ASP honors achievers on the spectrum anew

The ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards, nicknamed A5, is an annual recognition of the impact of persons with autism in the community and of their skills and talent that makes them stand out beyond their exceptionality. This year's honors were conferred in behalf of the Autism Society Philippines by ASP Trustee Grace Adviento and National Council on Disability Affairs Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga.

(L-R) Henry Munarriz, Carl Veluz, Pia Cabañero
with ASP's Grace Adviento

Three new achievers were honored with the A5 at the Angels Walk for Autism 2019 pre-walk program.

Samantha Pia Cabañero, A5 2019 for Advocacy. Pia is an energetic young high school senior with big dreams. Writing, appearing in vlogs are only some of her many creative pursuits. She stood out among other aspirants to be crowned Miss Possibilities in 2018. Pia serves as the Vice President for Communications for the ASP Self-Advocates Circle.

Carlo Gregorio Veluz, A5 2019 for Visual Arts. Carl loves to work with his hands, has sold upcycled items he made himself under his web enterprise called Gregarious Gifts and has recently taken up carpentry. In 2018, he bested other Filipino artists with disabilities to become the winner of the Philippine leg of the Paralym Art World Cup — with his work displayed in exhibits in Japan. Carl serves as the Vice President for External for the ASP Self Advocates Circle.

Eduardo Enrique Munarriz, A5 2019 for Athletics. Henry won the top award in the heavyweight class in the Special Category at the 2019 Philippine National Open Powerlifting Championships and was awarded a trophy for Best Lifter in the Special Category. He is part of a 65-man delegation representing Team Pilipinas in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Pia, Carl and Henry join an elite group of individuals on the autism spectrum who have excelled in their own fields.

Charlene Danica Escasiñas, A5 2018 for Performing Arts 2018. Danica first joined and won a singing contest at the age 7; and started modelling at the age of 12. Danica were given the opportunity to represent the Philippines to the 1st ASEAN Autism Youth Camp in April 2013 at Brunei Darussalam and in Autism Talent Gala 2017 in Hong Kong.

Vell Baria, A5 2017 for Performing Arts. Vell has been performing at autism advocacy events for years; and performs regularly at amateur and professional productions. Vell earned a degree in Music Performance, with a major in Voice, and a minor in Piano, at St. Scholastica's College Manila. She won the INAP Award for Performing Arts at the ANCA World Autism Festival in Vancouver, Canada.

Vico Cham, A5 2016 for Visual Arts. Considered a product of ASP showcases of PWA talents in his younger years -- joining on-the-spot painting contests, drawing for the centerfold of a national conference's souvenir programme, and being featured during an ASP art exhibit -- Vico received in 2015 a special award from the Apolinario Mabini Award for PWDs. He works as PWA employee #1 of Unilab Foundation.

Raymond Macasaet, A5 for Athletics. Raymond is a Special Olympics veteran, having earned medals in Aquatics in competitions in Greece 2011 and Singapore 2013. During the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles, he won gold in the 50 meter and 25 meter dash in the track and field category.

Thara Marie Santiago, A5 for Performing Arts. From 79 candidates, Thara Marie became one of the 19 finalists who received "Excellent Performance Award" during the Autistic Talent Gala held last December 2015 in Hongkong, which was organized by the AnAn International Education Foundation. Her rendition of "All by Myself" earned her one of the 4 major awards in the individual category - "Most Touching Voice."

Read more »

Posted in: a5

Autism Advocacy Leaders Celebrated at Angels Walk for Autism

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, held the annual Angels Walk for Autism on March 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Since it began in 2007, the walk continues to advocate for acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of Filipinos with autism towards an Autism-OK Philippines.

24,000 participants registered for Angels Walk for Autism 2019

Over 24,000 participants -- families, professionals, supporters from the government and private sectors, from the Philippines and overseas -- joined the annual walk from the MOA Arena to the SM MOA Music Hall. The walk was supported by the MOA Arena, SM Mall of Asia, National Council of Disability Affairs, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, and the ASEAN Autism Network.

This year’s Angels Walk for Autism celebrated our country’s legacy of strong leaders that have brought the autism advocacy forward -- for the last 30 years, across 97 chapters, with 13,000 members -- and have become the foundation on which the next generation of leaders will build the future.

