Over 20,000 participants joined
the Angels Walk for Autism last March 3, 2019. The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), together
with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings,
holds this annual activity 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.
This year’s Angels Walk for Autism celebrates 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.
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.
“Although many are aware of autism, very few people actually understand
what it means to live life on the autism spectrum. SM Cares and ASP come
together as a community to remind everyone that autism awareness and acceptance
should be part of their everyday lives. Awareness is a good thing, but
acceptance is far more meaningful,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SVP of SM Supermalls
and Program Director of SM Cares Program on PWD’s.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos, who issued EO 711 of 1996, instituting
the commemoration of the National Autism Consciousness Week, will be 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.”
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 recognise
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 program includes 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). It will
also incorporate the induction of 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. The festivities will include acts from
special guests and performers on the autism spectrum, and a special
presentation on ASP’s milestones since its foundation in 1989.
The walk is held with the support of the MOA Arena, SM Mall of Asia,
National Council of Disability Affairs, ASEAN Autism Network and the
Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability.
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