OTAP Annual Convention

Would you like to know how to help children successfully transition into school or a work setting?

What are the rights and privileges of children with their families according to the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities?

How can we help children with disabilities become integrated into society? How can their siblings help in the process?

What are the common challenges associated with adopting a Gluten-free and Casein-free diet? How can these challenges be addressed?

How can aquatherapy and ergonomics facilitate the participation of children in school?

If you want to know the answer to these questions and learn so much more about how we can help facilitate children's participation in school, then all you have to do is attend the Annual Convention of the Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines on Mar. 5 & 6 at the Pearl Manila Hotel.

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS

Hon. VIRGITH BUENO: GFCF Diet

Prof. MA. CONCEPCION CABATAN: Transition Planning

ROLLAND LYLE DUQUE: School Transition

ANTHONY GRECIA: Demystification & Social Inclusion

CRISTINA DE LEON-HINLO: Aquatherapy

THEA SHEILA OCHEDA: Ergonomics for Children

Dr. ALEXIS REYES: ADHD and School

MY SORONGON: The Siblings’ Side of the Story

MARLU EVANGELISTA: National Council for Disability Affairs

PRC: Licensure Examination Updates 1ST OTAP RESEARCH AWARDS (STUDENT CATEGORY)

REGISTRATION FEES

EARLY BIRD on or before FEB. 23

ONSITE after FEB. 23

Student Member* Php 1,600 Php 2,000

Lifetime Member Php 1,900 Php 2,300

Regular / Graduate/ Technician Member Php 2,000 Php 2,400

Non-Member Php 2,500 Php 2,800

Foreign Delegate US$ 60 US$ 75

Registrants who have attended the past 2-3 consecutive conventions will get additional 5 % discount on actual fee

*Students have the option of attending only ONE day and can pay for P 1,100.00
*A group of 10 students can have another student to join for free (10+1)
*A group of 10 participants from parent or other professional organizations (with ID) can have another member to join for free (10+1)

CONTACT US

ELSINORE UY (QUALITY LIFE DISCOVERIES, QC)
Tel #: 912-7433
Mobile #: 0922-889-2119

IVAN GOMEZ (UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, Manila)
Mobile # 0917-209-2934

HAYZLE SIA / ANTHONY GRECIA / DWIGHT IVAN BAUTISTA (GOALS-Caloocan, Alabang, BGC)
Tel #: 771-1189 / 362-5981 / 659-0185

LUI ACUNA (LIFE SKILLS THERAPY CENTER, Tarlac)
Mobile #: 0922-858-2896

PAYMENT

1. Cash
2. Managers Check/Bank Draft (Payable to Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines, Inc.)
NOTE: All foreign bank drafts should be in US$.
3. Bank Deposit: Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines, Inc.
METROBANK - Robinsons Galleria Branch
CURRENT ACCOUNT # 6297629002479

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City of San Fernando Pampanga - Alyana Showing

ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga Chapter will be having an Alyana Showing - A study of Autism in the Philippines on February 26, Saturday, 1PM and 3PM at Sta. Cecilia Auditorium - Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City Pampanga. Tickets is P100.00.

Digital poster of Alyana

For inquiries please contact Joy Ofrecia - 0922-854-3574 or email joy_vicon@yahoo.com ; aspcsfpchapter@yahoo.com

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Thank You Angels!

Thank you for being an Angel Card

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ASP Family Day Celebration Highlights

By Cristine Republica, ASP Trainee

ASP National and ASP Chapters from Bacoor, Commonwealth, Lagro, Pampanga, Diliman, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Metro South, UP-Camp Manila Chapters, San Fernando Pampanga, joined in the annual Family Day Celebrations. Other groups like STAC Quezon City, AMO-PDM, DENR, DOTC, DSWD-NCR, PVI Foundation Inc., The Institute of Health and Wellness, Bagumbayani, Cecilio Apostol Elementary School, Brgy. Comembo and JICA also came to support the event. The event ends the 15th Autism Consciousness Week Celebrations.

