The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

23 May 2011

Quezon City, Home of ASP

By Ranilo Sorongon, ASP Executive Director


Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has been in the forefront of advocating for the rights and welfare of persons with autism and their families since its establishment 22 years ago. ASP has now 50 chapters nation wide providing services for persons with autism and their families.

Six (6) of the 50 chapters together with the National Office are located in Quezon City, a progressive city with nearly 2 million population. Our chapters are Commonwealth, Cubao Project 4, Diliman, Lagro, Muñoz and Novaliches. Four (4) of the six (6) chapters are based in the public schools of Quezon City.

To introduce the chapters leaders to each other, Executive Director Ranil Sorongon called for a meeting of the chapter leaders last Friday, May 13 at the ASP Office in Kamias, Quezon City. The representatives are Ms. Marieta Tan of Lagro, Ms. Aileen Valera of Diliman, Ms. Linda Legarto and Mr. Ton Rarela of Cubao Project 4, Ms. Norimyl Perocho of Muñoz, Teachers Lorna and Ada of Commonwealth and Ms. Maricel Agustin and Teacher Marjorie Rodas of Novaliches.
Participants during Chapter Leaders' meeting
ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon (right) with the ASP Chapter Leaders

Director Sorongon welcomed the group, explained the objectives why the meeting was called and the agenda. Before the formal discussion of the agenda, he shared to the group the updates of Republic Act (RA) 9442 specifically the discounts for PWD through a power point presentation. He emphasized the important role of the leaders of ASP in disseminating and monitoring the said law as member of the Monitoring Committee under the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

To address the need to empower parents, family members and professionals in Quezon City, the group agreed to conduct a regular seminar on autism. Director Sorongon will partner with the Central Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Special Concerns Division represented by Mr. Prime Bonife as possible sponsor of this program. Aside from autism, topics on environment will also be incorporated to educate the members of ASP.

The group also decided to conduct two (2) fund raising activities to help sustain the financial needs of the chapters. As Quezon City chapters, they will have a film showing on “Alyana-A Study of Autism in the Philippines” on August and “Fun Run for Autism” on October.

The leaders also agreed to consolidate themselves to represent not just their children with autism but also other children with disabilities in Quezon by joining the PWD Federation of QC and by actively participating in the activities of the federation.

They committed to do their best to be of service to those who need them in Quezon City, our Home!

0 comments:

Post a Comment

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Sweet Tomatoes Printable Coupons