ASP JOINS QC IN NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS WEEK KICK-OFF

Quezon City -- The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) National Headquarters joined the Quezon City Government in officially launching the 2025 National Disability Rights Week with a vibrant and meaningful Kick-Off Ceremony on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, held under the national theme “Innovations for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together.”

The ASP was founded in Quezon City in 1989 and has called the city its home since. Representing the ASP at the event were Chair Emerita Dang Koe, Trustee Helen Cheng, and Spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz. The ASP team engaged actively in the day's activities, proudly setting up an informational booth that highlighted the organization’s wide array of programs and services for Filipinos on the autism spectrum and their families.

A key feature of the booth was the display of the Gawad Manuel L. Quezon, an award ASP received in 2024 in recognition of its long-standing commitment to inclusion and rights-based advocacy.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led the program with a message of unwavering support for the inclusion of people with disabilities. She emphasized the city’s ongoing commitment to listening to the voices of persons with disabilities, addressing their real needs, and developing policies that create a tangible impact.

The event also drew participation from Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Akbayan Representative Atty. Chel Diokno, along with officials from the National Council on Disability Affairs and PhilHealth, all expressed their solidarity with the disability community. The ASP is grateful for the stewardship and partnership of other QC leaders, such as Quezon City PDAO Chief, Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities Director Karen Sagun, and many others!

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Posted in: ndpr,ndprw

“Sumakses Sagabal-Free” Workshop to Empower PWDs in Digital Commerce

In commemoration of the National Disability Rights Week, the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), in partnership with the Quezon City Government, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and TikTok Shop Philippines, is hosting a groundbreaking workshop designed to equip persons with disabilities with the tools to succeed in digital entrepreneurship.

Titled “Sumakses Sagabal-Free: TikTok Shop Basics for PWDs,” the free event will take place on Friday, July 18, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon at the Quezon City MICE building. The half-day learning session aims to break down barriers to economic participation for individuals with disabilities by providing basic training in business registration, digital compliance, and selling opportunities on TikTok.

“This workshop is about more than just selling online,” said Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Spokesperson, also known as "Mighty Magulang" on TikTok. “It is about giving people with disabilities the confidence, skills, and support to thrive in a digital economy that too often overlooks them.”

The event will bring together a diverse group: persons with disabilities and their families, government workers, NGOs, and private sector partners. They all share a common goal of building more inclusive opportunities in digital spaces.

The program will kick off with an art exhibit and ceremonial ribbon-cutting, followed by welcome messages from Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova. TikTok Shop Philippines will then take the stage to introduce participants to the basics of TikTok Shop and the power of online selling in today’s marketplace.

For many in the audience, this will be their first in-depth exploration into online commerce. That's why the workshop also includes practical sessions on how to register a business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), comply with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulations, and connect with Quezon City’s local business development teams.

One of the most anticipated segments of the day is the panel, where inspiring PWD entrepreneurs can ask questions of our resource speakers in a moderated open forum led by ASP’s Erlinda Koe.

At noon, the action shifts to the exhibit spaces where participants can get online selling coaching from a pop-up studio and shop from local vendors. These side activities highlight the event’s goal: turning theory into action, and knowledge into a real, sustainable livelihood.

The “Sumakses Sagabal-Free” workshop is part of a broader effort to create inclusive, community-based programs that reflect the shift toward sustainable, rights-based empowerment programs versus charity. By demystifying the tools of modern commerce, the event aims to give PWDs the confidence to claim their space in the online marketplace.

Admission is free, but participants must register via [Eventbrite].

For a full event overview and speaker list, check out the [Event Profile]

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Posted in: 4public,ndpr,ndprw

ASP Lakbay Aral to the Mabini Shrine

The Autism Society Philippines will hold a Lakbay-Aral and museum tour to the Apolinario Mabini Shrine in Tanauan, Batangas on Saturday, 23 July 2022, at 1:30pm. ASP welcomes active ASP members to participate in this event.

The Lakbay Aral Poster

Families and chapters must arrange for their own transportation to the site and bring their own food if they want to have a picnic after the tour. Interested participants may register below until 15 July 2022.