Pa Raffle ng mga Anghel 2 -- this fund raising project aims to continue ASP’s Early Detection and Early Intervention Project. Every ticket bought is equivalent to helping targeted families of children with autism. Audiences scrambled for the last 7 tickets sold at the merchandise booth. The event took place during the Family Day Celebrations January 23, 2011, at Sky Dome, SM City, North EDSA, Quezon City.

Representative from SM Program on Disability Affairs Mr. Dennis Martel; Mr. Prime Bonife of DENR; ASP Trustee Carmel Almendrala; Governor to ASP Cavite Chapters, Jan Peña, and ASP National President, Grace Adviento; picked the lucky winners from the “tambiolo”. To read the winners for this year’s Pa-Raffle ng mga Anghel 2, click here.

Mr. Dennis Martel, Mr. Prime Bonife, Carmel Almendrala, Jan Peña and Grace Adviento

Festive Mood Aside from the raffle, the Sky Dome was in a fiesta mood with different booths and freebies for the whole family. Art Activity and Fun Games were provided by volunteers from PVI Foundation Inc., and Balloon Twisting and Face Painting, courtesy of Bagumbayani plus the energetic tandem of our emcees, Mom Lilet Laviña, a mother to Mikko a teen with autism and Amaris Cabason, sister of Vinz, a child with autism.

Amaris Cabason (left) and Lilet Laviña (right)

Participants were also treated to Terrific Talents of Person with Autism in area of singing. Carlo Turbolencia of New Era University gave an energetic and powerful upbeat song, “Dynamite” while Jaz Bongalon of ASP Lagro Chapter serenaded the audience with “Beautiful in My Eyes”.

There was On-the-Spot sketching courtesy of PWA Gabby Atienza; the Sibling’s Corner offered a Glitter Tattoos to adults and kids alike, courtesy of Ate Katrina, sister of Math Wizard Patrick and brother Angelo So, with other sibling support members, Anthea Peña, sister of Muneer, Ann and Emily Go, sisters of Gelo, Macy Adviento, sister of Adrian, Issa Cabason, sister of Vinz.

Gabby Atienza with his sketch

Katrina So with Mr. Prime Bonife of DENR

Since health is wealth, Clinica Manila headed by Raph Torralba, offered free blood pressure check-up for senior participants and Mr. Paolo Trinidad enticed the audiences with “Laughter Yoga” exercises. To keep the momentum going, ASP Dream Girls sent the audiences gyrating to “I will Survive” by Vell Barria and “All the Single Ladies” by Nica Escasiñas.

Other performers were Dave Ponce and his mom Aimee of ASP Diliman Chapter who gave a heart-wrenching duet “Sana”, Tristan de los Santos of ASP Commonwealth Chapter and Darlene de Guzman of St. Catherine.

Much to be Thankful For

Prior to the Family Day Celebrations, a Thanksgiving Mass at the Atrium of SM The Block, also in the same mall was held. Gabby Atienza and Michael Almendrala read the First and Second Reading, both are adults with autism.

Gabby Atienza and Mike Almendrala

Family, Friends and other supporters during the Holy Mass at Atrium SM North EDSA

The 15th National Autism Consciousness Week celebration was made possible through ASP partners: ACW co chairs – Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Archdiocese of Manila Persons with Disabilities Ministry (AMO-PDM), Bagumbayani, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Liliane Foundation, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and SM Programs on Disability Affairs.

Our sincerest thanks to our following sponsors: SM Prime, SM Cares, SM Program on Disability Affairs. SM City North EDSA, Skydome, SM City Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, The French Baker , Unilever RFM Ice Cream, Inc ,Transaxion Unlimited Corporation ,Councilor Alfred Vargas, Ardex Motor Corporation ,Long Life Bakery, Philippine Multimedia Systems, Inc. , Richard's Food Products, Pizza Pedrico's Food Corporation, GMA 7, Home Town Realty Developer,Inc., Palms Country Club, McDonalds, Rey and Peng So.

