Taking FSG to the Grassroots Level

By: Larry T. Baquiran, Vice President UP CAMP Manila Chapter

The UP CAMP Adolescent and Adult Section clinic for therapy services (CTS) has conducted a Summer Family Support Group Visitation, with four parent team facilitators. The aims of the visitation are (1) to foster continued fellowship between member parents of UP CAMP Manila Chapter, (2) to foster understanding in handling and managing children with autism and (3) to create bonding activities for CWA and sibling members.

FSG UP-Camp

The activity was found therapeutic for the clients with autism. They also enjoyed the company of other CWAs. Parents have fellowship through sharing, tips on how to rear children with autism, which in one way or another gave a clearer understanding in the handling and management of CWAs.

The CWAs and their siblings, plus the team members who also brought their children, had bonding activities like playing games. Friendship is also fostered. Through the visitations, free knowledge and understanding is gained.

The visitations were done to address the following challenges (1) not everyone is able to attend the regular FSGs, and (2) financial difficulties. This conduct of home visit was first done at Ira’s residence in Imus, Cavite. From this first FSG experience, exchanged ideas, opinions and knowledge were gathered. Additional learning is gained and this gave us insights that brightened our hopelessness. We thought of bringing the Family Support Group experience to the grassroots level.

The FSG Visitations were done in April in the following areas: (1) Baliwag, Bulacan in the residence of Mrs. Aida Toribio, mother of Michael (Gelo) Toribio; (2) Sucat Parañaque, residence of Mr. Celso Quinto father of Jebby Quinto; (3) Madaluyong City, Mrs. Benny Nava, mother of Jeffrey Nava, (4) Imus, Cavite, residence of Mr. Larry Baquiran, father of Ira Baquiran.

The month of May, which was the second round, proved to be a success. The whole family of Jebby Quinto (client with autism), were complete in attendance, therefore, more sharing was done. Bonding moments became tighter, as if we are now one family.

For July, our third on the 27th, the four team members agreed to bring our whole family to another adventure in family therapy, this time in Tagaytay.

You can contact the ASP UP-CAMP Chapter President Beth Udquin at 253-9140 or 0929-514-6801 or Ms. Jeng Rodriguez at 0922-896-9612.

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.