Liliw of the Valley

By David Michael C. Lopez.

The fifth anniversary celebration of the Liliw Intervention Center was held last August 15 in Liliw, Laguna.

PWAs having fun playing games

Our group, the Autism Resource Center (ARC), reached Liliw, Laguna at around 9:00 am, after a two-hour travel from Los Baños. Partner schools from the ASP Laguna Chapter including Paete Intervention Center for Autism and Other Related Disorder (PICARD), Central School of Liliw, representatives from the local government of Liliw, parents and friends were also present.

A motorcade kicked off the celebration with all the participants riding in marked vehicles around Liliw, Laguna. We headed to the school where an array of fun-filled games and surprises awaited all the attendees. Song and dance numbers where presented by the students of Liliw Intervention Center.

Ms. Agnes Dans, the mother of John and the parent coordinator of LIC, was the first to address the guests, as she expressed her love and support to her son. She also recalled how the center rose above the challenges, from a bahay-kubo housing 6 children with different disabilities and now to the premises of Liliw Central Elementary School with 17 children and counting. Two educators patiently training each student to become functional in their homes is also a strength of the center.

Ms. Rizalinda Cansanay, President of the Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter, delivered a short message, saying that hope springs eternal for individuals with autism. She also acknowledged people who worked hard to make the intervention center a reality.

Other speakers included Mr. Armin O. Cabrales, principal of Liliw Central Elementary School; retired principal Mrs. Nancy N. Arevalo, and Honorable Mayor of Liliw Cesar C. Sulibit.

After the fun and games, a sumptuous lunch was served by the generous Tita Beth’s Foodhouse. The fifth foundation anniversary was a tremendous success as brought hope and joy to all the individuals and families with autism in attendance.

We pray that the school will keep on launching more programs to promote social change and development to the community-hopes and dreams that will not fade. More power!

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