CAMERAHAUS AWARDS TOP PHOTOGS AT THE ASP ANGELS WALK FOR AUTISM

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and CameraHaus came together to honor creativity, advocacy, and the power of storytelling through images at the awarding of the CameraHaus Photo Challenge, held during the CameraHaus Photo Festival last August 28, 2025 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

The competition invited photographers to capture the essence of the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2025, held in May, a landmark event that celebrates inclusion, acceptance, and the collective strength of the autism community. From the sea of green-clad walkers to the heartfelt moments shared by families, friends, and advocates, photographers were challenged to showcase the humanity and spirit that define this annual tradition.

After careful deliberation, Camerahaus announced the winners:
1st Place: Jansen Dudang

2nd Place: Jennelyn Tamolang

3rd Place: John Carl Magalong

Their works stood out for their ability to capture not only striking images, but also the emotion, hope, and unity that have made the Angels Walk for Autism an enduring symbol of advocacy for nearly two decades.

The awarding ceremony was graced by CameraHaus executives Robenson Ong Lo (VP for Operations) and Richmond Chi (Facilitator), together with ASP Project Coordinator Tina Borbe. The event underscored the fruitful partnership between CameraHaus and ASP in promoting both artistic expression and disability inclusion.

The ASP Angels Walk for Autism, first held in 2000, has grown into the country’s largest gathering for autism acceptance. Year after year, it draws thousands of families, advocates, and allies, turning public spaces into platforms of awareness and pride. The contest brought a fresh dimension to the event—allowing photographers to interpret and amplify its message in creative ways.

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Posted in: awalk,volunteers

30 Peaks at 30

Help ASP celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2019 by projects and events that celebrate the advocacy. Let us know and let us get the community involved! #ASPat30

One of the incredible ideas came from the employees of Abraham Holdings, who have been happily serving as volunteers for ASP’s annual Angels Walk for Autism since 2014. In celebration of ASP’s thirty years of public service, Gab Escalante, thought of simple acts of tribute through the team’s other passion -- mountain climbing, The team, including friends and Abraham colleagues, have committed to climbing 30 mountains for ASP’s 30th year -- thus, #30PeaksAt30.

Conquering 30 mountains for ASP’s 30th is a gesture of joy in volunteerism; and one of love and support for Filipino families living with autism. The team is carrying the ASP banner to the mountain tops -- a symbol of our shared aspiration for more acceptance, accommodation and appreciation for persons with autism.

Here are the summits this intrepid group of adventurers have conquered, working towards a target 30 mountain tops by 2019.

1) Mount Tapulao in Palauig, Zambales on 3 February 2018

Gab, Jearwin, and Jeravy of Hidden Leaf Mountaineering Ninja at the summit of Mount Tapulao

2) Mount Namandiraan in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur on 27 February 2018

Gabriel and Jeravy with the Osprey outdoor bags at the camp site and summit of Mount Namandiraan

3) Mount Malipunyo / Mount Malarayat in Batangas and Laguna on 04 March 2018

Kat, Jearwin, Jeravy, Andrew, Gab, Mikko, Kelbin, Jane, Mike at the summit of Mount Malipunyo / Mount Malarayat

4) Mount Manabu in Santo Tomas, Batangas on 04 March 2018

Jearwin, Andrew, Kelbin, Gab, Mikko, Jeravy, Mike at the summit of Mount Manabu

5) Mount Ugo in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and Tinongdan Itogon, Benguet on 04 April 2018

Andrew, Jeravy, Jenn, IJ, Gab, Jearwin, Joselito, and John at the summit of Mount Ugo

6) Mount Halcon in Baco, Oriental Mindoro on 29 April 2018

Gabriel Mellejor, leader of this 30-summit project and also member of Hidden Leaf Mountaineers, with his friend John Balagapo of Burados Mountaineers at the summit of Mount Halcon

7) Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu on 11 July 2018

Aldri, Michelle, Liz, Jeravy, Shembs, Sergio, Jheng, Gab, and Jhet at the Osmeña Peak