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Posted in: family-day,nacw

On-the-Spot Drawing Contest 2011

By Cathy Genovia, ASP Volunteer

“Truly Artistic... Proudly Autistic” is the tag line ASP uses in promoting the artistic talents of PWAs. Last 17 January 2011, more talents were discovered during the On-The-Spot Drawing Contest, which was held at the Social Hall of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Diliman, Quezon City. The event was part of the week-long celebrations of the 15th Autism Consciousness Week.

ASP National President, Mary Grace Adviento

ASP President, Grace Adviento, welcomed the participants and their teachers. ASP Treasurer, Evelyn Go, Executive Director Ranil Sorongon and Ms. Nelia Cepeda of Philippine Information Agency came to support the event. The respected judges of the said contest were; Teacher Baldwin Kho, visual artist; Arch. Rizal Morales of DOTC; Mr. Rizalio Sanchez of NCDA and Ms. Ma. Veronica Miguel of DPWH.

Winners of the On-The-Spot Drawing Contest as follows:

Self-Contained Category: 1st Prize: Ralph Sy (Independent Living Learning Center), 2nd Prize: Tejay Serrano (Barrio Obrero Elementary School) and 3rd Prize: Jeremiah Panganiban (Lagro Elementary School).

Mainstream/Inclusion, Elementary Category: 1st Prize: Rosel Conrado Sobremonte (Eulogio Rodriguez Integrated School); 2nd Prize: John Ray Angelo Madulid (Makati Sped Center) and 3rd Prize: Jerome Neil Bravante (Makati Sped Center).

Mainstream/Inclusion, High School Category: 1st Prize: Karlo Turbolencia (New Era School) and 2nd Prize: Rachel Celine Torres (New Era School).

Winners of On-the-Spot Painting Contest 2011

The said contest was co-sponsored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), House of Representatives (HOR), Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

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Posted in: art,children,competition,contest,nacw

ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2011 Highlights

By Cathy Genovia, ASP Volunteer

More than 5,000 angels flocked to join the ASP Angels Walk for Autism last 16 January 2011, at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City; with participants from as far as Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga and Naga. The ASP Angels Walk for Autism ushered in the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week celebrations, with the theme, “Autismo Paghandaan: Maagap na Deteksyon at Interbensyon Isakatuparan.” This year’s NACW is co-chaired by the Department of Transportation and Communications and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The more than 5, 000 participants who joined the Angels Walk 2011

Friends from the Palms Country Club Fitness Center. Click here to read about PCCFC , led the crowd to a special exercise number, followed by PWAs from ASP Cavite Chapters who led the Invocation with an interpretative song and dance number. ASP’s own AVP of National Anthem featured photos from the various Colors of “A” Spectrum workshops/exhibits of ASP Chapters around the country.

Angelic Messages

Engr. Bien Mateo, Director of SM Program on Disability Affairs, welcomed participants to SM, host to the ASP Angels Walk for Autism for the past three years. This was followed by the VTR of “The Heart of SM,” highlighting SM’s Corporate Social Responsibility Projects for Persons with Disabilities.

Engr. Bien Mateo Director of SM Program on Disability Affairs

More Angelic messages followed from Mr. Prime Bonife, Focal Person on PWD Concerns of DENR, and Arch Rizal Morales of DOTC, this year’s co-chair to the 15th ACW; Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo of Phil. Coast Guard and Cong. Irwin Tieng of BUHAY Party List Representative.

Mr. Prime Bonife, Focal Person on PWD Concerns of DENR

Arch. Rizal Morales of DOTC

Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo of Philippine Coast Guard

Cong. Irwin Tieng, BUHAY Party List Representative

Walking for Autism

The 5,000-strong participants from schools, institutions, LGUs, NGOs, supporters, professionals, volunteers, and ASP Chapter representatives, friends and family members of persons with autism made a collective move to walk around the SM Mall of Asia grounds and re-converged to the Music Hall where the Variety Program took place. Click here to read ASP National President’s speech for Angels Walk.