The Apolinario Mabini Shrine is situated in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas, and is the site of Gat Apo’s birth. In the heart of a residential area along the Tanauan-Talisay highway, it has a library, a museum, and his tomb. Map

This community event is to commemorate the 44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, from 17 to 23 July 2022 as per Proclamation No. 1870 (1970), as amended by Proclamation No. 361 (2000) and Administrative Order No. 35 (2002). This year’s theme is "Working with Government in achieving equal access to Education, Employment and Livelihood towards Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities". The primary aim of this week-long commemoration is to raise public awareness of disability and to inspire all citizens to actively contribute to improve the economic and social conditions of people with disabilities.

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Posted in: chapters,members,ndpr,ndprw

ASP Laguna organizes Sensory Friendly Screening

Recently, 202 persons with disabilities, friends and relatives watched the first sensory-friendly movie shown in Laguna. Organized by ASP Laguna Chapter, it was held at SM City Calamba Cinema 1 last July 29, 2014. Zambezia, an animated movie about two falcons that were en route to a community of birds protected by a group called “the Hurricanes,” was shown.

ASP Laguna logo

The weather was cooperative since it didn't rain when the participants and companions waited for SM City Calamba to open. The cinema was almost filled with moviegoers, some of them for the first time.

The overall feedback is largely positive, as most of the PWD’s and companions in attendance that came from different parts of Laguna like Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba, Los Baños, and San Pablo enjoyed the movie. ASP Santa Rosa Chapter also participated in this event. A mother relayed that her son was able to complete his movie watching experience. The mother was thankful for the opportunity to have this kind of event. Another parent, who had some doubts about the film showing, made more optimistic remarks as she talked with her other companion as they leave.

This wouldn't be possible without the efforts of cinema manager Ma. Supreme M. Fagara, SM Calamba security personnel and other staff, who were accommodating. We would also like to thank those who spent their time and enjoyed watching the movie with their friends, relatives and peers.Despite the recent typhoon which disrupted the lives of our kababayans, we were able to do a film presentation as a way to belatedly celebrate the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week.

About the contributor: Ian Lopez is a self-advocate currently taking up Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in University of the Philippines Los Baños. He creates maps to help people get to seminars and symposiums organized by ASP-Laguna Chapter.

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Posted in: community,ndpr,sensory friendly movies,sm

What if Mabini were alive today

Nearing the anniversary of what would have been Gat Apolinario Mabini’s 150th birthday, Patrick So, writes an essay on this icon of the differently abled. Patrick is a fresh graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in BS Life Sciences. He is currently training with GOALS, an occupational intervention center located in Bonifacio Global City and is a budding freelance writer. Patrick lives autism.

Apolinario Mabini and Patrick So both have achieved much inspite of their disabilities.

Indeed, this is an interesting question to ponder on. As an individual with autism, I'd say that if I had the chance to talk to Apolinario Mabini during the time of the revolution, I would have asked him to tell me the story of how he overcame his disability to become the brains of the Republic. I would have learned how he coped despite having been crippled due to the polio he contracted. Just like I consider myself an advocate for autism, I would think that he would have also been someone who would be an advocate in the fight against polio.

If he were alive today however, given that polio has been eradicated from the country, he would have probably ended up being a spokesperson on overcoming disabilities in general. He would have given speeches about his various challenges that he faced such as managing the Philippine Republic’s affairs while having to use a wheelchair. He would inspire PWDs to push on and not to give up. Come to think of it, even able-bodied people would be inspired with him, as the lessons of PWDs can be applied to those who seek to overcome the many challenges that life has to offer.

Alternatively, it would be fun to think that he might have established a foundation that would raise awareness for rare diseases and would have contributed to addressing the needs of such victims. If Franklin Roosevelt was able to contribute that in the USA, then why not Mabini? One thing we must remember about Mabini is that he died at the young age of 38 due to cholera. What might he have done beyond that age, in an era of freedom for the Filipinos is something left to our imagination.

Finally and most importantly, had he survived to see the third Philippine Republic or even the Commonwealth, I see that he would have been active on the front lines of legislation - writing laws that would be pro-poor and would root out anyone trying to exploit loopholes. Given today's context, I see him making an effort in fighting corruption - just like he defended the country's freedom against abuses by our colonizers, I see him fighting for equality even when the exploitation would be coming from his own countrymen.

