“Effective Public Speaking” Workshop a Success!

By: Ranilo Sorongon, ASP Executive Director

Even with Typhoon Falcon lashing out in many parts of the country, the seminar-workshop on "Effective Public Speaking" still pushed through last June 26, 2011 at the Grand Majestic Convention Center in Cebu City.

The workshop was attended by 13 participants coming from the cities of Visayas and Mindanao namely Iloilo, Dumaguete, Dipolog, Roxas, Ormoc, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro and our host Cebu, with special participation of a representative from Norfil Foundation based in Cebu City.

ASP Chair Emeritus, Erlinda "Dang" Koe was the main facilitator and Executive Director Ranil Sorongon as co-facilitator. The activity was primarily designed for ASP chapter representatives to (1) develop and hone their skills in public speaking and (2) effectively advocate for the rights and welfare of Persons with Autism (PWA).

It was an intimate workshop with only few participants. Each gave their presentations to the group, after which, the rest of the participants gave feedback/critique on the delivery and content of their presentations in the plenary.

“This is my first time to join ASP but I felt the acceptance of the group. I was so happy and fortunate to be given this opportunity” shared Grace Dumanon, a physical therapist of Norfil.

Participants of the Speaker's Training

Previously, the Seminar-Workshop is conducted to ASP Leaders. After receiving numerous email requests, ASP now extends this type of workshops to other members of the disability sector. Yesterday, Dang just concluded a similar workshop to the parent-leaders of the Breaking Barriers for Children and Youth (BBCY), a project of the Katipunan ng may Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI) a day before the ASP workshop in Lapu-Lapu City.

“Although I am giving presentations at SM Cagayan de Oro and in my classes as a lecturer, I still gained new knowledge and insights every time I listened to Dang” said Angie Abellanosa, the president of ASP Cagayan de Oro City.

All participants were grateful for being invited to the said activity. With the new knowledge and skills they acquired, Sunday was made worthwhile.

We would like to express our gratitude to ASP Cebu City Chapter, headed by its President, Ms. Sandra Espina and her secretary Ms. Marivic, in making this activity a success.

To request for Understanding Autism and Effective Public Speaking Seminars, kindly contact ASP National Office at telephones 7-903-5496 or email us at autismphils@gmail.com.

Be an Angel for Autism. Donate generously to ASP Programs and Services. Donate to Autism Society Philippines Metrobank Kamias Branch 047-3-04751874-2. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.