First La Union Provincial ASD Awareness and Sensitivity Forum

ASP La Union Chapter with a core group of special education teachers, parents and concerned government agencies in the province was initiated with the early support of the Provincial Government of La Union. The ASP La Union Orientation and Organizational Meeting was held on 11 April 2014 at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, San Fernando City. As a manifest of their strong support in this very significant and timely activity and as parents of an adult with autism, the Senior Board Member Hon. Francisco “Kit” Ortega together with Mrs. Delia A. Ortega were present during the activity. Also present was the Provincial Administrator, Dr. Geoffrey S. Tilan, who is also a grandparent of two special children with autism.

ASD Awareness and Sensitivity Forum group

The activity which was spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare Office led by Mr. Ranilo Ipac, was well attended by parents with CWA; SPED teachers; and representatives from the DOH and DEPED. Ms. Janet Peña, president of the ASP, oriented the participants on Autism Spectrum Disorder and other related disorders and also gave an overview of the ASP vision, mission, goals, objectives and by-laws. During lunch, the participants had a film viewing in connection with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

After the forum, the election and induction of the ASP La Union Chapter officers was conducted; as well as the 1st ASP La Union Chapter Officers Meeting, themed “ASP La Union Chapter Way Forward in 2014 and Beyond.” The newly-elected ASP La Union Chapter Officers are Delia A. Ortega (President), Henedina T. Lelina (Vice President), Araceli Bañez (Secretary), Divina Panelo (Treasurer), Ranilo P. Ipac (PRO) and Luzviminda Gayo (PRO). Advisers include Hon. Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr., Geoffrey S. Tilan, Ed.D., Sheila Marie N. Bugayong, and Genevieve Ugay.

This article is a contribution of Jenny Dumaguing, a volunteer of ASP La Union Chapter.

Posted in: chapters,government,leaders,regional