PHILIPPINE National Autism Consciousness Week commences in Cebu on Sunday, January 26, with the annual Angels' Walk of persons with autism (PWAs), their stakeholders, and advocates at SM City Cebu following a Holy Mass at 9 a.m.
The Angels' Walk, which began in Manila in 2007, is one of the highlights in the advocacy of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) for acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of Filipinos with autism towards an "Autism-OK Philippines."
The ASP has launched a series of activities that include the Adaptation Day on Wednesday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the SM Seaside carousel area, where PWAs will have Zumba dancing and party; and ASP Show Time Culmination Program on Friday, January 31, at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the SM City Cebu (Food Court) Activity Center, where PWAs from various schools and centers will showcase their performances.
For professionals, parents, and students who wish to know more about autism, a seminar-workshop on "Applied Behavioral Analysis" will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Conference Hall, 3rd Level of SM City Cebu.
The seminar will be conducted by Socorro Deligero, a Special Education Teacher for 15 years, and registered Behavior Technician and Assistant Behavior Analyst.
Registration fees for the seminar-workshop are P600 (professionals), P500 (parents), and P200 (students), inclusive of ASP membership.
"We would like to strive beyond Philippine society's awareness of autism by encouraging and inspiring genuine inclusion of persons with autism through our acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of them," said Babylin V. Roa, ASP Cebu chapter president.
President Rodrigo Duterte exemplified the public sector's support to PWAs. In his message to Autism Society Philippines, he said: "Coping with autism remains to be a challenging task not just for the people who have this condition, but for their families as well. It is imperative that we take concrete action in spreading autism awareness through information campaigns and other activities."
"Together let us be partners in fostering a society that is more inclusive, accommodating, and accepting of every person regardless of their circumstances and developmental needs," Duterte added.
Philippine National Autism Week was enabled by Presidential Proclamation 711 of 1996, which was signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos. It called for its annual celebration every third week of January.
The Cebu observance was moved to the fourth week of January in deference to the annual feast of the Santo Nino and Sinulog. (PR)