OVER 150 “angels” with autism in the province have participated in the annual “Angels Walk for Autism” around SM Bacolod mall over the weekend.
The children were accompanied by their families, friends, supporters, schools, business establishments, and advocates. The annual activity aims to call for awareness, acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of the differently-abled.
Organized by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cares, the Angels Walk is the biggest autism advocacy event in the country. Coinciding with the National Autism Consciousness Week, the event celebrates the different ways autistic individuals use their strengths, capabilities and talents to be productive and respected members of society.
Last Sunday’s walk was held simultaneously in key cities around the country: Bacolod, Cebu, Lucena, Olongapo, and Davao, with the highlight and the biggest gathering at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Dr. Mark Anthony Talatala, behavioral and developmental pediatrician in Bacolod, said that based on the Bacolod turnout of supporters, autism is gaining more understanding and acceptance. “We laud the communities and organizations who extended compassion and opportunities and we hope to gain more advocates at every Angels Walk,” he said adding that, “It is our dream for an inclusive and autism-OK Philippines.”
The advocates wish the public to know that autism is a lifelong developmental exceptionality. Those with autism often face one or more challenges such as the ability to communicate, socialize and adapt. According to the Autism Society Philippines, one in 100 Filipinos is on the autism spectrum, translating to approximately 1.2 million living with autism today.
Talatala also thanked SM Supermalls for its valuable partnership in hosting the Angels Walk annually. In a message for mallgoers, Bien Mateo, SM senior vice president and director of SM Cares Program for PWDs, relayed that SM strives to be a destination that is welcoming of everyone. Mateo stressed that the SM group will continue to support partners and shine a light on important advocacies that contribute to nation building.
The National Autism Consciousness Week is commemorated every January through Executive Order 711 of 1996 issued by President Fidel V. Ramos. In the community of persons with disabilities, the former president is often attributed as the Father of Philippine Autism Advocacy.
Bacolod Autism Got Talent
Aside from the Angels Walk, a talent show was also organized by the ASP Bacolod and the Happy Beginners School of Learning. Dubbed Pilipinas Autism Got Talent, eager contestants made the program fun and memorable with dances, songs and performances with instruments. Families also enjoyed seeing the talents that their loved ones worked hard on, especially in overcoming different challenges like interacting with other people.
Delegates in the Bacolod leg of the Angels Walk were from Happy Beginners School of Learning, TheraKids Intervention Center, Kinderfirst Learning and Development Center, The Shelter Corp, Handumanan SPED Center, Talisay SPED Center, Hearthstone Academy, Cadiz SPED Center, Bacolod SPED Center and Manapla SPED Center.
Aside from the talent show and the walk for autism, the Dynamix and Danza Club of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod led everyone in a mob dance showdown featuring the country’s most popular pop song.