Meet the Candidates

The Autism Society Philippines will be electing its next batch of trustees this 25 October 2014, Saturday. The Election Committee is composed of Mr. Ranil Sorongon (Elecom Chair), Ms. Cathy Tañedo (Elecom Vice-Chair), Ms. Ida Blasco, Ms. Carla Dizon and Mr. Lloyd Ngo. Ranil and Cathy have both served as ASP Executive Directors.

Fifteen (15) nominees were evaluated by the Election Committee for the criteria set in the ASP Operations Manual. While some were not qualified, others did not accept the nomination. As of today, the Elecom has confirmed the final nine (9) candidates.

According to the ASP Policy 14-0033 on Organization Design, Item 6.2.3.3: In the event of board vacancy, the Board of Trustees will nominate candidates from the pool of active members who meet the criteria for ASP Trustees and will collectively decide who among the nominees shall fill up the board vacancy.

Meet the candidates for the ASP Board of Trustees 2014-2016.

Adviento, Mary Grace (ASP National). A physical therapist by training but a copy center entrepreneur by profession, Grace is mother to CWA Adrian. Her down-to-earth and magnetic appeal makes her one of the best facilitators of Early Detection and Intervention Program and SM Autism Orientation. Grace is “face of ASP mom.” She brings encouragement to mothers that life with autism can be exciting, giving smiles of hope to other families. Grace has contributed to ASP in multiple capacities, most significantly as ASP’s President from 2010-2012.

Almendrala, Carmelita (ASP National). A former ambassador’s wife and an Ulirang Ina Awardee of 2010, Carmel personifies diplomacy as she faces the world with poise, grace and intelligence. Over the years and in the many countries where their family has had to relocate because of her husband's work, she laboured tirelessly to advocate for her son Michael, now in his 40’s. Serving as Trustee for more than six terms, she reminds young mothers of children with autism: Grab every opportunity and don’t take no for an answer. This is evident in her son Mike, who is a Special Olympian Medalist (who competed in 2005 in powerlifting and in 2013 in bowling), a 2005 Apolinario Mabini Awardee, and an independent member of the community working as an administrative staff of the Philippine Information Agency.

Cabason, Alejando (ASP Marikina). Alex is a graduate of AB Political Science from the University of the East Manila and of MA in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines Diliman. This public servant, church worker and a motivational speaker is happily married with four children. His youngest child, Victor Lorenzo or Vinz is on the spectrum. An ardent advocate of autism education since 2002, he is the President of ASP Marikina Valley Chapter.

Evelyn and Gelo

Go, Evelyn (ASP National). Evelyn juggled between managing her business and taking up Special Education in UP Diliman to help her son, Gelo. “This disability (autism) will be a life long challenge our family has to face. I accepted this and learned to cope.” With her no-non-sense financial management skills and business instincts, Evelyn has been a valued ASP Trustee, serving as the organization's Treasurer for multiple terms.

Peña, Mary Janette (ASP Bacoor). She is the current President of ASP National. She was the former President of ASP Bacoor, Cavite chapter and is fondly called the “Gobernadora of ASP Cavite Chapter.” Jan is one of the movers behind the meteoric rise in the numbers of ASP chapters nationwide. Her exemplary efforts have gathered hundreds of members from Cavite alone. Tita Jan and Al, her supportive husband and overseas Filipino worker in the Middle East, are doting parents to her three children, Thea, Muneer (an adolescent with autism) and Milli.

Marivic (right)

Ramos, Ma. Victoria (ASP Laguna). Marivic currently serves as the Vice-President of ASP Laguna. Marivic is a pillar of the autism advocacy community in Los Baños, immersing herself in special education and training and empowerment programs over the years. As an ASP delegate, she was elected to the board of the Philippine Community Based Disability Inclusive Development Network. She is a single mother to a 22 years old young adult with autism, Victor Michael "Mico" Ramos.

Sicam, Cecilia (ASP National). She is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as President from 2000 to 2004; and as its current Vice President. Inspired by her PWA son Likas, Ces has been instrumental in the founding of Professionals for Autism Foundation, Inc., Center for Autism and Related Disorders, the Philippine Association for Behavioral Analysis, and Bridges Foundation where she is currently its Directress. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara, California; and came back to serve Filipino children with special needs. Her adult son is employed full time as R & B Ice Plant.

So, Perlita (ASP National). Peng juggles between being a full-time, hands-on-mom to her two gems on the spectrum, Patrick and Angelo; and, with her husband, empowering her other adult children in handling the family business. Peng has inspired many with her fortitude in guiding Patrick (who recently graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University) and Angelo (who undergoes functional life skills and pre-vocational training). By a fortunate stroke of serendipity, Peng was introduced to ASP and autism advocacy; and she has never looked back. Advocating for autism acceptance and inclusion has become a part of her daily agenda. She inspires others to think beyond the autism diagnosis and to enrich the lives of children with autism by gifting them with valuable life experiences.

Veluz, Mona (ASP National). Mona received degrees in Business Administration, Applied Economics and Strategic Marketing from the University of the Philippines, University of Asia and the Pacific and the London School of Business. As a practicing marketing communications professional, she has held various global management roles in the technology industry. Mona is a wife and a mom to three kids. Her eldest is PWA Carl, a young man working in their family business. She is currently serving as the National Secretary of the Autism Society Philippines.

Posted in: elections