CLARK FREEPORT -- A shopping mall in Olongapo City has launched an exhibit that features the works of a child with autism.
In celebration of the National Autism Consciousness Week, SM Olongapo Central in coordination with Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) Olongapo Chapter, featured the works of Miguel Calapatia, a child with autism. The exhibit will run from January 20 to 26.
“Thank you to SM for the wonderful accommodation during the opening of the Autism Consciousness Week and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Miguel’s painting exhibit,” Dr. David Calapatia, the vice president of ASP Olongapo Chapter, said.
City Councilor and Chairman of the Committee on Social Services Lugie Lipumano-Garcia said, “ For those who understand Autism, we have the greatest responsibility to educate others, this is not a disease, let us be open-minded and let us help them and be aware of such existence and let us always be part of them.”
To culminate the event, ASP together with SM Olongapo Central and SM Olongapo Downtown will hold the annual “ANGELS WALK for Autism” on January 26, 2020, simultaneously with SM MOA, SM Bacolod, SM Cebu, SM Davao, and SM Lucena.
The walk will start at 7:30 a.m. from SM Olongapo Downtown to SM Olongapo Central, a short program that will showcase the talents of children with autism will follow.
Since 2007, the walk continues to advocate for acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of Filipinos with autism towards an “Autism-OK Philippines.”