Here's a montage of photos of participants, some at the venue as early as 5:30 in the morning, getting ready to enjoy the day: http://bit.ly/2GfF1FN.

This year's pre-walk program elevated the role of persons with autism in our evolving advocacy. This was most prominent with the introduction of our first ever neuro-diverse co-hosts: Mr. Rhav Lomboy, a musician-athlete, working at COMELEC, and Ms. Pia Cabanero, a high school senior.

PWAs Rhav and Pia were amazing co-hosts!
(Photo: Noel Orcullo)

The pre-walk program was led by Ms. Dang Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus and the inaugural ASEAN Prize Laureate 2018. The ASEAN Prize aims to recognize inspiring achievements and contributions that foster the ASEAN identity, promote the ASEAN spirit, and champion the ASEAN way. ASP is among the active movers behind the ASEAN Autism Network and the ASEAN Mapping Project.

"The first ASEAN Prize given to a family autism advocacy shows how far the
ASEAN community has embraced inclusion for people with autism
and other special needs." (Photo: Noel Orcullo)

The program included the presentation of the annual ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards to Samantha Pia Cabanero (for Advocacy), Eduardo Enrique Munarriz (for Athletics), and Carlo Gregorio Veluz (for Visual Arts).

(L-R) PWAs Henry, Carl, Pia with ASPs Ms. Grace Adviento
(Photo: Noel Orcullo)

The new ASP Board of Trustees, composed of parent advocates; and the first set of officers of the ASP Self-Advocates Circle, composed of adults with autism, were inducted with the help of DSWD Undersecretary Florita Villar and NCDA Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga.

ASP National Trustees and the officers of the ASP Self-Advocates Circle,
with DSWD Undersecretary Florita Villar and NCDA Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga
(Photo: Noel Orcullo)

The Autism Society Philippines grew to 13,000 members in 97 chapters from the seed planted by our 11 founding mothers: Marinette Aglipay, Emma Cruz, Yolanda De Guzman, Asteria Fernandez, Jean Gonzales, Fatima Kho, Ma. Amelia Lachica, Elizabeth Peralejo, Conchita Ragragio, Cecilia Sicam and Noida Tan.

Three of the original 11 co-founders

Executives from high-performance organizations honored ASP by gracing our pre-walk program with their presence: Ms. Emmeline Aglipay (Undersecretary, Department of Justice), Mr. Tom Villarin (Congressman, AKBAYAN), Mr. Hans Sy (Chairman, SM Prime Holdings Executive Committee), Mr. Steven Tan (Chief Operating Officer, SM Supermalls), Mr. Bien Mateo (Senior Vice President, SM Supermalls), Mr. Ed Las (Chairman, Sogo Hotels), Ms. Emma Sarne (Director, UN and International Associations and Organizations, Department of Foreign Affairs).

ASEAN Director for Community Affair Lee Yoong Yoong,
APCD's Piroon Laismit and Team APCD (Photo: Noel Orcullo)

ASP's Dang Koe and Mona Veluz, with DOJ's Em Villar, AKBAYAN's Tom Villarin,
SM Exec Hans Sy, Stephen Tan, Bien Mateo (Photo: Noel Orcullo)

ASP awarded key contributors to inclusive employment the Autism Works Partners of the Year honors. The ASP's Autism Works economic empowerment initiative continues to grow with the financial and technical support of the Telus Philippines Foundation and Henkel Philippines.

Dohtonbori Philippines, a Japanese casual dining pioneer, represented by Ms. Kim Cruz, President, has consistently trained and hired young adults on the autism spectrum over the last three years.

Ms. Kim Cruz, Dohtonbori President with PWAs Matt, Rafael and Jules
and ASP's Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz (Photo: Noel Orcullo)

Willis Towers Watson, a global leader in risk management and consultancy, aside from creating productive opportunities for jobseekers with autism, has held the widely successful Workability Inclusion Summit which enables other knowledge companies with the information and the inspiration to build their own disability-inclusive work environments. Other companies like Accenture, IBM Philippines, Sogo Hotels, Teleperformance, among others, sent delegations to the Angels Walk in celebration to their commitment to diversity.