8.) Mt. Mangagew Bokod, Benguet October 6, 2018

NOriel, John, Gab, Jearwin, Andrew, Jeravy, Berna and Rain at the peak of Mt. Mangagew, Bokod Benguet

9.) Mt. Pack Bokod, Benguet October 6, 2018

Javeh, Princess, John, Gab, Jeravy and Andrew at the peak of Mt. Pack, Bokod, Benguet

10. Mt. Purgatory Mangisi Bokod, Benguet October 6, 2018

Gab and Jeravy at the peak of Mt. Purgatory Mangisi, Bokod Benguet

11.) Mt. Bakian Bokod, Benguet October 7, 2018

Javeh and Princess at the peak of Mt. Bakian, Bokod Benguet

12.) Mt. Kom-Kompol Bokod, Benguet October 7, 2018

Gold medalist runner Marcelino Sana-oy with berna Joy and Rain at the peak of Mt. Kom-Kompol, Bokod Benguet

13.) Mt. Tangbaw Bokod, Benguet October 7, 2018

Hidden Leaf Mountaineers and Burdados Mountaineering Club at the peak of Mt. Tangbaw, Bokod Benguet

14.) Mt. Gola San Miguel, Bulacan October 14, 2018

Jeffrey Cruz of Hidden Leaf Mountaineer at the peak of Mt. Gola, San Miguel Bulacan

15.) Mt. Manalmon San Miguel Bulacan October 14, 2018

Jeffrey and Ayen at the peak of Mt. Manalmon, San Miguel Bulacan

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Posted in: aspat30,mountains,volunteers

ASP welcomes ASP NMVO Batch 1

“An idea is like a play. It needs a good producer and a good promoter even if it is a masterpiece. Otherwise the play may never open; or it may open but, for a lack of an audience, close after a week. Similarly, an idea will not move from the fringes to the mainstream simply because it is good; it must be skillfully marketed before it will actually shift people's perceptions and behavior.”

― David Bornstein, How to Change the World

ASP welcomed participants to the first of the monthly New Member and Volunteer Orientation (ASP NMVO) at the Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 12 March 2016.

ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz presided over the orientation with assistance from ASP National Trustee Peng So, ASP UP-CAMP President Jeng Rodriguez and ASP Program Manager Cenin Faderagao.

NMVO small group discussion

The event opened with the Autism Advocate’s Prayer and the ASP version of the Philippine National anthem. The 28 participants introduced themselves and explained why there were there. Half were parents eager to understand what the organization can do for their families. The other half were educators, psychologists and professionals eager to be part of ASP’s journey towards and Autism-OK Philippines.

Ms. Mona proceeded to give an overview of what autism is, to expound the nuances of language and labels around autism and to share the mission and programs of ASP and its activities over the next few months. The large group split into the parent and the volunteer circle where the participants continued to discuss the next steps in how they want to be involved in the advocacy.

Moving forward, ASP will conduct an orientation for the growing number of ASP members and volunteers monthly. Please monitor our Facebook account for announcements.

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Posted in: angel corps,members,orientation,volunteers

ASP Laguna celebrates PWD Day with a Festival of the Arts

In line with the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter held Festival of Arts on the 6 December 2015 at DL Umali Hall, University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna.

The Festival of Arts was a fundraising concert which showcased the talents of the special children from places around Laguna. The children prepared a variety of performances from singing, playing piano, and dancing that touched the hearts of the audience.

Festival of Arts people with ASP Laguna Officers

There was also a special participation of Binibining Laguna 2015 Justine Mae San Jose on the latter part of the program. At that point, she and her team gave cash donations and free shirts to the kids courtesy of Pascual Group of Companies. These were the product of her fund raising photo shoot in Doha, Qatar. The beneficiaries are Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter and the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

The program ended with “Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko,” sung by the performing and visual artists of Festival of Arts.

