Meet the New ASP Trustees for 2021 - 2022

ASP autism advocates from all over the country -- ASP National, ASP Davao, ASP Santiago, ASP Cebu, ASP Lipa, ASP Antipolo, ASP CSFP, ASP Baguio, ASP Angeles, ASP Iba, ASP Iloilo, ASP Manila, ASP Marikina, ASP Pasay, ASP Lagro, ASP Laguna, ASP Sta Rosa, ASP Hagonoy, ASP Bacolod, ASP Bacoor, ASP Tacloban, ASP Imus, ASP Paranaque, ASP SFLU, ASP Taytay, and ASP Zamboanga. A total of 27 chapters exercised their right to select the leaders who will drive our advocacy to new heights.

ASP National Election poster

The new ASP Trustees, ranked according to percent of votes received, are:

#1 Magno-Veluz, Mona (ASP National) - 64.49%

#2 Sicam, Cecile (ASP National) - 44.20%

#3 Ofrecia, Maria Joyla (ASP CSFP) - 42.75%

#4 Cheng, Helen Q. (ASP National) - 41.30%

#5 Sumulong, Lorenzo III (ASP Antipolo) - 39.86%

#6 Lim, Donna (ASP National) - 39.13%

#7 Adviento, Mary Grace (ASP National) - 39.13%

#8 Go, Evelyn O. (ASP National) - 37.68%

#9 So, Perlita W. (ASP National) - 36.23%

#10 Moll, Julia (ASP Santiago) - 32.61%

#11 Donaire, Ritchell Joy (ASP Davao) - 31.88%

The runners up, all of whom are also valuable contributors to the success of ASP programs, will play important roles, in case any of the existing officers resign or be unable to fulfill their responsibilities as a national trustee.

#12 Ramos, Victoria (ASP Laguna) - 31.16%

#13 Tabares, Bernadette (ASP Antipolo) - 23.91%

#14 Ciriaco, Jhoi (ASP Manila) - 19.57%

With such passionate leadership driving the advocacy, we are looking forward to relevant and responsive programs and projects.

The induction of the new ASP Trustees will be on 04 April 2021, during the ASP Angels Walk Culmination Event.

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Posted in: election,leaders,trustees

Be an ASP AutisMALL Distributor

AutisMall Distributor Poster

The Autism Society Philippines welcomes chapters who want to be distributors of the ASP AutisMALL products, currently available via Shopee. Here’s how:

• Any ASP Chapter must have a valid ASP accreditation certificate can apply for distributorship.
• Orders can be emailed by the chapter president to autismphils@gmail.com (NOT via Shopee)
• Distributor can avail of a 20% discount off on any ASP AutisMALL products available on the Shopee store. Minimum P3,000 cash purchase.
• Items must be picked up at the ASP National Headquarters. The distributor shall shoulder cost of courier service, if delivery is required.
• If needed, ASP National Headquarters shall announce any changes to the mechanics before they are implemented.

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Posted in: autismall

Autism Family Book Bundles

The Autism Society Philippines is celebrating World Book Day on 23 April 2021, with the collections each family member can enjoy. The following bundles are available on the ASP AutisMALL on Shopee: https://shopee.ph/autismphils, with proceeds from sales going to the support of ASP programs for persons on the autism spectrum and the families who are from them.

Collection #1 : A + B + E. Price: P600-
Collection #2 : A + C + E. Price: P600-
Collection #3 : A + D + E. Price: P600-

Details on the bundled books follow:

(A) Books: "Gail and Pablo" by Robyn Rodriguez. The set comes with "When My Friend Wins", When My Friend Cries" and "When My Friend Smiles". The books usher opportunities for parents to sit with their children of all abilities to build character, develop empathy, and value kindness for others who may be different. The author is a speech-language pathologist from UP Manila, who is passionate about teaching children, discipleship, and advocating for intentional parent-child interaction.

Books: Gail and Pablo by Robyn Rodriguez When My Friend Wins, When My Friend Cries and When My Friend Smiles

(B) Book: "What Music Therapy Did to George" by Celeste S. Sanchez of Divine Mercy Mobile Center. This book is about the author's experiences with persons with disabilities and senior citizens who have found the healing and restorative powers of self-expression through music.