Mr. James Matti, Willis Towers Watson Country Manager, Ms. Kit Sison,
HR Executive with PWA Ryan Lucero and ASP's Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz
(Photo: Noel Orcullo)

Some VIP guests were treated to special chocolate confections from ASP's Project Chocolat-A, a sheltered workshop teaching young adults on the spectrum the art of chocolate making.

PWA Dreau shares chocolate confections with guests.

Hans T. Sy was honored as the inaugural recipient of the ASP’s Leadership Award for Autism Inclusion and Welfare. It is the society’s highest recognition, celebrating exemplary leadership that has significant and positive impact on advancing ASP’s vision of acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism in an Autism-OK Philippines. Beyond awareness, Mr. Sy’s leadership has inspired tangible, measurable action through the accomplishments of SM Cares.

Mr. Hans Sy received the ASP Leader Award for Inclusion
and Welfare with the autism community.
(Photo: Jon Snow)

Former President Fidel V. Ramos, who issued EO 711 of 1996, instituting the commemoration of the National Autism Consciousness Week, was honored by ASP as the Father of the Philippine Autism Advocacy. “FVR’s leadership opened the doors for the government agencies and private institutions to begin the path towards genuine inclusion of persons on the autism spectrum,” shared Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President, “His administration’s disability-inclusive policies have put the Philippines ahead of our ASEAN neighbors in advocating for persons with autism and other invisible disabilities.”

Talented autistic individuals headlined the show -- Siblings Nicole, Josh, Lazelle and Yhaelle Ferrer, collectively known as The Splendio Tritus Band, Emman Macaso, the Valenzuela SPED Center Band with PWAs Richie on vocals, Patrick on keyboards, Raymond on drums, Jude on lead guitar and Keith on bass, the ILLC Hunk and Heartthrobs. (Photos by Noel Orcullo)

Aspiring pastor and PWA Josiah Quirino led the arena in prayer.

PWA Emman sang "Nasa Yo na ang Lahat".

The Valenzuela SPED Band sang "Narda".

ILLC Hunks and Heartthrobs played, sang, danced a catchy OPM medley.

Angels Walk veteran PWA Danica Escasiñas brought the house down with "Buwan".

PWA Thara Marie Santiago belts out an OPM favorite.

Here are more images from this year's pre-walk programme: http://bit.ly/2GebTij.

The Angels Walk for Autism walk proper kicked off to the sound of drums and cheers. The bright, hot sun did not deter delegations from schools, companies and families to carry their colors, banners and gimmicks towards the finish line at the SM MOA Music Hall.

The Angel Walk for Autism 2019 lead banner
(Photo: Noel Orcullo)

The tail end of the parade was treated to joyful, traditional dancing from ASP Antipolo and MTD.

(Photo: Noel Orcullo)

Here are more images from Angels Walk for Autism 2019: http://bit.ly/2Gdfg9c.

We pray that the event inspired a positive sense of community among the movers working towards an Autism-OK Philippines!

Read more »

Posted in: angels-walk,sm

ASP colors the world Autism-OK!

The Autism Society Philippines is celebrating World Autism Awareness Day by shedding the traditional colors the commemoration is associated with; and opening our world to the entire color spectrum! This initiative echoes our call for, not only awareness; but more importantly, acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism!

The Color it A-OK digital poster

We would like to invite children with autism, families and friends to join us at a collaborative art event aptly called the ASP Color It A-OK! at the Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall on 2 April, Tuesday at 3pm-6pm. We will be a large scale replica of several pages from Summit Books' "Hue Can Do It Manila,” illustrated by designer Asa Montenejo. We will be providing CRAYONS; but participants are encouraged to bring their own.

Sign up on Eventbrite via http://bit.ly/asp-colorAOK. Print the ticket; and affix name and signature. Bring a signed ticket to the venue to gain access to the event. The event is FREE; but donations of art supplies are welcome!

Let's make a day of it! ASP Chapters, schools, supporters and families are encouraged to help color the world Autism-OK! As an additional security precaution, please wear the Angels Walk for Autism 2019 shirt or any GREEN top.

