A New Ally in Pasay

To celebrate their 50th year, The Rotary Club of Pasay District 3810 added another milestone to the organization. The business meeting drew a crowd of some members of RC Pasay either having a loved one or relative diagnosed with this condition.

President of Rotary Club of Pasay Atty. Cornelio Gison and
ASP President, Ms. Erlinda Koe as she received the Certificate of Appreciation

Since autism is in their hearts, Autism Society Philippines National President MRS. ERLINDA “Dang” KOE, was invited to be the guest speaker. Her lively presentation ignited and sustained the interest of the audience. Her family’s journey with Gio, enlightened the majority and even moved to tears quite a number of the attendees.

Rotary Club of Pasay District 3810 will widen the scope of its mission, particularly in special education. Atty. Cornelio “Kune” Gison, President of RC Pasay informed the attendees at Manila Polo Club, Forbes Park, Makati City last September 2, 2009, that the organization will sponsor workshops for training Pasay Public School Teachers on autism.

With that commitment being said, RC Pasay opened the way for Apelo Cruz Elementary School Pasay. Headed by Ms. Lenny Tejado, the principal, more than 50 public elementary school teachers (Grades 1-6) and parents trooped to ACESP last November 7, 2009.

Cathy Genovia, ASP Program Assistant, reported that due to lack of awareness on how to handle their own child with autism plus fear of being misunderstood, some parents withhold disclosure of their children’s diagnosis from the teachers. “Ah, kaya pala…” (So that’s why) were their reactions after hearing parts of the EDEIP lecture.

Teacher My during the EDEIP lecture in Apelo Cruz Elementary School

The EDEIP, or Early Detection and Early Intervention Program of Autism Society Philippines aims to educate public school teachers on the early signs and symptoms of autism. ASP’s EDEIP Trainer, My Sorongon, Ma. Ed. clarified some misconceptions and questions were addressed during the three-hour EDEIP Part One lecture series.

Participants in said EDEIP lecture

Atty. Gison of RC Pasay suggested recommending other Rotary Clubs to be pro-active in inviting ASP to their meetings and supporting ASP’s advocacy programs nationwide.

Kudos to all the OFFICERS and MEMBERS of ROTARY CLUB of PASAY!

Thank you for being inspired to be of service to our fellow Filipinos with special needs! May your army of dedicated men (and women!) grow as you continuously call the heed to be servants of our people!

Mabuhay kayo at maramimg salamat po!

To request for EDEIP in your area, email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496.

Posted in: awareness,EDIP