(C) Book: "Vincent" by Ms Sarah S. Cuento. This self-published book centers on the author's family journey with her son on the autism spectrum Reyn Vincent.

(D) Book: "Our Andrei: Living with Autism" by Ma. Therese Jalandoni-Macapagal, as told to Reynaldo G. Alejandro and Vicente Roman S. Santos. This book is a poignant story of one of the country's most prominent families -- the Macapagal's -- at a time when little was known about autism in the country. Andrei Macapagal is one of the earliest known cases of autism in the Philippines.

(E) Music: "Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo” by Ms Gina Luna Bermudo. "This CD is just inspiration and the urge to share my experiences. Dedicated to special children whose challenges leave me in awe; also to parents, families, therapists, doctors and all members of the therapy team who serve as pillars of the entire program for our children with autism,” says Gina Bermudo, mom to Niko and Xandi, both with autism.

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Posted in: autismall,books,music

Digital Ballot: Election of ASP National Board of Trustees 2021 – 2022

ASP National Election Voting Guidelines poster

All official ASP members, with updated dues as of 31 January 2021 are invited to vote for the next crop of ASP National Trustees -- view the full list of candidates here: https://bit.ly/3tiCgJn.

Members may cast their ballot via electronic voting (See below) from 15 - 28 March 2021.

The new ASP National Board of Trustees will be announced on 31 March 2021.

The conduct of the elections will be based on the ASP National By-Laws. Questions, concerns and disputes may be elevated to Cenin Faderogao (Chair, Election Committee -- autismphils@gmail.com). Elecom decisions are deemed final.

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Posted in: elections,leaders,trustees

Meet the Candidates for ASP Trustees 2021 - 2022

The Autism Society Philippines will be electing its 11 new National Trustees, who will serve for the year 2021-2022 -- between 15-28 March 2021.

The Election Committee, composed of Cenin Faderogao (EleCom Chair), Abby Mendoza and Angel Penaloza reviewed twenty six (26) nominees for the minimum criteria set in the ASP By Laws. Read the nomination guidelines here: https://bit.ly/3k3vFiD. While some were not qualified, others did not accept the nomination. Upon election, the board will hold an internal vote on who will take posts in the National Executive Committee: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor.

ASP National Election Meet the Candidates poster

Here are the profiles of the final 14 candidates (in alphabetical order) for the ASP National Board 2021-2022; and their qualifications and accomplishments to-date in our autism advocacy. You may fill out your digital ballot here: https://bit.ly/3voEicX.

Candidate #1: Mary Grace L. Adviento (Quezon City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Trustee

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: BS Medical Technology (Our Lady of Fatima College)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Grace advanced the autism advocacy across multiple areas in the Philippines and abroad, as the ASP National President (2009-2012) and as a charter signatory in the creation of the ASEAN Autism Network.

Candidate #2: Helen Q. Cheng (Caloocan City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Auditor

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: BS Commerce (University of Santo Tomas)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Helen develops the capabilities of ASP in e-commerce and inspires economic empowerment in budding artists and entrepreneurs, as the ASP National Program Manager of ASP AutisMALL.

Candidate #3: Jhoi Ciriaco (Manila City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: New candidate

Occupation: HR Professional

Education: AB Psychology (Norte Dame University, Dadiangas)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Jhoi influences autism-inclusive employment in organizations she has served through the establishment of disability-inclusive frameworks, sensitivity training, cross-company collaboration towards the adoption of best practices in diversity and inclusion.

Candidate #4: Ritchelle Joy Donaire (Davao City, Davao del Sur)

Last ASP National Position Held: New candidate

Occupation: Public Servant

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Momay developed the readiness of young jobseekers on the autism spectrum and nurtured partnerships with transition education centers in Davao City, as the Project Manager of the ASP Autism Works program in her province.

Candidate #5: Evelyn O. Go (Quezon City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Treasurer

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: BS Food and Nutrition (University of Santo Tomas), MA units Special Education (UP Diliman)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Evelyn ensures the financial growth and sustainability of the society, through no-nonsense financial management and responsible governance, having served as ASP's Treasurer for multiple terms.