(from left) ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe, SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia, Arch. Rizal Morales of DOTC, Buhay Partylist Representative Cong. Irwin Tieng, SM Prime President Hans Sy, SMPDA Director Engr. Bien Mateo, Elmer Lapena of DSAPI, AVP Mall of Asia and SMNE Stephen Tan and ASP President Grace Adviento

Variety Show and PWA Talents

To signify the opening of the program, students from Integrated Living Learning Center (ILLC) escorted ASP Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe, emcee for the event. Alternating with her are co-emcees, Teacher Kismette Cepe of ASP Bacoor Chapter and Paolo Aguilar.

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe and the ILLC Hunks

GMA Artists also came to support the celebrations with Kapuso Stars: Rich Asuncion, Prince Stefan and Rita Iringan, rendering song and dance numbers. Since the whole week is dedicated to persons with autism, PWAs also showcased their special abilities in singing and dancing - courtesy of ASP Trustee and Autism Talent Manager, Ging Viado, her staff and team from GS Option House.

PWA Singers

- ASP Dream Girls: Thara Marie Santiago, Vell Barria and Nica Escasinas;
- PWA Solo Singers: Jason Palmeda, Gabriel Nazareth, Rodrigo Luis Recto, Seann Espinili, Julian Raphael Taasan, Robert Meigh "BuBoy" Dolor
- 20 PWAs who joined in singing the 80’s hit song “We are the World”.

PWA Dancers

- Mark Lawrence Buendia, Daniel Garcia, Karen Marquez, Jesus and Joshua Barsatan; Ashley Taylo, Lance Mendoza, Kaleb Bermillo and Daryl Samalca;
- GS Angel Dancers: Dean Hernando Diaz, Gabriel Nazareth, Justin Bitanga, Jonathan Onnagan and Lanz Dimero;
- GS Angels: Cathroy Perena, Asha Leoncio, Jeremy Rodillas, Gabriel Serrano, Tristahn Cruzada, Vio Picardal and Brendan Sumande;
- Hip Groovers: Jerome Tiangco, Noelle Cruz, Ryan Beldia, Michael Perez and RJ Dordas.
- ILLC Hunks: Eion Crawford Atienza, Patrik Miguel de Leon, Joseph Garcia, Marius Anton Maniwang, Melvin Lloyd Ngo, Cornell Sarangaya, Dexter Yao and Carlo Gregorio Veluz.
- Transmovers Dancers: Lanz Dimero, Noelle Cruz, Justin Bitanga, Ryan Beldia, Michael Perez, Jason Palmeda, Dean Diaz and Jonathan Onnagan.

The ASP Talents

Grace Abounds for Autism

The event was another fun filled experience not only to the children with autism but also to their families and supporters who have joined them in their journey. ‘Till our next Angels Walk!

The 15th National Autism Consciousness Week was made possible through ASP partners: ACW co chairs – Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Archdiocese of Manila Persons with Disabilities Ministry (AMO-PDM), Bagumbayani, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Liliane Foundation, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and SM Programs on Disability Affairs.

Our sincerest thanks to our following sponsors: SM Prime, SM Cares, SM Program on Disability Affairs, SM City North EDSA, Skydome, SM City Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, The French Baker, Unilever RFM Ice Cream, Inc ,Transaxion Unlimited Corporation ,Councilor Alfred Vargas, Ardex Motor Corporation ,Long Life Bakery, Philippine Multimedia Systems, Inc. , Richard's Food Products, Pizza Pedrico's Food Corporation, GMA 7, Home Town Realty Developer,Inc., Palms Country Club, McDonalds, Rey & Peng So.

