Alyana comes to Bicol

ASP Naga City held an “Alyana” film viewing activity at the Function Hall of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology last 13 December 2014. The ASP National Office’s Ms. Mary Janette Peña, filmmaker Ms. Mirana Medina, and PDAO - Naga City’s Mr. Christopher S. Molin supported the event. Educational institutions in the Bicol Region such as University of Nueva Caceres, Ateneo de Naga University, Partido State University, St. Joseph School, Naga Central School II, SPED Center and individual moviegoers came to see the documentary.

Film Maker Mirana Medina

Through the documentary, parents and future special education teachers were enlighten regarding the different aspects and issues about autism. They were interested in asking about the intervention tips in handling children, since intervention professionals are difficult to come by in Region V. Even if speech and behavioural therapy is available, majority cannot afford the services. The future SPED teachers were amazed and inspired by the different teaching strategies implemented in order for the children with autism to be engaged in family, school, and community.

Film maker Mirana Medina covered the same event in her blog:

As part of Autism Society Philippines-Naga City Chapter’s autism awareness and advocacy campaign, Alyana — A Study of Autism in the Philippines, my documentary on autism will be screened at the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology in Naga City, Bicol Province. The showing is scheduled tomorrow, December 13 from 8 am. To represent the National Office is Jan Peña, ASP Board of Trustee member. She left Manila last night for Naga City.

Mr. Santos Braga, president of ASP-Naga City Chapter is hosting the event. The group believes that the film will help raise their community’s awareness on the condition of persons with autism. And just like them, I know that our society will find it easier to embrace their children once they get to know what exactly autism is.

Alyana, by the way is my grandniece with autism. The film however, is not only about her. It is about ALL children/persons with autism. It covers from low function to high function / Asperger Syndrome cases like Gabby Atienza. He interestingly described his own condition as an aspie. Symptoms and causes, the plight of parents, even the doctor’s explanations and thoughts are included for better understanding of autism. It will be the second time around for Alyana in Naga.

About the contributor. Rona M. Saulon is the Chapter Secretary of ASP Naga City.

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