The House of Representatives, in partnership with Autism Hearts Philippines and the Autism Society Philippines, held the Art Exhibit of Children and Youth with Autism on 20-22 January 2014 and the Art Workshop on 23 January at the North Wing of the Batasang Pambansa, in celebration of the 18th National Autism Consciousness Week.
The exhibit featured artworks made by children with autism from different areas of the country. An opening program and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on 20 January, with Mr. Gerard Atienza and Mr. Ming Barapantao as hosts. The program also showcased Frederick Segui and students of Lagro Elementary School, among others, as they performed and demonstrated the talents that individuals with autism can offer.
Hon. Sonny Belmonte, Speaker of the House, served as keynote speaker, where he echoed ASP’s seven-point policy agenda: mandatory developmental screening, comprehensive needs assessment, inclusive education, public servants with special skills, community-based rehabilitation, comprehensive sensitivity training for schools and workplaces, and creative mechanisms for funding.
Also present were Hon. Arturo Robes, Chair of the House Committee on Social Services; Hon. Alfred Vargas of the 5th District of Quezon City; Hon. Em Aglipay of DIWA Party List; Ms. Jan Peña, ASP National President; Ms. Linda Borromeo, President of Autism Hearts; and Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, Executive Director of the National Council on Disability Affairs.
The ASP contingent were invited by our long-time supporters, BUHAY Party List, to grace the opening session of the 16th Congress of the House of Representatives after the opening program. The group was welcomed at the Session Hall by the representatives of BUHAY, namely: Hon. Lito Atienza, Hon. Michael Velarde, and Hon. Irwin Tieng.
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| BUHAY Party List Representatives (L-R in barongs) Irwin Tieng, Michael Velarde and Lito Atienza graciously welcomed the ASP contingent to the HOR session hall. |
(This article was contributed by Mr. Gerard Atienza, autism self-advocate and the ASP Bacoor Chapter Secretary.)
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