Special Thanks to ASP Volunteers who helped and supported the Angels Walk for Autism: Teacher My Sorongon, Ms. Bing David, Ms. Rina Figueroa, UST Volunteers and Bagumbayani Volunteers.

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Posted in: angels-walk,nacw

2011 Quiz “A”

By: Cathy Genovia, ASP Volunteer

Now on its second year, Quiz “A” or Quiz Autism, ASP’s version of Quiz Bee, invited once again, children from different public and private schools. This activity is in line with the celebrations of the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week, which was held last Jan 20, 2011 at the Conference room of the House of Representatives.

Originally, the contest had two categories: Elementary Mainstreamed and High School Mainstreamed. But with the promotion of Inclusive Education, the Committee on Quiz “A” added a new category: Regular High School Category, which is a pilot project. Twenty (20) students from Batasan High School served as the first batch of contestants.

The 20 students were asked to answer questions on the Rights of Children, Autism and Disability in general. Due to the success of the pilot project, the Quiz “A” format will now be replicated in other disability celebrations. This strategy will be adopted to mainstream persons with disability in present education system.

The Quiz Masters for the different categories are: Maria Alpha Larca of Council for the Welfare of Children for the Elementary Mainstreamed Category, Ms. Marivic Manrique of the House Of Representatives for the High School Mainstreamed Category and Mr. Minalang Barapantao Jr of the Committe on Social Services of the House of Representatives.

Winners of Quiz “A”

The following are winners for the Quiz “A” contest. For the Elementary Mainstreamed Category: 1st Place: Jona Victoria Balaquer (Bo. Obrero Elementary School); 2nd Place: Adam Seth Argana (Alabang Elementary School) and 3rd Place: Carmelita Nazario ( Rizal Elementary School). For the High School Mainstreamed Category: 1st Place: Oliver San (Mind Matters Christian Academy); 2nd Place: Irish Charles Eden Satore (Jose Fabella). And for the Regular High School Catergory: 1st Place: Krisna Allison Rico; 2nd Place: Ma. Leninia Guarino; and 3rd Place: Angelyn Sager.

Winners of the Elementary Category

Winners of the High School Category

The said contest was co-sponsored by House of Representatives, Council for the Welfare of Children, Department of Education and BUHAY Party List.

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2011 ACW Back to Back Family Support Group

By: Abegail Mendoza, ASP Program Assistant

In celebration of the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week, ASP started the monthly Family Support Group meeting to tackle burning concerns of the parents of children autism. ASP conducted two simultaneous FSGs on January 22, 2011. One was facilitated by ASP Trustee Ms. Carmel Almendrala at the ASP National Office in Kamias, Quezon City, while another facilitated by Ms. Fredeswina Javier at Cradle for Learners School in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.

The FSG at ASP National Office attended by 6 mothers while 16 attended the FSG at Cradles. During the meeting, different problems were raised by the participants: (1) addressing behavior of CWAs, (2) concerns in the school, (3) concerns about the CWAs future, (4) knowing the rights of children with autism, and (5) how to advocate for their children’s welfare.

The concerns raise were appropriately channeled to the facilitators as Carmel is the head of ASP’s Advocacy Committee, while Fredes is a member of the Executive Council of Ateneo High School-Parents Union and Sped Consultants to some schools.

Here are some of the comments gathered from the participants:

- We really have to be strong for our children.

- Continuous planning and seeking for support / advocate for our children’s cause/welfare is needed.

- Educate more people specially those always in touch with our children.

- Always be positive and see more of our children’s accomplishments rather than their weaknesses.

- Be thankful even of the simple things that our kids do everyday.

ASP continues to help the parents in their journeys with their children. And because of this, ASP schedules another FREE Family Support Group meeting at ASP Office on February 19, 2011, with ASP Vice President, Peng So, facilitating. Don’t miss this opportunity, call 7-903-5496 to register. Hurry! Only 15 slots available.