The event would not be possible without the help of Rotary Club Los Baños Makiling Chapter which celebrates their sixteenth anniversary and the participation of the partner student organizations, Circle K Club of UPLB and UPLB ComArts Society. Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter also expressed its appreciation to the participants, their parents and other relatives, other sponsors, donors, member schools and centers, volunteers and people who took their time to watch and support the Festival of Arts.

About the contributor: Czhareen Anne B. Briones is a senior student taking up Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts in the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna.

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Posted in: art,chapters,performance,regional,volunteers

One with Kamp Pagkakaisa

ASP Trustee Jan Peña and Chair Emeritus Dang Koe gave a lecture to 45 aspiring and seasoned volunteers, composed of SPED and regular teachers, students taking up SPED, Psychology and other courses, parents and a grandmother, of Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers (Charity) Inc. (KPVI) last February 8 and March 8, respectively. The participants gave their 1Pangako Pledge, in support for ASP’s campaign to stop the use of the word “autistic” in a derogatory way.

Trustee Jan Peña talked about “Handling Campers with Autism” (CWA). Ms. Peña came with her son Muneer, also a camper of KPVI since 2010. For the participants to understand CWAs better, Ms. Peña used the exclusive template for KPVI made by one of ASP’s EDEIP Trainers, Teacher My Sorongon. She also gave a talk on “Love and Commitment” the night before her birthday, March 21.

Ms. Jan Peña during the talk in KPVI training

Chair Emeritus Dang Koe talked about “Leadership and Communication.” Being a leader herself for three terms as the National President and now the first and only Chair Emeritus of ASP, Ms. Koe gave inspiration to all participants as she shared her knowledge and expertise. The participants also enjoyed the said lecture because of the many exciting games that Ms. Koe prepared for them.

Ms. Dang Koe with the KPVI Volunteers during the training

Aspiring and seasoned volunteers also have the opportunity to hear from the expert, former Executive Director Ranil Sorongon, talked about the “Rights of Children with Disabilities.” Parents and a grandmother of a CWD were so glad to hear it from the expert; while most of the participants said that it was their first time to learn about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The group also invited speakers from the different Parent Organization Group like Mr. Pong Tee of ADHD and Ms. Nieves Reyes of DSAPI came with sister Clara, a smart girl with Down Syndrome. Professionals such as Dr. Ferdiliza Garcia, Teacher Mark Anthony Padil, Ms. Mayumi Gonzalez, Ms. Chat Paran, Ms. Grace Barcelona, Mr. Aries Burgonio, Mr. Tam Austria, Ms. Faye Roderos, Mr. Ryan Cachola, Dr. Gomez and Ms. Catherine Genovia were also on hand to provide guidance to the participants.

KPVI or formerly known as PVI Foundation Inc. is a non-stock non-profit organization, composed of volunteer students and professionals committed to the welfare and development of children with special needs: children who are intellectually and physically challenged; children with autism or with Down Syndrome; street smart children, and the abandoned from different government and private institutions, special schools and private homes.

The KPVI members are actively and regularly volunteers in ASP’s special events. Its founders Derly Salud, Emmy Cura, Reynaldo San Agustin, Jun Salengga and Penny Perfecto, together with its officers encouraged all the volunteers to join and assist ASP in special events.

The 37th Kamp Pagkakaisa, dubbed as “Mga Batang Espesyal Kaisa ng Barkadahan sa Binangonan” will be held in Binangonan Rizal. Kamp Director, Ms. Lea Lou Bautista will lead the almost 350 delegates for a 10-day Therapeutic Summer Camp. Trustee Jan Peña and son Muneer and Benjamin “Budong” Gaban of ASP Diliman, former ASP Program Assistant, Abby Mendoza and Cathy Genovia will be part of the delegation.

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Posted in: community,seminar,volunteers

Salamat po, Team Mirana!

"Advocacine [ad-vo-ka-'si-ne] is a contraction of the words “advocacy” + “cine” (Spanish, meaning film) coined by Erlinda “Dang” Koe, then President of Autism Society Philippines, an NGO where I belong. Since I am actually pursuing the film advocacy path centering on special people.”