Generally, I consider Mabini to be a man of all seasons; even though he was in a really hostile environment (Americans who refused to recognize the First Philippine Republic’s independence, paralytic polio and even dissidents, among the ranks), he was able to achieve beyond his expectations. If he could do it, then why couldn’t we follow in his footsteps? It’s about time for the youth to learn from him and achieve more than he could.

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Posted in: mabini,ndpr,self-advocates

ASP Naga hosted "Handle with Care" Seminar

The Autism Society Philippines Naga City Chapter hosted a free seminar last May 30, 2014 entitled “Handle with Care: Seminar and Training on Disaster Preparedness” and a free intellectual disability screening at the Public Safety Office, City Hall Compound in Naga City. The event was attended by 170 teachers, parents of PWA’s, local government employees and some professionals in various fields.

Alex Cabason presents Handle with Care

This seminar was headed by ASP Naga President Santos Braga, in partnered with Mr. Cris Molin, Head of Naga City PDAO, Ms. Edna San Jose, Principal of Naga City Sped Center, Marie Chris Palafox-Pascua and Ms. Kate Vela of Communicare, and Mr. Alex Cabason, Jr., Program Manager for PWDs of the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor and Trustee of Autism Society Philippines.

Mr. Ernesto Elcamil of Naga City NDRRMC spoke on “Training for Disaster Preparedness for PWD’s,” Ms. Karen Kate Vela, OTRP on “Occupational / Physical Therapy for Children with Autism,” Ms. Marie Chris Palafox-Pascua on “Speech-Language Therapy” and Mr. Cabason on “Rights and Privileges of PWD’s and Categorization of Disabilities, Issues and Concerns.” After the event, a short meeting was held to discuss joint activity for the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week for Naga City to be headed by Naga City PDAO.

Mayor John G. Bongat of Naga City congratulated the organizers and the participants. He further stresses Naga City’s commitments to PWD’s.

About the author: Alejandro S. Cabason Jr 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.

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Posted in: chapters,community,government,ndpr,regional,seminar

We Speak Colourway

The College of St. Benilde's School of Design and Arts recently featured a collection of visual art works by established and aspiring artists with special needs. "We Speak Colourway" was inspired by Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore's "Artism" visual arts project in March 2013 and was CSB's response to the advocacy of a better understanding and appreciation of the creativity and potential of individuals with disabilities.

Arts Management students Carina Alejandrino, Ken Lim, Mark Patiag, Ed Sumakaton, Billie Tiongson, May Valderama and Bianca Yuson, in cooperation with Autism Society Philippines and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, organized the exhibit which ran from July 31 to August 9 at the 6th Floor hallway of the SDA Campus.

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe and ASP National Treasurer Evelyn Go with Mr. Robin Serrano. Chairperson, Arts Management. School of Design and Arts, DLS-CSB.

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Posted in: community,ndpr,ndprw,special

ASP celebrates NDPR Week

The Autism Society Philippines was an active participant in the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. The ASP National and its Quezon City and Cavite Chapters came in full force during the opening day, highlighted by Walk for Justice at QC Memorial Circle -- Justice Secretary Leila De Lima was the guest of honor.

PWA Carl Veluz with Peña family

ASP attended the two-day forum on “10 Goals to Make the Right Real” held at the Department of Budget and Management in Malacanang Complex. Represented by Alex Cabason, Elizabeth Udquin and Raphael Torralba, the forum was a discussion between the PWD sectors and government agencies on the various goals of the Incheon Strategy and how they are being implemented in the country. It aimed to generate awareness and sensitivity to the needs of PWDs as well as on the laws that promote and protect their rights toward motivating PWDs to overcome their limitations and encouraging support to the programs implemented by the government for them.

ASP also participated in the forum “Realizing the Rights of CWDs” through Access to Justice. This forum focused on the need for accessibility and sensitivity of parents and their CWDs in their access to justice.