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ASP congratulates Carmona, a dream community

By Grace Adviento, ASP National President

“As I internalized Mayor Dahlia Loyola’s speech on her accomplishments and saw for myself the plans for the Municipality of Carmona, I would often think of relocating my family in this sub-urban town.” -- ASP President Grace Adviento

Mayor Dahlia Loyola during her speech

Ang maunlad na bayan ng Carmona ay namahagi kamakailan ng pagpuri at parangal sa top 10 taxpayer ng bayan. Nakakatuwang isipin na sa loob lamang ng ilang taon, ang maliit na bayan ng Carmona ay na transform into a highly industrialized area. Masasabing dream community nga ito at very ideal sa mga pamilya, lalo na sa mga may kapansanan.

Aside from the awards given out to the Top 10 Taxpayers 2011, Carmona also gave out eight (8) awards to companies with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and nine (9) awards to non-government organizations (NGOs) plus other partner organizations that have worked to contribute to the success of Carmona.

Ang ASP National Office at ang ASP Cavite Chapters, sa pamumuno ni “Gobernadora” Jan Peña, ay ginawaran ng parangal sa pakikipag partner sa Carmona upang makatulong sa disability sector, partikular sa AUTISMO.

(from left) ASP Cavite Chapters "Gobernadora," Jan Peña, ASP National President, Grace Adviento and Representative of 5th District of Cavite, Roy Loyola

The award given by Carmona Municipality to Autism Society Philippines

Congratulations Carmona! May your Municipality always be an inspiration and a true model community for others. Mabuhay ang Carmona!

ASP National office received a generous donation from the mayor for the Early Intervention and Early Detection Project. Click here to read more about ASP’s recent visit to Carmona.

Be Angel for Autism. Make a Difference. Donate to ASP Programs and Services. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com, call us 7-903-5496. Please deposit your donation to Banco de Oro, Anonas- Kamias Branch, Account Name: Autism Society Philippines Saving Account No. 3980002955. Or you can drop by at our ASP National Office Room 307, ML Building 47 Kamias Road, Quezon City, Philippines.

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Posted in: awards,carmona,chapters

A Second Look at ASP Laguna’s ARC

By: Ranil Sorongon, ASP Executive Director

“Wow! Ito na ba ang center ng ASP Laguna na binisita natin noong 2008?” Architect Rizal Morales of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) remarked with amazement.

“Yes, that’s why I wanted the group to see us again and for you to witness the development of its physical structure and its programs for persons with autism and other disabilities” responded ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon.

Services offered by ARC: Beans and Rice Repacking, Photocopying and Lamination

ASP Laguna Chapter’s Ms. Riza Cansanay, “perpetual” President, oriented to the busload of visitors from Manila about Autism Resource Center’s (ARC) programs and services and its vision for an Autism Enabling Community. The visitors were also amazed that such a facility thrived in the rural area of Los Baños.

Ms. Riza Cansanay and Ms. Marivic Ramos of ARC during the orientation

Hon. Josephine Sumangil - Evangelista, Los Baños Vice Mayor and Councilor Tony Kalaw were also present to welcome the visitors. Hon. Evangelista narrated her long time support to ASP Laguna back when she was still serving as councilor. She also announced the good news to the group that the local government of Los Baños is giving Php 268, 000.00 to support to ASP’s Early Detection and Early Intervention Project and also reiterated her continued support to the chapter.

Many were moved into tears hearing the commitment from the Vice Mayor, especially the members of ASP Laguna Chapter and Trustees form ASP National Office, who also joined the visit. Given the limited resources of the municipality, the gesture to prioritize autism was very heart warming.

The Community Based Rehabilitation or CBR visit is part of ASP’s priority program in line with the celebrations of the 15th Autism Consciousness Week. The visit was followed by a simple lunch prepared by the trainees with autism of ARC and sponsored by DOTC.

