By Amaris Cabason, ASP Marikina Valley Chapter.
ASP Marikina Valley Chapter's first film showing activity last July 14, 2012 at Teatro Marikina featured "Alyana—A Study of Autism in the Philippines", a film by independent filmmaker Mirana Medina. The fair city of Marikina welcomed the masterpiece which had already been shown around the Philippines by various ASP chapters, since it was first released in 2008.
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| ASP Marikina group in Alyana |
The valuable guidance and support of Miranda Medina, the City Government of Marikina, educational institutions in Marikina, Antipolo, Cainta, Pasig, and nearby municipalities were instrumental in the successful showing of this film -- which intended to increase autism awareness and acceptance within a broad audience.
Commissioner Cipriano Fampulme of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor welcomed the viewers before the film began. The screening had a brief intermission to allow Mayor Del de Guzman of Marikina to address the 400-strong audience. He spoke about ASP and the City Government’s continuous cooperation in the past years, and expressed his support for future activities of the chapter.
In a private moment with the Chapter President Alex Cabason, Mayor de Guzman also discussed possible activities which would help the chapter identify and create programs for persons with disabilities, with the help of the City Social Welfare Department and the Baranggay Health Workers.
An open forum where the audience was allowed to ask questions followed the film showing. The panel consisted of Dr. Rita Villadolid, a Developmental Pediatrician from St. Victoria Hospital; Ms. Joanne Jeanne Coronado, Speech Pathologist and administrator of Milestones Therapy Center; Ms. Camilla Jean Belleza-Caaol, an Occupational Therapist; and Ms. Menchie Dailo, a Special Education teacher of MTC. Most questions came from parents and, being medical in nature, were addressed to Dr. Villadolid, who was able to answer each one to everyone’s satisfaction.
ASP Marikina’s first film showing was a definite success. Many parents and professionals signed up for the Family Support Group meeting that the Chapter scheduled for August 18. A few registered for membership in ASP Marikina, and would hopefully help ensure that more activities such as this would continue to spread awareness and education about autism.
Congratulations! And more power to ASP Marikina!
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