ASP joined other 1,500 PWD groups, supporters and advocates in the much anticipated activity of Philippine Association of Rehabilitation Medicine -- the PARM Move Pilipinas Fun Run held at QC Memorial Circle. Aside from promoting fitness and wellness, this activity also promoted awareness on the needs of PWDs and highlight their hidden talents and abilities. Later in the day, ASP attended the Fun Day for Children with Disabilities in SM Fairview. As one of the event’s co-organizers, the program had a fun-filled day for children with disabilities with games and performances from Autism Angels and other talented children with disabilities.

The closing ceremonies saw the Mega Sensitivity Campaign in Mall of Asia. ASP President Jan Peña spoke on “Understanding Autism” and how to treat persons with autism while Program Coordinator Raph Torralba spoke on “Proper Communicating and Treating the people with Hearing Loss.” ASP Chairman Emeritus Dang Koe and Consultant Ranil Sorongon, meanwhile, attended the press conference on May 2013 elections on the other side of the mall. The press conference discussed what transpired during the 2010-2013 Campaign on Disability Inclusive Election and how they will start preparing for the 2016 Disability Inclusive Election.

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Posted in: community,government,ndpr

ASP Bulacan Chapters co-host NDPR Events in Malolos

Q&A of orientation seminar

ASP President Ms. Mary Janette Peňa, ASP San Jose del Monte leader Teacher Tina Borneo and
ASP Hagonoy Chapter Pres Dr. Anawi Tolentino hosted a day-long orientation seminar on autism, the UNCRPD and the parent advocacy for CWD for the PWD Federation officers from the different towns in Bulacan, AKAPIN officers, parents, teachers and the staff from the Provincial Social Welfare Office with their PDAO Focal Person Ms. Pacencia Morada. The ASP Chapters of Bulacan are one with the nation in the celebration of National Disaster Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

The groundwork has been laid - the ball is now on the hands of parents and the officers to sustain the fervor and continue the active involvement of everyone in promoting and protecting the rights of all PWDs. May ASP chapters in Bulacan continue to blaze this advocacy trail!

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Posted in: chapters,community,ndpr

National Disability Prevention Week 2013

NCDA Logo

Autism Society Philippines is celebrating this year's National Disability Prevention Week with the rest of the PWD community. The NDPR Week is held every July 17-23, and commencing on the birth date of Apolinario Mabini. It “highlights the nation’s efforts towards disability prevention and rehabilitation leading to the effective integration of persons with disabilities into mainstream of society as mandated under RA 727 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled persons.”

The theme on “Building an Inclusive and Non-Handicapping Environment for Persons with Disabilities” promotes principles and concepts relevant to inclusive development. The lead agency for this year is Department of Justice and they adopted the sub-theme, “Patatagin ang Karapatan sa Katarungan ng Mga Taong May Kapansanan," highlighting the importance of PWDs on their access to justice in order for them to be a part of inclusive society. The Incheon Strategy, which is built on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action and Biwako Plus Five, will be highlighted in this year's celebration.

Members and friends of Autism Society Philippines are invited to join us in the following activities. Please call the ASP Office at 7-903-5496, if you are interested to join.

July 17, 2013, Wednesday
Walk for Justice
Thanksgiving and Holy Mass celebration
Launching of the Sensitivity Training for Prosecutors
Legal Clinic by the Quezon City Public Attorneys Office
Diagnosis of children who are suspected with developmental disability and other disability

July 19, 2013, Thursday
PWD Product Conference

July 20, 2013, Friday
Poster Making Contest for Children with Disabilities

July 21, 2013, Sunday
Forum for Parents with Children with Disabilities
Forum on Access to Justice of Children with Disabilities
Fun Day for children with disabilities
PARM M.O.V.E. Manila

Read details on the NDPR Week.

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Posted in: community,government,ndpr

ASP joins Freedom Walk for PWDs

Janette Peña, Raphael Torralba other leaders and members in Freedom Walk

The Autism Society Philippines joined more than 1000 participants, composed of persons with disabilities, officials from the national government agencies and local government units of Metro Manila, leaders and members of PWD organizations and civil society for the annual Freedom Walk last 30 June 2013. The theme, “Each rightful step we take, all barriers we break," stresses the rights of PWDs on the issues that affect their lives.