The busload of visitors came from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Education (DepEd, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Norfil Foundation, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Committee on Social Services, House of Representatives, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH), ASP Commonwealth Chapter, City of Mandaluyong and the Archdiocese of Manila-Person with Disability Ministry (AMO-PDM).

Click here to read part 2 of the CBR visit to the Municipality of Carmona, Cavite.

Indeed even in the rural areas accessible and quality services can be made available as proven by ASP Laguna Chapter and the Municipality of Carmona. It’s a RIGHT of every PWD that the government MUST PROVIDE as signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)!

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Carmona - A Model PWD Program

By: Ranil Sorongon, ASP Executive Director

“It takes political will and a genuine love and service for children/persons with disabilities that propel us to make these happen” said the Mayor Dahlia Loyola upon her welcome to the busload of Manila visitors.

Carmona Mayor Dahlia Loyola

The Municipality of Carmona (Region IV-A or CALABRZON) won the Apolinario Mabini Award for Local Government Unit of the Year in 2008 and the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee in 2009.

ASP organized a Community Based Rehabilitation or CBR Visit to Carmona last January 18, 2011, as part of the 15th Autism Consciousness Week Program. The visit was followed after the trip to Laguna’s Autism Resource Center. Click here to read the previous visit.

Participants on CBR Visit

Ms. Rosebelle Mercurio, head of the PWD Coordinating Office and her staff; led the visitors to the conference room to watch a video clip of Carmona. Mayor Loyola started the PWD Program together with her husband, now Congressman Roy Loyola. Carmona is the first municipality with a data base on the number of PWDs and boasts of a comprehensive continuing program for them.

“PWDs deserve these services and we will do our best to provide,” said the mayor, while turning over her cash donation of P10, 000.00 to ASP as part of her support to the ASP’s Advocacy Programs. ASP National President, Ms. Grace Adviento, received the donation in behalf of ASP. Click here to read more about Carmona.

The group was then toured around the PWD Coordinating Office and continues to provide programs through their Special Education Classrooms and Vocational Training Facilities, with a hefty budget provided for and personnel allocated for persons with disabilities by the municipality.

The delegates visited the PWD Coordinating Office of Carmona, Cavite

Following the visit, ASP Carmona Chapter officers, headed by Ms. Rosalyn Dasco, were officially inducted by the honorable mayor. They were jointly supported by the busload of visitors came from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Education (DepEd, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Norfil Foundation, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Committee on Social Services, House of Representatives, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), ASP Commonwealth Chapter, City of Mandaluyong and the Archdiocese of Manila-Person with Disability Ministry (AMO-PDM).

Carmona Chapter Officers headed by Ms. Rosalyn Dasco inducted by Hon. Dahlia Loyola

Indeed even in the rural areas accessible and quality services can be made available as proven by ASP Laguna Chapter and the Municipality of Carmona. It’s a RIGHT of every PWD that the government MUST PROVIDE as signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)!

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ASP Gives Seven Free Lectures on Autism

By: Cathy Genovia, ASP Volunteer

ASP members and non-members have enjoyed not only one, nor two nor three, but SEVEN FREE LECTURES on AUTISM. This is in line with the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week Celebrations.

January 19, 2011

More than 100 participants attended a free lecture on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Multi Sensory Environment (MSE) and Aqua Therapy (AT). The lectures were held at Quality Life Discoveries (QLD). ASP Vice President Peng So and ASP Treasurer Evelyn Go came to support the event.

the participants on the said free lecture

Teacher Archie David, QLD Executive Director and Ms. Mary Ann Cua, owner of QLD, welcomed the participants. After the seminar, Ms. Cua allowed the participants to have a tour of the facilities and view the actual equipment used on said alternative therapies.

(from left) QLD Owner Ms. MAry Ann Cua, ASP Vice President Peng So,
ASP Member Ren Perez, QLD Executive Director Prof. Archie David
and ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon

Speakers were: Dr. Jose Bernardo, who talked about the advantages of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for PWAs; Ms. Lorraine Tan (OTRP) on the importance of providing a Multi Sensory Environment for CWAs; Mr. Christian Oliver (PTRP) together with Ms. Raina Reyes (OTRP) for Aqua Therapy.