Mirana Medina started her advocacine with “Alyana” - the first Filipino documentary film on autism, which she single-handedly directed, edited and produced. This PWD-friendly director also agreed to be the first to document the history of Angels Walk for Autism, from its beginning in 2007 at the CCP Grounds to what it is today – a mammoth crowd of 12,000 in Arena of the SM Mall of Asia.

For Angels Walk for Autism 2015, Mirana was not alone. She was supported by ASP corps volunteers: Kelvin Edward Avilanes, Abi Dango, Sam Gabuya, Rose Ann Garcia, Mike Lapena, Rolando Mangaoang, Jorge Quiambao, Chad Simbajon and Camille Tiongson.

Thank you, Team Mirana, for making history with us!

The Team Mirana documented the history of the Angels Walk for Autism

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Posted in: angel-corps,angels-walk,volunteers

ASP holds first Angel Corps Volunteer Day

The Autism Society Philippines held its first ASP Angel Corps Volunteer Day last 18 October 2014 at Bridges Foundation, Inc. Scout Limbaga Street, Quezon City. Students, church workers, teachers, therapists and families were present for the fun, educational morning -- the ice breakers, the orientation on autism and on ASP, and the presentation on the plans of the Autism Society Philippines in Q4 2014 and Q1 2015, and the free-flowing sharing.

Angel Corps Group photo

The ASP Angel Corps is the volunteer arm of the Autism Society Philippines. It is composed of civic-minded individuals who are sharing their time and talent towards creating a society where Filipinos with autism become the best of their potentials -- independent, self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community.

The ASP Angel Corps welcomes a great diversity of talents and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Our battle cry: Hope, Act, Impact!

Sign up for the ASP Angel Corps using the form below to get an invitation for the next volunteer orientation on 10 January 2015.

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Posted in: angel corps,volunteers

ASP Angel Corps is on for October 18

An institution like the Autism Society Philippine is powered by the strength and talent of its volunteers. We have a proud history of developing volunteerism among our members and fellow advocates. Over the years, ASP continues to develop a nimble, passionate, professional pool of resources.

Angel Corps Landscape

The ASP Angel Corps is the volunteer arm of the Autism Society Philippines. It is composed of civic-minded individuals who are sharing their time and talent towards creating a society where Filipinos with autism become the best of their potentials -- independent, self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community. Volunteers may be ASP members and non-members. Visit the ASP Angel Corp on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASPAngelCorps.

As we reach the close off ASP's 25th year, we enter the next phase of our national advocacy by enjoining those who empathizes with the families who live with autism and other exceptionalities with this "battle cry" -- Hope. Act. Impact.

The ASP Volunteer Day will orient volunteers on the goals of the organization and will help the participants discover the best way they can help the organization, through team activities and games.

Join us at the ASP Angel Corp Volunteer Day! Sign up on the form below to confirm your attendance. This is a FREE, FREE, FREE event.

Date: 18 October 2014, Saturday, 9am-12nn
Venue: 4th Floor Philippine Information Agency, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
Map: http://bit.ly/1o9dJ4F
Registration: http://bit.ly/1xjKM8m

"What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good." -- Aristotle

Event registration for ASP Angel Corps Volunteer Day powered by Eventbrite

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Posted in: angel-corps,volunteers

ASP Catanduanes - GOTIS partner for an assessment mission

(This article is a contribution of Pattie Kozma, ASP Catanduanes Chapter Vice President)

Representatives of Group of Therapist in the South or GOTIS arrived in the island of Catanduanes on 21 March 2013 for a much-awaited assessment and evaluation mission, jointly organized with ASP Catanduanes Chapter. Mr. Erwin P. Bote, Mr. Mike Kelvin T. Esguerra and Ms Hardecyl C. Quiron headed to the Juan Alberto Memorial Elementary School.