Candidate #6: Donna Lim (Quezon City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Trustee

Occupation: Fitness Educator

Education: BA in Fine Arts (College of the Holy Spirit)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Donna inspires health and physical well-being of children and youth on the autism spectrum and the families who care for them, as the Project Manager of the ASP AUthletics program, an Angels Walk warm-up choreographer and a regular volunteer for ASP Pweday.

Candidate #7: Mona Magno-Veluz (Dasmarinas, Cavite)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National President

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: BS Business Administration (UP Diliman), MA Applied Business Economics (University of Asia and the Pacific), Strategic Market Communications (London School of Business)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Mona engineers programs, policies, government and private sector partnerships and communication platforms that support the society's vision of an autism-inclusive society; and ensures grant funds are available to finance them -- as the framework architect behind robust service programs (ASP Artismo, ASP AUthletics, ASP Autism Works, ASP AutisMALL, ASP HOMEpowement, ASP PweDay), social campaigns (AOK Pilipinas web show, ASP 1Pangako) and organizational innovations (ASP Angel Corps, ASP Self Advocates Circle).

Candidate #8: Julia Moll (Santiago, Isabela)

Last ASP National Position Held: New candidate

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: (St. Louis University, Baguio)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Julia built the autism advocacy in her community in Santigao, Isabela, through the establishment of a strong connection with the local government and the implementation of creative, relevant events and projects for the benefit children and youth on the autism spectrum and their families -- as the local chapter president.

Candidate #9: Maria Joyla N. Ofrecia (San Fernando, Pampanga)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Trustee

Occupation: Independent Consultant

Education: MA Special Education (Angeles University Foundation)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Joy empowers families in the care and instruction of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as a valuable resource to the ASP Early Detection and Early Intervention Program, ASP Education Committee and the ASP HOMEpowerment Program. She organizes and mentors budding ASP chapters towards good governance and sustainability as the ASP North Luzon Cluster Head.

Candidate #10: Victoria Ramos (Los Baños, Laguna)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Trustee

Occupation: Community Development Professional

Education: BS Commerce (Holy Cross of Davao College)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Marivic empowers families in the care and instruction of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as a valuable resource to Autism Resource Center in Los Baños, Laguna. She organizes and mentors budding ASP chapters towards good governance and sustainability as the ASP VisMin Cluster Head.

Candidate #11: Cecile S. Sicam (Quezon City, NCR)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Secretary

Occupation: Retired Special Education Teacher

Education: BS Social Work (UP Diliman), MA units in Special Education (UP Diliman)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Ces continues to drive autism advocacy, parent-led autism intervention and family education and support, as one of the 11 pioneering founders of the Autism Society Philippines, ASP President (2001-2004), the framework architect behind the ASP Early Detection and Early Intervention Program, Head of the ASP Education and Empowerment Committee and and the Program Manager of the ASP HOMEpowerment Program.

Candidate #12: Perlita W. So (Angeles City)

Last ASP National Position Held: ASP National Vice-President

Occupation: Full-time Homemaker

Education: BS Food Technology (University of Santo Tomas)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Peng nurtures well-rounded skills, holistic well-being and social connection of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as well as grows our circle of diverse volunteers and corporate partners -- as the Program Manager of ASP PweDay.

Candidate #13: Lorenzo “LJay” Sumulong III (Antipolo, Rizal)

Last ASP National Position Held: New candidate

Occupation: Artisan Farmer

Education: BS Sociology (University of California, Davis), BS Public Administration (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila)

Advocacy Accomplishment:

LJay built the autism advocacy in his community in Antipolo, Rizal, through the establishment of a strong connection with the local government and the implementation of creative, relevant events and projects for the benefit children and youth on the autism spectrum and their families -- as the local chapter president.

Candidate #14: Bernadette Jeavian V. Tabares

Last ASP National Position Held: New candidate

Occupation: Full-time Homemaker

Advocacy Accomplishment:

Badette supports public autism awareness education through sensitivity seminars and media guesting; and empowers families of children and youth on the autism spectrum through training -- as the current ASP Antipolo chapter president.

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Posted in: elections,leaders,trustees