The following prizes are at stake for the biggest contingents:

FIRST PRIZE: Kidzania Tickets (16 children, 16 adults)
from Cebu Pacific
SECOND PRIZE: P10,000 gift certificates
from SM Department Store Children and Infant Clothes Section
THIRD PRIZE: P8,000 gift certificates
from SM Department Store Children and Infant Clothes Section

WANTED: VOLUNTEERS to help distribute art supplies and guide participants at the event. Volunteer must be able to 1) attend volunteer orientation on April 1, Monday, 1pm at the ASP National HQ (http://bit.ly/asp-map2); and 2) go to SM MOA Music Hall by 1pm on April 2, Tue for event prep. If you are able to help, please join this FB Messenger thread and introduce yourself! https://m.me/join/Abaev8WWg0iB3r-9.

This national autism advocacy event is organized by the Autism Society Philippines with SM Cares, SM Mall of Asia, National Council on Disability Affairs, Summit Books, Cebu Pacific; and supported by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan-ASEAN Cooperation, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, ASEAN Autism Network and the ASEAN Autism Mapping Project.

Read more »

Posted in: aan,art,colors,community

ASP Project Gourm-A showcases an Autism-OK dining experience

As we anticipate the global commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK dinner on 30 March 2019, Saturday, at the Vatel Restaurant Manila on the roof deck of the Hotel Benilde in Manila City (Map: https://goo.gl/maps/3ydyiJDoh3v).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

"A Project GourmA event, as always, promises to be an intimate, sumptuous dinner. We dine. We have fun. We celebrate diversity and inclusion." shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "This project, which is among Autism Works pillars, allows the general public to experience how many young adults on the autism spectrum are ready for employment in the food and restaurant industry."

Project Gourm-A Digital poster at Vatel Restaurant Manila

This year's event is done in partnership with the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde family -- the Center for Inclusive Education, the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, and Vatel Restaurant Manila; with the participation of student organizations Chefs in Progress and World Hoteliers in Progress. Young adults with autism will work as kitchen staff, bartenders, waiters and hosts, alongside neurotypical students to provide a unique dining experience.

"Benilde has always believed in the importance of inclusion. In providing our students with opportunities for learning, along with the necessary support and accommodations, we open doors for them to become contributing members of society" declared Ms. Nicky Templo-Perez, Director for the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Inclusive Education. "We are so excited to be supporting ASP’s Project Gourm-A and have our students from the SHRIM organizations work with persons with autism! I’m sure it will be a powerful experience for everyone."

Dean Angelo Lacson of De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde SHRIM is among the project's enthusiastic supporters. "Embracing inclusion as School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management is not about just following the mandate of the College but rather our championing of equal opportunity and equal representation. This dinner involving young adults on the autism spectrum is our school’s initial step in providing them with hospitality and culinary enrichment options.”

The four-course French Mediterranean set-menu dinner will be overseen by the Vatel Restaurant Manila Executive Chef Pierre Cornelis.

SOUP

Curried Cauliflower with roast cashew

Or

Zucchini, garlic with crouton and mozzarella

APPETIZER

Asparagus pomelo salad with andalusia dressing

MAIN ENTRE

Beef Bourguignon

Slow braised beef in red wine, demi-glace,

onion, carrots, with potato gratin

Or

Salmon fillet with tian vegetables

Served with jasmine pilaf rice

DESSERT

Cerveza Negra and chocolate ice cream

Or

Mango crème brulee

Your minimum donation of P1,000 per head will help support ASP's programs and services for families who live with autism. Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 6pm or the 8pm dinner service. An electronic ticket will be sent to your email to confirm your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

Read more »

Posted in: autism-works,employment,food,fundraising,gourm-a,partners,university

ASP PweDay for the month of March and April 2019

“Autism … offers a chance for us to glimpse an awe-filled vision of the world that might otherwise pass us by,” --- Dr. Colin Zimbleman, Ph.D.

The Autism Society Philippines Wednesday "PweDay" aims to provide enrichment for teens and adults on the autism spectrum who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun. This will be every Wednesday, from 2pm to 4pm at ASP Headquarters. This is open to all Persons on the autism spectrum members, 16 years old and above.

Our Pweymates during the cooking session

On March 13 - Pweymates will prepare Yema Cake. Yema cake is not a traditional Filipino cake but rather a new creation. This cake is a type of chiffon or sponge cake infused with cream cheese then flavoured with yema, a type of milk custard candy popular in the Philippines. This will teach our Persons on the autism spectrum on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, own food containers and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site.