During assessment mission

Ms. Jeniffer Torres assisted the participants from various barangays -- MSWO officers, SPED teachers, volunteers, physicians, parents -- for the seminar; while Ms. Liza Molod and Ms. Irene Borja prepared the GOTIS to meet with the 55 patients, whose cases varied from autism to cerebral palsy, from intellectual disabilities to other conditions. Screening of each patient, did not fall short of their commitment, as they carefully showed the parents/guardians exercises and follow through methods.

Much to our surprise, the National President of ASP, Ms. Janette Peña paid our mission a visit. Apparently she had it planned to bring her kids on a short trip and part of that trip involved visiting the Island -- a very heartwarming and humbling gesture.

Our three-day assessment and evaluation mission came to an end, just as the dark clouds brought rain to the island. But as we move on to progressing on the work that has begun, the angels who made this mission a reality deserve our community’s gratitude.

• Mr. Erwin P. Bote, Mr. Mike Kelvin T. Esguerra and Ms. Hardecyl C. Quiron of GOTIS
• Ms. Cynthia Soneja, Ms. Liza Molod & Ms. Irene Borja of JMAMES
• Mr. Mariano Deguzman, Deped OIC-ASDS
• Governor Araceli Wong, Vice Governor Bong Teves & SP Councilors Ms. Shirley Abundo, Dr. Alvin Ravallo, Ms. Gina Pantino, Ms. Kristine Gamil, Mr. Victor Laynes, Mr. John Laynes and Mr. Alex Santos for sponsoring the indigent children
• Mr. Victor Bernal and Ms. Evelyn Teves of ARDCI INN
• Ms. Jeniffer Torres for assisting in preparation of the mission and itinerary
• Dra. Abella, Dra. Arcilla and Ms. Gie Laynes of Sea Breeze Resto for the lunch and dinner
• Mr. & Mrs. Donato for the tour to Bato and Puraran
• Ms. Kristine Arcilla Gamil for the tour at Mamangal Beach

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Posted in: chapters,community,consultation,education,regional,sped,volunteers

ASP Chair Emeritus talks at PVI

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe gave a talk on “Communication and Leadership” to Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc., formerly known as PVI-Foundation, last 2 March 2014 at TSB Seminar Hall, Meralco Avenue. College students taking up Psychology, SPED, Nursing students, among others; as well as professionals were in attendance.

The seminar is for primarily for volunteers who would are interested in joining the 10-day summer camp for CWDs; in acting as trainers for other volunteers on how to handle CWDs. They received practical exercises on basic leaders’ communication tools. The sessions were designed to be fun, interactive and practical.

Dang Kow lauded the volunteers. “I “bowed” to them for choosing to be volunteers for PVI. Volunteers are from all walks of life -- this year, we have students, professionals, even foreigners. It is amazing that they really want to spend time with CWD’s.”

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe receives a certificate after her talk at PVI

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Posted in: community,volunteers

ASP visits University of Santo Tomas

Team ASP, led by National President Jan Peña, met with the UST Nursing Central Boards of Students (NCBS), the college student council of the College of Nursing and with the UST College of Education last 30 January 2014 to deliver their certificates for volunteering in the recently concluded Angels Walk as ushers and marshalls.

Jan Peña and UST-NCBS shared each organization’s advocacy calendar. Upcoming events that touch on autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion include, ”LENSES: Looking, Enhancing, Nurturing Societal Empowerment and Service,” and later, “Positivism Towards Autism.”

Team ASP with UST-NCBS

Through these events, the NCBS aims to develop a sense of awareness on the different issues regarding autism and its implications to society, to demonstrate social activities that exhibits a positive environment and understanding on the needs of persons with autism, to translate learnings from the seminars into actions that can be practiced everyday, to show a positive outlook in dealing and interacting with persons with autism and to differentiate the ways on how we can answer to the needs of these individuals.

ASP Trustees Grace Adviento and Beth Udquin will be resource speakers on the ““Positivism Towards Autism”” seminar to be held on 26 February 2014 at the St. Martin de Porres Building, Dr. Hubert GH Wong Nursing Auditorium from 7:00 AM – 12:00 NN.