The walk in an annual event that coincides with the Philippine Independence Day celebration. The event was spearheaded by the Alyansa ng Mga Maykapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-Pinoy) and chaired by the Philippine Association of Children with Developmental and Learning Disabilities Inc (PACDLD). The affair aimed to raise awareness to make a PWD-inclusive society and to express concerns on their rights to a barrier-free society and focuses on the progressive realization of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which marks the paradigm shift in attitudes from viewing PWDs as objects of charity to a person capable of claiming their rights in all aspects of human endeavors.

Emer Rojas, the Vice Chairperson of this year’s Walk, encouraged PWDs to be aware of their rights as citizens and despite of their disabilities, they should not be discriminated. Both are embodied in the Philippine Constitution and UNCRPD.

The Autism Society Philippines contingent was led by National President, Janette Peña and Program Coordinator, Raphael Torralba, who is also a part of the event’s Technical Working Committee.

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Posted in: community,government,ndpr

Catanduanes celebrates NDPR Week

By Fatima D. Kozma, ASP Virac, Catanduanes Chapter

The National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation week was celebrated all over the country from 17 to 23 July 2012.

ASP Catanduanes kids with autism

Our ASP Chapter based in Virac, Catanduanes coordinated the activities with various PWD institutions, corporate supporters, LGUs and the engaged community. The team is grateful for the help of Mr. John Laynes, brother of the mayor, whose kind generosity made many of the activities possible.

The four-day celebration was made memorable with a motorcade, a Service Mass, a Jollibee treat and Family Day get-together at a local resort. The PWDs from Jmames, Principal Cynthia Soneja, Mrs. Lisa Molod and her staff, the ASP Catanduanes Chapter members, Genevieve Laynes, Leticia Villamucho and Jeniffer Torres, and their families, the helpful staff at the many venues, among many other movers made the week feel like the blessing that it was.

The celebration was a reminder to the people on the island that ASPCC and its partners are active institutions, doing its share in advocating for individuals with autism one day at a time.

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Posted in: ndpr

ASP leads RA 9442 education for the disability sector

True to its mission to promote awareness and acceptance of autism and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Autism Society Philippines gave two separate lectures on Understanding Autism and Republic Act (RA) 9442 last July 19 and 20, 2012, in celebration of the 34th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week.

Participants of LGU Orientation

The lectures were done in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Cainta, Rizal headed by Mayor Mon Ilagan and San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez, and facilitated by their respective PWD Focal Persons, Analee Lacampuenga (Cainta) and Rocel Camagos (San Juan).

The activity in Cainta was attended by more than 50 parents of children with autism and other disabilities as well as special education teachers of the municipality with Ms. De Guzman, the Municipal Welfare and Development Office and Ms. Ilagan, the First Lady of Cainta as special guests. Ms. Ilagan affirmed the Mayor’s support for the welfare of children with disabilities.

In San Juan City, the participants were parent beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer Program of the government, parents of children with disabilities and persons with disabilities.

The participants were so grateful to acquire new knowledge on autism for them to understand and be more compassionate of families affected with the condition. They were also grateful to know the benefits and the rights of PWDs as provided by the law. “Now that I know the law, I can ask for the discounts that my child is entitled to, and I can also demand that the rights of my child be respected." said a mother.

Those who are interested to conduct a lecture on autism and RA 9442 may contact ASP National Office at 7-903-5496 or email at autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pwas,4siblings,education,government,ndpr,seminar

ASP lobbies for "inclusive" public transportation

The ASP was among the groups who braved the EDSA-Ortigas interchange to support the PWD sector in clamoring for accessible transportation towards a truly inclusive society last 23 July 2012. Our very own Executive Director Ranil Sorongon gathered with a group of differently-abled individuals to formally submit a position letter to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) urging the secretary to address the issues of accessibility to transportation of PWDs. Assistant Secretary Ildefonso Patdu, Jr. warmly welcomed the group headed by Mr. Abner Manlapaz to his office for a dialogue.

Handicapped people in PWD Rally with Mr. Ranilo Sorongon

The group recognized and expressed their gratitude for the initiatives of DOTC and brought up the following issues requiring the government's immediate attention.

