienced the joy and the strong sense of fellowship at an ASP event during the 18th NACW. We are humbled by your messages and are fuelled by them to continue with the work that we do for the welfare of all individuals with autism.
“Our whole family attended Angels Walk, this is our third year and it gets better every year to see the overwhelming support! Thanks ASP!”--- Jhoi Madolora Ciriaco

“This event is significant to me. This walk with my special brother, is just a step in the many walks I will have with him in this life. Hand in hand with my brother, the walk will not be weary as we are each other’s angels.” --- Isiah Maru Deogracias

"The event this Sunday, January 19, 2014, the 25th anniversary of the Autism Society Philippines should be the template of all events of PWDs to be noticed and be heard!” --- Jess Docot

“The whole SM Arena was filled with love and caring, I felt the positive energy. Truly, angels all around us.” --- Bong Serevo, VP of Canon

“Iba ang pakiramdam... first time naming nag-attend ng husband ko sa Angels Walk.... I even cried sa prayer…” --- Dhan Belen Ongtawco

"The Angels Walk of ASP done at MOA Arena should serve as the model of multi disability advocacy movement. Aside from a record breaking attendance, the mingling of entertainment and human rights advocacy makes the movement even more attention catching. In a very political society, great numbers talk loud and clear to government. It is demonstrated by the participation of significant leaders of government, non government, business, and other stakeholders. This effort must be sustained. Congratulations!” --- Lauro Purcil, Lead Convenor of Philippine Coalition on UNCRPD

“As a photographer of the event, I feel so blessed to witness and capture those memories of PWD/ASP. It was a successful and meaningful event. All attendees were glad and had a smile on their faces. Mahalaga ang pagdalo sa event na ito to show our love, care and support to each and every PWD.” --- Noel Orcullo, photographer:

"It was a great concerted expression of human love for the children, persons with autism in our society that PWD is accepted by our families, supporters and stakeholders. We must continue to solidify our ranks, work for the improvements and implementations of good laws and organize concrete services for ASP members. Thank you for the invite and congrats!” --- Tony Villasor, staff of Comm. Rene Sarmiento

"It was so touching, my daughter is so thankful I brought her with me" --- Rolen Dimalanta, HR Director, Sogo Hotels

"Congrats again, I'm so proud of you, bringing Heaven on earth thru the hearts of the children and their parents, truly the Spirit of the Lord is upon your people. Thanks for the invitation and to be part of your journey." --- Bing de Ocampo, Community Transformation Head, Armadillo Holding Inc.

“Congratulations!!! You have filled up the Arena. Mr. Hans and Ms. Annie are so happy on the event." --- Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Program on Disability Affairs

"Congratulations ASP team and SM Cares team for a very successful Angel's Walk event! Thank you for entrusting Arena team! Godbless!" --- Ria Mirasol and the whole MOA Arena team

"Congratulations for a very successful Angel's walk 2014. Thank you for being part of this event for a cause. God Bless!" --- Ronnie Osabel / Stage Pro

“There is really strength in numbers. Again, congrats ASP for a job well done” --- Erlyn Aguinaldo, DOTC

“Angels Walk was a resounding success in terms of participation, program and actual walk in and out of MOA! Congratulations to the ASP and PWDs!” --- COMELEC Comm. Rene Sarmiento

“Makulay ang mundo ng autismo - luntian na simbolismo ng buhay... pag-asa... at pagsasakatuparan ng mga karapatan ng mga taong may autismo at iba pang kapansanan. Ang matagal na panahong pakikibaka upang bigyan ng pansin ng lipunan ang mga taong may kapansanan ay unti-unti nang nagbubunga. Patuloy pa ang ating pagkilos baon ang taus-pusong pagmamahal sa ating mga anak. Sa patuloy na paggabay at pagpapala ng poong may kapal tayo ay magtatagumpay.” --- Chie Marquez, ASP Bacoor Chapter President
ASP Logo

0 comments:

Post a Comment

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Sweet Tomatoes Printable Coupons