Team ASP at the UST College of Education

The ASP team proceeded to the UST College of Education to personally deliver the certificates and extend their gratitude for the College’s support. They were warmly welcomed by the Asst. Professor Pia Rabacal, who shared a short essay made by one of the volunteers.

Autism Society Philippines’ 25th Year Angels Walk for Autism
By Denise Teresita Gail J. Policar, GuTS-UST

January 19th marked Autism Society Philippines’ (ASP) 25th Year Celebration. The event attracted 10,000 participants from all over the Philippines, filling the MOA Arena to the rafters -- making it the biggest autism advocacy event in Philippine history.

The call time for the marshals was 5:00 AM. All were a little bit sleepy but were very eager to make the event successful. I was more motivated, especially when I received my all access ID. The breakfast was given and after, there was a small tour around the arena. Looking around the arena, I felt overwhelmed and secretly, I wondered if it was really possible that we could fill the whole place. The arena was huge, much bigger than the locations where I have witnessed advocacy walks for the past four years. After the tour, an orientation was given in order to assign tasks and area of responsibilities for the seating and actual walk. Volunteers from the Guild of Thomasian Speducators (GuTS) were assigned to the first and second floor but I was surprised when my name was asisigned to the fourth floor. When I went up, I was a little bit afraid. The fourth floor was very steep and I was thinking that the children may be afraid of the height. However, I was also thinking positively. More than the physical barrier brought about by the location, the advocacy to promote the awareness and rights for children with autism would be greater.

As the sun rose, more and more people filled in the arena. The place was covered in green, the families of children with autism were all smiles and excitement was radiating off them. Geared with my go-stop sign and neon orange vest, I stood on my ground and assisted the mass of people who entered right after the gate of the Arena.

The Pre-Opening Program started at 8 AM. The program started with the showcase of performers with autism and some invited guests artists. The ASP Dream Girls were truly splendid. A round of applause was given to them as they sang their hearts out to their own version of songs. Another splendid performance was presented by ILLC Heartthrobs who danced and ILLC Hunks who sang “Just the Way You Are.” Truly, their showcase of performance enabled the people to see their abilities, more than their disability.

At around 11:30 a.m., the marshals were instructed to lead the people out who were under their area of responsibility. There was a slight difficulty, especially when the participants had to wait before they could go down the ground floor. As expected, some children with autism from my group started having their tantrums and parents were getting anxious.

The walk started from the arena and then around the mall and back to the arena. A lot of people got to witness the advocacy message of a lot of SPED schools and organizationa. Some passersby stopped and waved their hands, others cheered for the children, while some are still uninformed and seemed clueless about the essence of the walk.

But in the end, it had been truly successful. The mass of the people that I saw was a proof that people are starting to become aware of what autism is all about and understand beyond the stereotypic ideas brought about by the disability. I truly hope that the walk paved way for uninformed people to become aware of what autism is and strengthened the resolve of those who are advocating for the rights and inclusion of these children.

*****

One cannot quantify the sense of fulfillment one gains from volunteering. Become an ASP volunteer, by joining the ASP Angel Corps. By sending your name you are in the list of potential advocates who may be activated when an event or project arises. Sign up today.

Understanding Campers with Autism

The Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc (KPVI) will be holding its 36th “Kamp Pagkakaisa”, a ten-day summer camp for children with special needs, on 4-13 April 2014. KPVI is targeting Tanay, Rizal as the venue for this year.

In order to train the new and old volunteers in handling children with special needs and to keep the spirit of volunteerism alive, ASP National President Mary Janette Peña was invited as a Resource Speaker on "Understanding Campers with Autism" last 02 February 2014 at the TSB Seminar Hall, Meralco Compound.