1. Elevators of Metro Rail and Light Rail Transits are not functioning. PWDs on wheel chairs need to be carried by the security guards and maintenance personnel which is embarrassing and dangerous.

2. Passenger vessels do not have accessible facilities.

3. Personnel in the transport sectors are not equipped with proper knowledge and skills on how to respond to the needs of PWDs -- either physical or otherwise.

4. No accessible public buses to provide transportation to persons using wheel chairs.

ASec Patdu recognized the need to level up the responses of his department from providing logistical support to policies and projects that will really impact the lives of PWDs. The meeting will be followed up the a multi-sectoral planning session in August to discuss concrete steps to address the issues and concerns.

The NPDR Week celebration coincided with the birth of our hero Apolinario Mabini, the sublime paralytic, the brain of the Philippine Revolution, and the epitome of what the Filipino PWD should aspire to be. He was a man who proved that disability is not a hindrance to serve the motherland.

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Posted in: community,government,ndpr

ASP Chapter President Elected QC PWD Federation Auditor

The Quezon City Social Services and Development Department facilitated the General Assembly of the QC Persons with Disabilities Federation last 23 July 2012 at the Quezon City Hall, as part of the 34th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week. The Federation, headed by Mr. Renato Cada, was instrumental in advocating for the passage of the ordinance establishing the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in the city.

ASP Proj. 3 Chapter President Nato Agbayani with other participants during the PWD Federation Gen. Assembly

ASP was represented at the Federation assembly and election by Mr. Fortunato Agbayani (President of Project 3 QC Chapter and Trustee of ASP National), Ms. Linda Legarto (President of ASP Project 4 Cubao Chapter), Ms. Josephine Palomares (President of ASP Diliman Chapter), Ms. Lilia Taroy (President of ASP Commonwealth Chapter) and Executive Director Ranil Sorongon. ASP is a special stakeholder in Quezon City as seven chapters and its National Office all call QC home.

ASP Project 3 President Fortunato “Nato” Agbayani was elected as member of the board and was again elected as Auditor of the Federation. The election of Mr. Agbayani will ensure the continuous representation of autism concerns in the policies and projects which impact the disability sector.

Congratulations, Nato! Your ASP family wishes you a productive year of service ahead!

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Posted in: community,government,leaders,ndpr

ASP Laguna honored for pioneering efforts in PWD employment and training

ASP Laguna was recognized for their unwavering commitment to improving the social and economic conditions of persons with autism and other disabilities through training and employment.

ASP Ranilo Sorongon received the honors in behalf of ASP Laguna at the “Stakeholders’ Forum on Employment Opportunities” at the Occupational Safety and Health Center, Quezon City held last 17 July 2012.

Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, Mr. Ranilo Sorongon and NDPR officers

The forum was among the activities that opened the 34th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebration with the theme “Mainstreaming Persons with Disability in Economic Development.”

ASP Laguna is the brains and heart behind the Autism Resource Center (ARC) in Sta. Fe Subdivision, Batong Malake, Los Baños, Laguna. The ARC operates a diner wherein PWAs and other developmental disabilities serve as cashier, physical arranger, busboy and dishwasher. PWAs also serve as messengers, office assistants, packers of rice and other products. They also produce arts and crafts like angel charms, paper bags and charcoal briquettes (made from waste paper). Every December, the ARC trainees, apprentices and workers receive their share of the profit.

From your ASP family, congratulations, ASP Laguna Chapter! May your achievements continue to inspire the PWA sector!

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Posted in: awards,chapters,government,ndpr

NDPR 2012: ASP Cavite Chapters Special Mini-Olympics kicks Off with a big bang

By Gerard Joseph Atienza, ASP Bacoor Cavite Chapter.

For the 4th time, the joint forces of the ASP Cavite Chapters, the Provincial Government of Cavite, and SM City Dasmariñas kicked off with the annual Cavite Special Mini-Olympics (SM-O) with a loud and big bang last July 16, 2012 at The Events Center of SM City Dasmariñas. The Cavite SM-O is traditionally held every year by ASP Cavite Chapters as part of the weeklong observance of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week. This year's theme "Mainstreaming PWDs in Economic Development" acknowledges and recognizes the talents and skills of “persons with 'D abilities” that translate to future work and career potentials.

