Pasay, 16 April 2023 — The Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), commemorates Autism Acceptance Month with a bang, with the ASP Angels Walk for Autism annual tradition at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. The walk has been done online over the pandemic, but has been acknowledged as the largest autism advocacy event in Asia with 26,000 participants in 11 cities in 2020.
“The Autism Society Philippines, leveraged digital channels, to reach our members who needed support and encouragement during the pandemic,” said Dang Koe, ASP Chair Emerita and 2019 ASEAN Prize Laureate. “But face-to-face
ASP Angels Walk for Autism has become this annual celebration of how far Filipinos have come in appreciating human diversity, and how the international, public, and private sectors are heeding our call for acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of persons on the spectrum through relevant, tangible programs. We are happy to be together again.”
This year’s celebration is proudly supported by the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Autism Network, Miss Universe Philippines, Tiktok, Pancake House, and other groups and individuals who have worked with ASP over the years towards transformative innovation.
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES
The US Center for Disease Control released a study in April 2023 that autism affects 1:36 children under 8 years old. “Autism is a complex and lifelong developmental exceptionality, challenging an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize and adapt to the world around him. This spectrum condition manifests uniquely in different persons. It is a variation of the human condition affecting approximately 1.2 million Filipinos,” said Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Spokesperson.
“The ASP is at the forefront of creating institutional mechanisms to support those on the autism spectrum and the Engr. Bien Mateo, SVP for Mall Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Program on PWDs shared,
“SM Supermalls strives to make every SM a destination that is welcoming to everyone. We believe in a society that is inclusive of every Filipino. That is the reason behind our continued support for advocacies that call for acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of all — including individuals on the autism spectrum.” This year, SM also hosted smaller Angels Walks for Autism in other malls all over the country – Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
NCDA Executive Director Don Frajedas leads the swearing-in of the new board of trustees of the Autism
Society Philippines, led by incoming ASP National President Lorenzo “LJay” Sumulong III. The new crop of
trustees represents new milestones in ASP’s 34-year history. LJay Sumulong is the first male President and
Diana de Ocampo is the first sibling to a man on the spectrum to serve on the board.
