The new ASP Tagbilaran Chapter springs hope for autism in Bohol

The ASP Tagbilaran Chapter, a pioneering autism support group in the province of Bohol, was formally launched on 30 December 2015 with the induction of its founding officers at Reyna’s Haven and Garden in Tagbilaran City.

The first elected officers inducted by Barangay Cogon Chairman Nicanor Besas, are: Darlene Sangueza-Cano, President; Luis Lanzaderas, Vice President; Mildred Patac, Secretary; Cherry May Odal, Treasurer; Angelita Ayco, Auditor; Ana Marie Dajao and Marites Siga, Press Relation Officers; and Teodoro Dano, Jr. and Alex Oclarit, Sergeants-at-Arms.

ASP Tagbilaran Elections

A short talk on autism awareness, ASP and empowerment of autism parents by ASP Trustee and founding member Ms. Cecile Sicam, highlighted the launching event aptly themed ‘Hope for Autism.’

The half-day event was also fellowship of sorts where autism parents took turns sharing their personal experiences about having a child with autism spectrum disorder.

Initiated by therapy centers in the city the Building Bridges Therapy Center led Ms. Muffy Lucas, BrainGate Developmental School led by Ms. MaJo Ann P. Alagcan, Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) Bohol led by Mr. Gligen F. Nistal, ASP Tagbilaran starts with a small but strong group of 23 autism parents, therapists, and friends of autism.

ASP Tagbilaran Chapter President Darlene Sangueza-Cano says their group has already lined up some activities for 2016. She also hopes more parents and institutions will join their group, especially that autism is still largely misunderstood in Bohol.

ASP Tagbilaran aspires to the a long-standing beacon of hope, not only for better understanding on autism and improved well-being of persons with autism and their families, but also for improved education on and services for developmental disabilities in Bohol.

This article was contributed by Ms. Liza Macalandag.