Olympic Dance in black

Ten (10) SPED centers participated in the opening competitions of the mini-olympics: the Search for Mr. and Ms. NDPR 2012, where school muses and escorts paraded and posed in their smart work and career attires, and the Creative Gymnastics Competition, which was an energetic way of anticipating the olympic sports and games events. Around 500 students, teachers, and parents witnessed the awesome pageantry and the unique gymnastic exhibitions, which were creatively executed with dances, stunts and cheerings. This year's Mr. and Ms. NDPR 2012 are Heaven Bryony Lauzon and John Wayne Shin, both children with Down Syndrome, from Dasmariñas City Center for Special Needs. Hopewell Integrated School (Bacoor) emerged as the winner in the Creative Gymnastics competition.

ASP Cavite thanks all participating schools for their good will to involve the PWD children in this yearly exercise. Quoting ASP President Jan Peña: "If we don't take these opportunities, what can we give to our children?"

The SM Dasmariñas event was the first salvo of the Special Mini-Olympics, and more events are upcoming: Malikhaing Sabayang Bigkas (July 23 at the SM City Bacoor), Developmental and Junior Games (July 25 at the Animo Center, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute), and the Senior Sports and Games (July 28 at St Francis Learning Center, General Trias). Awarding and Closing Ceremonies will be held on July 30 at the SM City Rosario.

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Posted in: ndpr,regional,special

Cavite Chapters NDPR Week

With the theme of NDPR 2009’s “Tungo sa Katuparan ng Karapatan ng PWDs”, Cavite Chapters ( ASP Bacoor, ASP Dasmariñas, ASP Tanza, ASP Trece Martires and ASP Molino) headed by Bacoor Chapter President, Jan Peña celebrated the week with many activities lined up for all members to enjoy.

First stop, SM City Dasmariñas: Their first activity for the week is the Cavite Colors Exhibit; it features photos from the 1st Cavite Colors Photography Workshop and outstanding paintings made by Persons with Autism (PWAs) during their On the Spot Poster-Making Contest.

The Cavite Colors of A Exhibit

Another exciting activity of the Cavite Chapters was their Special Mini-Olympics games and Sports that was hosted by The Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite. More than just games and thrills, the Cavite Special Mini-Olympics is a demonstration of collective love, strength and will of people drawn together by a common aspiration to enrich the lives of the differently-abled citizens in the province of Cavite.

Children with Autism during the Special Mini olympics and talents show

In order to showcase the talents of all the participating children with special needs, the Cavite leaders had their Michael Jackson Dance-Alike Contest at the Events center of SM Supercenter Molino, Bacoor.

All participating teams/schools duly registered in the SM-O. Each team had 3-5 representatives with no age level. As expected the kids rocked the house as they showcased their talents.

The oath taking of ASP Molino Chapter officers followed. The following mothers were inducted officially to office: Jacqueline C. Garcia- President, Gina J. Sarmiento-Vice President, Aileen U. Ramos- Secretary, Jocelyn D.

Elisan-Treasurer, Veronica I. Bambilla- P.R.O (English); Mrs. Eloisa S. Manabat- P.R.O (Tagalog); Ellen D.Telan-Auditor and Evangeline P. Detera- Chapter adviser.

Other activities for the celebration followed at The Events Center of SM City Bacoor. They had their Cheering Exhibition, The Awarding ceremony of the Michael Jackson Dance-Alike Contest, Singing Contest and other special numbers by participating member schools.

The whole week celebration ended with a Socialization Night for Senior SM-O participants at the Orchard Golf and Country Club Community Hall, Dasmariñas.

The celebration would not be made possible without the unending support of Autism Angels- Hon. Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga, Hon. Mayor Jun Sagun, Hon. Mayor Roy Loyola, Hon. Mayor Strike Revilla, The Orchard Golf and Country Club, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Supercenter Molino, SM City Bacoor, ASP Cavite member Schools and Hon. Gov. Ayong Maliksi.

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Posted in: ndpr