Autism Resource Center trainees participated in Laguna Seminars on Autism, which was held on June 26, 2015 at D. L. Umali Hall inside the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus. The seminars discussed topics involving the trends and aspects related to autism in Laguna province and the world in general.
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| D.L. Umali Hall |
Though not part of the program proper, they took charge of the food distribution, where they provided morning snacks, lunch and afternoon snacks. They also manned the coffee booths, which were essential for the motivation of the participants.
The participants commented that their service is fast but organized. They added that the trainees were efficient in distributing the food and that they are adept in what they were doing.
The trainees also promoted and marketed products that they made. These include the timeless angel products like bracelets, cellphone charms, earrings, necklace, bookmarks, car charm, door charm. The survival bracelet and key chain, new product offered by ARC, were first introduced in the same event. The survival bracelet, which has a built-in whistle, can carry up to 550 pounds or approximately 250 kilograms when unraveled. The survival bracelets were made from parachute cords, which are used by many military units since the early 1940’s. On the other hand, the key chains have a built-in whistle and a fire starter which is waterproof. Such products can be used in time of emergencies like natural disasters and power outages.
The ARC team was composed of Michael Cansanay, Emman Zamora, Patrick Ian Cruz, Gino Luna, Joshua Pantoja, Ian Lopez, Kaymar Mendaña and Mico Ramos. They were assisted by Ms. Lian del Valle, Ms. Marivic Ramos, Ms. Vay Chavez, Ms. Deborah Sanchez, Ms. Cathy Lopez, Ms. Monette Garcia, Ms. Gigi Gomez, Ms. Vangie Biel and Ms. Jane Pantoja. Arnel Megino and Ms. Ardee Deang documented the events and provided assistance together with parent-volunteer Eman Teodoro.
The Laguna Seminars on Autism was organized by the two partner schools of Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter (First Steps Intervention and Therapy Center & Kids Cove Center for Children with Learning Differences) and the Philippine General Hospital’s Developmental and Behavioral Studies Unit in partnership with the Office of the Chancellor of University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Department of Human and Family Development Studies of the UPLB College of Human Ecology, the UPLB University Health Service and Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter.
The speakers were Pilar Habito, Dr. Alexis L. Reyes, Dr. Rita Grace R. Villadovid, Dr. Ma. Anna Lourdes A. Moral, Ms. Mae Catherine S. Sadicon, Ms. Cecile Sicam and Dr. Joel D. Lazaro. The participants in the panel discussion held during the afternoon were Catherine L. Lopez (ASP Laguna Chapter President), Ms. Rhodela C. Manaloto (Co-owner of First Steps Intervention and Therapy Center), Rhodalyn Aurea B. Mendoza (Directress of Kids Cove Center for Children with Learning Differences), Rowena Ynion (Speech Therapist), and Elmer Alipala (Occupational Therapist).
“In general, the participation of the ARC/ASP Laguna team together with the enthusiastic reception of the participants made the event a resounding success.”
About the author: Ian Lopez is an incoming senior student at University of the Philippines Los Baños taking up BA Sociology. He is a self-advocate for people with disabilities and volunteers with ASP Laguna Chapter since 2009.
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