GUIDELINES FOR THE ELECTION OF ASP NATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2025 – 2027

To view the final list of candidates for the next batch of ASP Board of Trustees to serve the organization from 2025 to 2027, please click here https://bit.ly/4iWaBZ4.

To vote, one must be a regular active member - with paid membership dues as of 31 January 2025.

Voting Process:
1. Members shall cast their ballot via electronic voting from 10 - 30 April 2025.
2. Only votes by ASP regular members as of 31 January 2025 shall be considered valid. ASP National shall validate active membership based on official records.
3. The new ASP National trustees will be announced on 07 May 2025.

The conduct of the elections shall be based on the ASP National By-Laws. Decisions of the Election Committee are deemed final.

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Posted in: election

Meet the candidates for ASP Trustees 2025-2027

The Autism Society Philippines will be electing its 11 new National Trustees, who will serve for the years 2025–2027, between 10 April - 30 April 2025.

The Election Committee (Chair Ms. Diana Q. De Ocampo Jr, Co-Chair Maria Cristina A. Borbe and members Abby Mendoza and Angel Peñaloza) reviewed twenty (20) nominees based on the minimum criteria set in the ASP By Laws. Read the nomination guidelines here: https://bit.ly/nationalnomination2025

Some nominees were not yet qualified, while others declined the nomination, bringing down the nominees to only 8 official candidates. According to the ASP Guideline 22-0055 on Organization Design, Item 6.2.3.3: In the event of board vacancy, the Board of Trustees shall nominate candidates from the pool of active members who meet the criteria for ASP Trustees. Thus, the new board will collectively decide who shall fill up the 11th board trustee.

After the election, the newly-elected board shall also vote internally who will serve on the National Executive Committee as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor.

Here are the profiles of the final 8 candidates (in alphabetical order) for the ASP National Board 2025-2027; and their qualifications and accomplishments to-date in our autism advocacy. You may fill out your digital ballot here: https://form.jotform.com/210407506499458

Candidate #1: Mary Grace L. Adviento (Quezon City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Trustee

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: BS Medical Technology (Our Lady of Fatima College)

Advocacy Accomplishment: Grace advanced the autism advocacy across multiple areas in the Philippines and abroad, as the ASP National President (2009-2012) and as a charter signatory in the creation of the ASEAN Autism Network.

Candidate #2: Anna Dame M. Barbosa (Antipolo City, RIV-A)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Trustee

Occupation: Customer Support in private companies and government agencies

Education: BS in Psychology (Colegio de San Juan de Letran)

Advocacy Accomplishment: Anna Dame is the current ASP AUdventure Program Manager and co-hosting with ASP PweDay

Candidate #3: Helen Q. Cheng (Caloocan City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Auditor

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: BS Commerce (University of Santo Tomas)

Advocacy Accomplishment: Helen develops the capabilities of ASP in e-commerce and inspires economic empowerment in budding artists and entrepreneurs, as the ASP National Program Manager of ASP AutisMALL. She is currently the Program Manager for ASP ARTismo.

Candidate #4: Evelyn O. Go (Quezon City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Treasurer

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: BS Food and Nutrition (University of Santo Tomas), MA units Special Education (UP Diliman)

Advocacy Accomplishment: Evelyn ensures the financial growth and sustainability of the society, through no-nonsense financial management and responsible governance, having served as ASP's Treasurer since 2007.

Candidate #5: Jane Ann S. Gonzales (Davao City, RXI)

Occupation: Retiree, Area Director, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-Davao Regional Office and Program Director/Co-Owner, ILLC Davao Inc.

Education: BSC Major in Accounting (Ateneo de Davao University), Masters in Public Administration (University of Southeastern Philippines)

Advocacy Accomplishment: Jane is a founding member/organizer of ASP Davao Chapter in 1995. She serves as a Resource Speaker on Autism in various groups in Davao City, and pioneer in Job Readiness and Work Placement Programs for teenagers/adolescents with ASD in Davao City

Candidate #6: Maria Joyla N. Ofrecia (CSFP, RIII)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Vice-President

Occupation: Independent SPED Consultant

Education: MA Special Education (Angeles University Foundation)

Advocacy Accomplishment: Joy is currently the ASP Cluster Governor and MM-Rizal Cluster Head, where She organizes and mentors budding ASP chapters towards good governance and sustainability. She also empowers families in the care and instruction of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as a valuable resource speaker on the ASP Early Detection and Early Intervention Program, ASP Education Committee, ASP HOMEpowerment Program and ASP Speakers’ Bureau.

Candidate #7: Perlita W. So (Angeles City, RIII)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Trustee

Occupation: Full-time Homemaker

Education: BS Food Technology (University of Santo Tomas)

Advocacy Accomplishment: Peng is currently the Cluster Head of ASP North Luzon Chapters, and she continuously nurtures well-rounded skills, holistic well-being and social connection of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as well as grows our circle of diverse volunteers and corporate partners -- as the Program Manager of ASP PweDay.

Candidate #8: Lorenzo “LJay” Sumulong III (Antipolo City, RIV-A)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National President

Occupation: Artisan Farmer

Education: BS Sociology (University of California, Davis), BS Public Administration (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila)

Advocacy Accomplishment: LJay is a public servant helping the autism community in legal and rights-based engagements, advocating for legislation and policies concerning persons with disabilities, and integrating programs for the enhancement of the physical abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum through sports activities.

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Posted in: election

Family Support Group for the month of April 2025

Date: 12 April 2025, Saturday
Time: 10:00am

Register here to get the Zoom link: zoom registration
The deadline for registration is 11 April 2025, Friday at 12nn.

April Family Support Group Poster

ASPs family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines -- together with this month's host, ASP Angeles -- welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience that is autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT: Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by 11 April 2025 Friday at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Perlita So is currently an ASP National Trustee and the North Luzon Cluster Head. Mom to four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Peng nurtures well-rounded skills, holistic well-being, and social connection of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as well as grows our circle of diverse volunteers and corporate partners -- as the Program Manager of ASP PweDay.

Marie V. Umali, the 55-year-old President of ASP Angeles, is a graduate of the Medical Secretariat program at Angeles University Foundation Inc. She lives in Porac, Pampanga, with her husband and three children.

A loving housewife, a doting mom, and a cheerful friend to everyone, she loves cooking and dreams of traveling the world.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

Protecting Our Advocacy: Autism Society Philippines Secures Key Intellectual Property Rights

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is committed to promoting the rights and welfare of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. As part of our mission, we have secured intellectual property rights to protect the integrity of our advocacy initiatives and trademarks of its brand assets, including the ASP Angels Walk for Autism.

We would like to inform the public that the Autism Society Philippines holds the following registered intellectual properties:

AUTISM SOCIETY PHILIPPINES (Registration No.: 4/2024/00518628)

AUTISM SOCIETY PHILIPPINES ANGELSWALK FOR AUTISM (Registration No.: 4/2024/00518897)

AUTISM OK PHILIPPINES (Registration No.: 4/2024/00518890)

These registrations ensure that our organization can continue to deliver credible and impactful programs without unauthorized use of our official names and initiatives.

While we appreciate and encourage autism advocacy efforts by local government units, schools, and private organizations, we kindly request that those not officially affiliated with ASP or our accredited chapters refrain from using these registered names in their activities.

For any questions or partnership inquiries, please email us at autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: 4public

ASP AUmbitious Inspiring Voices, Empowered Leaders

Date: 2 April 2025, Wednesday, 1pm
Venue: Canva Philippines, #116 V.A. Rufino, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Time: Registration starts at 1pm
Attire: Smart casual in green (participants). You can bring jacket or sweater.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3Ri3hKY

ASP AUmbitious 2025 Poster

ASP’s “AUmbitious: Inspiring Voices, Empowered Leaders” is a TED-talk-inspired event that highlights the experiences, challenges, and successes of Filipinos on the autism spectrum in their chosen fields, such as education and the creative industries. This hybrid event, both in-person and virtual, aims to bring together autism self-advocates, allies, and government stakeholders to promote greater awareness, inclusion, and leadership development. Participants can hear firsthand accounts of how individuals on the spectrum have navigated their paths and overcome obstacles.

Our featured speakers include NCDA Executive Director Ms Glenda Relova, Raymarc Badillo, Pia Cabanero, Ian Lopez, and Executive Director Abelardo David (Independent Living and Learning Center).

With the support of the Autism Society Philippines’ Self-Advocates Circle, the National Council on Disability Affairs, and Canva Philippines, the “AUmbitious” event aims to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society. The event strives to shift mindsets by amplifying self-advocates’ voices, encouraging a broader understanding of the abilities and contributions individuals on the spectrum can offer as leaders and change-makers.

Program
1:00 pm Registration

2:00 pm National Anthem | Community Prayer | Welcome Remarks | “Warming up for Success”
2:30 pm “My Path to Empowerment in Education”
Welcome Remarks
“Warming up for Success”

2:45 pm “Thriving in the Creative Industry”

3:00 pm “From Challenges to Champions: Turning Setbacks into Strengths on the Path to Leadership”
3:15 pm “Digital paths toward an inclusive world”
3:30 pm “Reflecting on Expectations and Impact”
3:35 pm Community Photo
3:40 pm Closing Remarks | Snack and Networking

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Posted in: 4public,4pwas