It was one afternoon in July five years ago today, that 15 parents came together to deepen their friendship and commitment for the sake of their children with autism (CWA). Most of them are members of the different Quezon City chapters of Autism Society Philippines (ASP). Their objective is not only to strengthen their support group but to provide a better future for their CWA. The parents realized that only in coming together can they truly help their CWA as they become adults. Their logo therefore would be the ‘kapit-bisig’ and their motto ‘kayang-kaya kung sama-sama.’
The idea of a cooperative appealed to them as the platform with which to achieve this objective. A cooperative has democratic ownership and control because decision-making is done by all the members. The Kaakibat ng ASP Multi Purpose Cooperative was first registered as a credit cooperative in Feb 2013. Two years later it became a multi-purpose cooperative with the purpose of providing socialization activities, work opportunities and adult services/programs to their CWA. Other goals were to help parent financially for therapy and special education; and to establish a Center which will serve as a respite for parents and workshop for their CWA.
Since then, the cooperative has done activities for the children of their members. These included art activities like ‘katsa’ bags, Christmas cards and gift bags which are sold to friends and relatives. The CWAs were also taught to prepare sandwiches for events. Other regular activities included singing (like caroling) and sports like swimming and basketball. These activities not only give the CWAs opportunities for socialization and livelihood but also raise their self-confidence and self-worth.
This November, the KASP-MPC will be doing a benefit recital/musical to raise funds for their dream Center.
About the contributor: Josephine Palomares has long been the face of autism advocacy for ASP Diliman Chapter. After serving as the President of the chapter for multiple terms, she continues to serve the disability community as she leads the Kaakibat ng Autism Society Philippines Inc. Multipurpose Cooperative; and contributes as an active member of the Association for Adults with Autism. She owns and personally manages a thriving model airplane export business in Bulacan. Her son Macky is on the spectrum.
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