ASP Laguna’s Autism Resource Center in TV 5’s Ako Mismo

By: David Michael “Kitt” C. Lopez, Person with Autism

The recent feature of ASP Laguna Chapter’s Autism Resource Center (ARC) in “Ako Mismo” TV5 last June 24 brought fruitful results. “Ako Mismo” is a documentary program which features the extraordinary feats ofordinary Filipinos who contribute a great part to society.

Ms. Riza and Ms. Cathy Lopez with the staff of Ako Mismo

ASP Laguna Chapter President, Ms. Rizalinda Cansanay, our Autism Heroine, helped establish ARC as well as several institutions which are based in Laguna province. Among those included are the HOPE Intervention Center and Love & Hope Intervention Center, which are located respectively in Calamba City and Liliw. Riza is mother of Michael Cansanay, a 25-year old ARC trainee with autism.

ARC trainees and apprentices together with the Ako Mismo Staff and Laguna Board Member Angelica Jones

ASP Laguna’s ARC is located at Intan Street, Santa Fe Subdivision, Barangay Batong Malake, Los Baños, Laguna. The documentary featured footages of trainees who actively participate in work-related activities such as paper briquetting, packing of rice, and preparing meals at the kitchen.

Ate Minda Rimas, mother to Dana and Philip, both with autism, was interviewed in the program. She brings both the children to the ARC and at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Grounds for their scheduled work-related and recreational tasks.

In addition to work-related activities, ARC also featured apprentices and trainees who take an active part in the sport of kickball. In kickball, we learned the principles of discipline and teamwork. We all had meals of pancit bihon and orange juice after the activities.

At the end of the segment, singer actress, Angelica Jones, who is also a Board Member, representing the 3rd district of Laguna paid tribute to Ms. Riza Cansanay in appreciation for the fruitful results of her labors. She was surprised with a brand-new cellular phone and a bouquet of flowers from the Ako Mismo Team.

The boys of ARC (standing) Mico, EJ, Ian Lopez, (seated) Michael and Philip with Angelica Jones

We at ASP Laguna Chapter will keep on helping parents and their children with autism. It is our wish that the work in ASP Laguna’s Autism Resource Center will serve as a role model in the workplace for people with autism.

David Michael “Kitt” Lopez is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Lyceum Institue of Technology, Makiling, Calamba City. Currently he works as a trainee at ASP Laguna’s Autism Resource Center. Be an Angel for Autism. Help ASP Chapters expand their programs and services. Log on to ASP Community Website or email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.

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