On March 20 - we will have a fun Indoor Games for Persons on the autism spectrum. This activity will help adults on the autism spectrum to increase and develop the following: social interaction among them, help them to seek out lifelong friendships while learning how to take turns and partake in socially appropriate behaviors, build the skills required for communication through playing and interacting, physical activity is also suggested to improve self-esteem. Participants must wear comfortable shoes, bring extra shirt, water and a simple snacks.

On March 27 - Pweymates will make No Bake Banana Muffins. Banana Muffin is a snack or “merienda,” loved by many Filipinos. If you love bananas so much then this will be your comfort food because its main ingredient is, of course, a ripe banana. This will teach them on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, own food containers and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site.

On April 3 - we will have a Sensory-Friendly Movie - This will provides a sensory friendly environment for individuals on the autism spectrum for whom the environment is suitable and their families to watch the movie. These screenings will allow bringing up the lights, turning down sound volume, allowing families/Persons on the autism spectrum to bring in their own snacks. They can get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the room. Prepare a P100 donation when you get on-site.

On April 10 - we will have a KarAOKe session - Most adults on the autism spectrum loves to sing, but did you know that karaoke can help improve our Persons on the autism spectrum cognitive development? Not only is karaoke a great way for them to let off extra energy and express emotion also. KaraOKe is a form of interactive entertainment. Participants will choose their favorite song, either love songs, slow songs, classic, modern, ballads... whatever you like to call them! Prepare a P100 donation when you get on-site.

On April 24 - we will have Tropixx Dance Fitness. Tropixx is an island dance inspired fitness program that incorporates repetitive dance fundamentals from tropical island destinations. Pweymates please bring your own sarong and Prepare a P100 donation when you get on-site.

"Persons on the autism spectrum who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where a individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum. By keeping our Persons on the autism spectrum active and engaged outside the home, we are also training the society to be more aware of what autism is, to be more appreciative of their gifts and to be more accommodating of their deficits."

Read more »

Posted in: 4pwas

Women leaders of ASP inducted on women's month

The newly-elected Board of Trustees (2019-2021) of the Autism Society Philippines took their Oath of Office at the Angels Walk for Autism at the MOA Arena in Pasay on March 3 -- having been elected by the ASP membership through on-line voting done from November 2018 to January 2019. The swearing in was led by DSWD Undersecretary Florita Villar and NCDA Ms. Carmen Zubiaga.

The recognition of women leaders was made in time for the commemoration of the National Women's Month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. Aside from being mothers to individuals with autism, these leaders are responsible for a growing national advocacy that aims to create a society where people with autism can become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted members of an Autism-OK Philippines.

ASP Board of Trustees 2019 - 2021

ASP Executive Committee

Mona Liza M. Veluz (National President) received degrees in Business Administration, Applied
Economics and Strategic Marketing from the University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Asia and the Pacific and the London School of Business. Drawing from her experience as a corporate communications and recruitment professional, she designed and engineered the implementation of national advocacy initiatives, such as the 1Pangako, ASP Angel Corps, A-OK Philippines campaigns and the widely-successful ASP Autism Works economic empowerment initiative. She speaks publicly on disability advocacy, leadership, and genealogy. Mona is a wife and a mom to three kids. Her eldest, Carl, is an adult on the spectrum who is active in the community -- volunteering, working on his entrepreneurial ventures.

Perlita W. So (National Vice-President) inspires others to think beyond the autism diagnosis and to enrich the lives of children with autism by gifting them with valuable life experiences. Peng is the creative heart behind ASP PweDay, a weekly activity for youth with autism and Project ChocolatA, a sheltered workshop which aims to train PWAs in chocolate making while earning. Peng juggles between being a full-time, hands-on-mom to her two gems on the spectrum, Patrick (who graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University) and Angelo (who undergoes functional life skills and pre-vocational training); and, with her husband, empowering her other adult children in handling the family business.

Cecile S. Sicam (National Secretary) is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society
Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as President from 2001 to 2004; and as its current Secretary. Cecile has been instrumental in the founding of Professionals for Autism Foundation, Inc., Center for Autism and Related Disorders, the Philippine Association for Behavioral Analysis. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara, California; and came back to serve Filipino children with special needs. She served as Directress of Bridges Foundation, Inc. Her adult son, Likas, has been employed for more than a decade.