The said lectures were in partnership with Quality Life Discoveries, a state-of- the-art Therapy Center and the ASP National Office.

January 21, 2011

More than 350 attendees filled the Sky Dome of SM City North EDSA to listen to the ROLES of PROFESSIONALS in the life of a Child with Autism (CWA). Speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Navarro (Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician); Mr. John Paul Mallari (Occupational Therapist); Dr. Ferdiliza Garcia (Speech and Language Pathologist) and Ms. Geevee Rivadelo (Special Education Teacher). Teacher My Sorongon, also a special educator and ASP EDIEP Trainer, served as the moderator during the open forum.

one of the participants during the open forum

Our four guest speakers explained their significant roles and how their roles are equally important in the success of the program of a child with autism. The participants were also given an Open Forum to air their concerns about their students/children and were given practical advice on how to deal with the situation.

our four guest speakers: (from left) Dr. Jacqueline Navarro, Mr. John Paul Mallari,
Dr. Ferdiliza Garcia and Ms. Geevee Rivadelo

Our heartfelt thanks to sponsors Ms. Mary Ann Cua and Teacher Archie David of Quality Life Discoveries. Also to Channel 5 and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the media coverage.

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The Palms Country Club at Angels Walk

By: Gina Bermudo, ASP Trustee

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) celebrated the annual “Angels Walk for Autism” last January 16, 2011, at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Angels Walk’s aim is to generate public awareness on autism; as per Presidential Proclamation 711, declaring every third week of January as Autism Consciousness Week. This year’s theme is “Autismo Paghandaan: Maagap na Deteksyon at Interbensyon Isakatuparan”.

Angels Walk for Autism last January 2011

Angels Walk was attended by more than five thousand families, supportive friends, along with government representatives, movie stars, media personalities and different organizations from the public and private sectors; as well as active advocates of the Autism Community.

Most of the “Autism Angels”, as autism advocates are fondly called, were dressed in this year’s commemorative t-shirt, which display the words, “Thousands Walk Every January.” A brown haloed angel is prominently displayed in the middle of the green shirt – the color which symbolizes HOPE for children and families, dealing with autism. Each group held on to their banners/streamers, proudly displaying tarpauline sized pictures of their “special angel” or the organization/school they represent.

But in every walk or exercise, a warm-up is needed to gradually condition the body, before engaging in the “walk” proper; and of course, our children; Nico and Xandie, are no exception. Autism Angels from The Palms Country Club, Alabang led the low impact warm-up exercises, specifically designed for the event.

Thanks to the generosity of General Manager/Executive Chef, Mr. Hans Rudolf Neukom and Sports Supervisor, Mr. Rhoy Landicho; who has been consistently providing Autism Society Philippines (ASP) with fitness instructors for the Angels Walk for the past two years.

With an Autism-Friendly Environment and trained professional staff to handle differently-abled persons, The Palms County Club is truly a safe haven for families of children with special needs.

To Mr. Neukom, Mr. Landicho, Trainers Joel, Kristoff, Lota and Nina, “Thank you for being Autism Angels! We look forward to seeing you next year.”

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Gina Bermudo is currently serving as ASP Trustee. She regularly contributes articles to the ASP’s on-line blog and is mom to two special boys, Nicolas and Alexander. Gina is also a composer. Her songs are compiled in the CD called “Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo,” a collection of heart songs for families of special children. To purchase CD "Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo" call ASP Office at 7-903-5496. Buy Now!

For more information on autism and ASP services, please contact 7-903-5496 or visit our blog http://autismsocietyphilippines.org, Facebook, or Twitter. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com.

This article of Ms. Gina Bermudo is also featured at Palms Country Club Newsletter. Uploaded with permission.

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