Ms. Janette Peña speaking to participants

Ten days of living in camp and ministering to a PWA could be quite an ordeal for a volunteer who lacks the know-how in dealing with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Tita Jan’s 18-year old son, Muneer Peña began the lecture with words that sounded strange and meaningless. Obviously, a few seconds of incomprehensible speech of a non-verbal PWA already rendered the listeners helpless in understanding the message that Muneer was imparting. During this lecture for thirty (30) new and seasoned volunteers of KPVI, Tita Jan explained the nature and needs of a person who has autism. She elaborated on the varied language, behavior and socialization patterns that campers with autism will demonstrate in their attempt to express themselves.

For the volunteers, more important than seeing these manifestations is equipping one’s self on how to address a situation where the demonstrated communication and behavior might distract the learning and living experience of the PWA camper. Tita Jan pointed out that on top of engaging the campers in fun and meaningful activities, a volunteer can do a great service, if he can teach a PWA to overcome a certain language, sensory or behavioral deficit during the 10-day 36th camp.

The volunteers finished the session in positive spirits, enlightened and highly-motivated, eager to make a difference in the lives of campers with autism.

Ms. Janette Peña with certificate after Understanding Campers with Autism

KPVI is a non-stock, non-profit organization established in February 1979 and is composed of volunteer students and professional. KPVI is committed to the welfare and development of children with special needs: the mentally and physically challenged, abandoned, socially deprived, street smart, the physically and sexually abused, and children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and ADHD.

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Posted in: best,community,education,volunteers

PVI Volunteers getting ready for the summer camp

By Cath Genovia, ASP Program Assistant and PVI Volunteer Batch 2004

Teacher My Sorongon and Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe gave lectures to 65 aspiring and seasoned volunteers of Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc. (PVI) last February 10 and March 3 respectively. The said participants also gave their 1Pangako Pledge as a support for ASP’s campaign to stop the use of the word “autistic” in a derogatory way.

PVI Foundation Inc. is a non-stock non-profit organization, composed of volunteer students and professionals committed to the welfare and development of children with special needs: children who are intellectually and physically challenged; children with Autism or with Down Syndrome; street children, and the abandoned from different government and private institutions, special schools and private homes. PVI members are actively and regularly volunteers in ASP’s special events.

Logo PVI

Aspiring PVI volunteers are required to attend a Training Series to help them face the challenges of dealing with different kinds of children with special needs (like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness and others with disabilities). Volunteers will serve as counselors or the campers' ate's and kuya's during the yearly camp.

The PVI Volunteers will be holding their 35th Kamp Pagkakaisa in Alfonso Cavite headed by its Kamp Director, Kuya Pio Fortuno Jr. ASP Alfonso Cavite Chapter President, Ms. Jeanette Vidallon partnered with Kuya Ron San Agustin, PVI Volunteer, will be this year’s Local Kamp Coordinators. The PVI family is also thankful for all the support of ASP National President, Mary Janette Peña, ASP Cavite Chapters and Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon.

My Sorongon, ASP EDEIP (Early Detection and Early Intervention Program) Trainer and PVI’s favorite speaker on autism made an exclusively template for PVI. Patterning after ASP’s Mall Orientation format, “Handling special customers” thus for PVI, its “Understanding your CWAs (Campers with Autism)”.

Aspiring Volunteers who will be future leaders have the opportunity to hear from the expert as she talked about Leadership, Ms. Dang Koe who led ASP for three terms as the National President and now as the first and only Chair Emeritus of ASP.

The group also invited speakers from the different Parent Organization Group like Atty. Rey Reyes Jr. of DSAPI and Mr. Pong Tee of ADHD, also professional and expert speakers from their field and a member of ASP like Teacher Landa Bautista, Teacher Randy Tallorin, Teacher Mark Anthony Padil and Dr. Ferdiliza Garcia.

ASP Angels Abby Mendoza, Cricel Elises and yours truly are all active volunteers of PVI and will be this year’s Kamp Treasurer, Kamp Secretary and Activity Coordinator respectively.

Click links below to view the pictures during the trainings.
For 2nd Training
For 3rd Training
For 4th Training

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Posted in: partners,seminar,volunteers