Evelyn O. Go (National Treasurer) has served as the ASP's Treasurer for multiple terms, with her invaluable no-non-sense financial management skills and business instincts. Evelyn juggled between managing her multiple businesses and taking up her MA in Special Education at the University of the Philippines, Diliman to help her son on the spectrum, Gelo.

Helen Q. Cheng (National Auditor) has orchestrated many major ASP events during the National Autism Consciousness Week celebration, World Autism Awareness Day, among others. Helen graduated from University of Santo Tomas with a BS Commerce degree. She attends to their family business and nurtures the creative talent of Kenrick Albert, an artist on the spectrum.

Erlinda U. Koe (Chair Emeritus) labors hard for the autism advocacy, while working full-time as the Vice President of Abraham Holdings. She has taken the lead on ASP's international initiatives and is the Honorary Chair of the ASEAN Autism Network. For her regional advocacy work, she was honored as the 2018 ASEAN Prize Laureate. Dang is the mother to three boys, including Gio, an adult on the autism spectrum, who propels her to be a passionate autism advocate.

Other National Trustees

Mary Grace L. Adviento has contributed to the autism advocacy in multiple capacities, most significantly as ASP’s President from 2010-2012. She was a pioneer facilitator for the ASP Early Detection and Intervention Program and SM Caring for Customers with Specials Needs seminars. Grace is mother to Adrian, a young man on the autism spectrum.

Carmel C. Almendrala has served as an ASP trustee since 1996. Carmel was honored with an Ulirang Ina Awardee in 2010. She labored tirelessly to advocate for her youngest son Michael and for other persons with autism, as they relocated across many countries because of her husband's diplomatic work. Mike is employed at the Philippine Information Agency.

Imelda C. Alviso is a former OR Nurse at Saint Luke’s Quezon City and is a mother to three kids, including Andrea, a teenager in the spectrum. She served as the immediate Past President of ASP Parañaque Chapter.

Donna Lim is a dedicated choreographer who can work with dancers and actors of all ages and experience levels. Donna graduated from the College of the Holy Spirit with a BA in Fine Arts, major in Advertising. Donna is also a Philippine Mixxedfit National Trainer and Master Educator. She contributes to the Angels Walk for Autism as the annual war-up coach and is a regular fitness volunteers at ASP PweDay. Donna is a mom to Desly, a young lady with autism.

Ma. Joyla N. Ofrecia earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Angeles University Foundation in 2012. She specializes in instruction for CWAs, home program management and behavior management. She serves as the president of the ASP City of San Fernando Chapter. Joy is a mom to budding visual artist Juris.

Ma. Victoria Ramos serves as the current Vice-President of ASP Laguna Chapter. A Trainer for Work, Live and Play Program to young adults with autism at Autism Resource Center (ARC), 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 Association. She is a single mother to a young adult with autism, Mico, who works at the Autism Resource Center and SM Markets.

We wish our new leaders all the best in leading the Autism Society Philippines, its 13,000 members and 97 chapters towards greater heights. To God be the glory!

Read more »

Posted in: elections,leaders

ASP Family Support Group for March 2019

ASPs monthly family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges. We welcome members and non-members to this intimate gathering. New ASP members are encouraged to join.

Ms. Joyla Ofrecia with son Juris

Our facilitator for this month is Ms. Joyla Ofrecia. She is a mother of a young man with autism. She has been a hands-on mother and for almost 15 years, has been implementing home intervention programs along with other center-based interventions for her own son and other children with autism. She has earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Angeles University Foundation in 2012. She organizes seminars on autism. She also receives invitations as resource speaker from different groups for parents and teachers' training on teaching CWAs, Home Program Management and Behavior Management. She is the current president of the Autism Society Philippines City of San Fernando Chapter and an ASP National Trustee. Teacher Joy finds her fulfillment in her role as an advocate of autism and an instrument to empowering parents of children with disabilities especially autism.

Date: March 16, Saturday
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Venue: Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters
Address: #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

Sign up for the Family Support Group via the on-line form below or call +632 903.5496. Only 15 seats are available.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents