Alyana Comes home to Pasay

By Ranil Sorongon, ASP Executive Director

After its box office hit in the province of Batangas last March 5, Alyana, the first digital Philippine documentary on autism was finally shown at Pasay City Sports Complex on July 21. Pasay City is home to film maker, Mirana Medina and her grand niece with autism, Alyana.

The film showing was part of the activities of the 31st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week (July 17-23) with the theme “Tungo sa Katuparan ng Karapatan ng PWDs” and was sponsored by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, headed by Mr. Resty Cruz.

Alyana was viewed by more than 1,500 audiences from Pasay and the neighboring cities. It was a dream came true for Mirana, who wanted so much for her “kababayans” to watch the film for free. She wanted them to be informed about autism, erase the misconceptions about autism and become compassionate to persons with autism and their families. Click here for more information.

Ms. Mirana Medina with the hosted LGU Personnel

The audience who watch the Alyana

Autism now affects 1 in every 150 children and more than half a million Filipinos are estimated to be affected by this syndrome.

The event was part of the commitment of Pasay City Mayor, Hon. Pewee Trinidad to raise awareness among his constituents. Mayor Trinidad funded the construction of Pasay SPED Center to cater to the needs of students with special needs in this city. The center, one of the most excellent centers in the country, has complete educational facilities. Mayor Trinidad together with his wife Nelfa also sponsored a training of more than 350 Barangay Health and Day Care Workers on Early Detection and Early Intervention on Autism last June 9 to 12, 2009. Click here to read more on the training.

We would like to thank Mayor Trinidad, Mr. Resty Cruz, the City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Dr. Mangonon, consultant of the (CSWDO), Ms. Cristy Castañeda, the focal person for PWDs and of course Ms. Mirana Medina for the success of the event.

Alyana is the first digital document film on Autism. Watch out for the provincial schedule in the coming months. Click here to know what people are saying about Alyana.