Social Services Section 7 in Cebu, in collaboration with ASP Cebu, took part in 'Angels Walk for Autism', offering support to the community affected by autism.
Fresh Take:
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 - Central Visayas recently lent its support to individuals on the autism spectrum at the 'Angels Walk for Autism,' organized by the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) Cebu Chapter on April 27, 2025, at SM Seaside City Cebu.
Employees and trainees from the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II, a facility under DSWD 7 for people with various challenges, joined the 2,800 participant advocacy walk.
April has been designated as World Autism Acceptance Month, and the Angels Walk for Autism, organized by various ASP chapters across the country since 2000, aims to raise awareness and promote acceptance.
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Thirty cities across the Philippines took part in this event, showcasing their support for the autism community.
The campaign by ASP has been building momentum towards "Autism-OK Cebu," an initiative focused on the acceptance, integration, and support of individuals on the autism spectrum.
This initiative aligns with efforts towards greater inclusion in the Persons with Disabilities sector. Margie D. Pinton, the focal person for PWD Sector at DSWD 7, spoke about the importance of inclusivity:
"We, at DSWD 7, lead the Regional Committee for Disability Affairs (RCDA), and we are proud to stand in solidarity with individuals on the autism spectrum."
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This walk unified participants from learning institutions, therapy centers, businesses, government agencies, non-government organizations, socio-civic groups, volunteers, media, and advocates.
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supported this activity. Participants wearing green shirts congregated at the mall, educating other store employees by displaying flags.
ASP Cebu Chapter President Rosa Edna L. Hubahib expressed her gratitude to all the participants for their support:
"Each year, our numbers continue to grow, as seen in the increased space we occupy compared to previous years. The community energy, passion, and enthusiasm are growing, and we can feel the movement gaining momentum."
"We are proud to shed light on the unique abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. Today, we celebrate the success of ASP ARTismo, a platform that encourages artistic expression and talent among neurodiverse individuals."
The event also featured talent showcases for the ARTismo program, ASP's flagship initiative nurturing creative expression and skill development among individuals on the autism spectrum.
Sources:
- Enrichment Data: ASP's ARTismo program fosters artistic expression and skills development among neurodiverse individuals.
- Enrichment Data: Cross-sector collaboration from government agencies, private organizations, and local communities was a key component of the Angels Walk for Autism events.
- Enrichment Data: Hosting events at major public venues like SM Seaside City Cebu amplifies public engagement and reinforces societal inclusion.
- Enrichment Data: The Angels Walk for Autism serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of individuals with autism and raise awareness about their unique abilities.
- Enrichment Data: Similar events, like the April 13 Angels Walk in Davao, demonstrate ASP’s nationwide advocacy, with the Cebu iteration reflecting localized community mobilization.
- The government sector, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7, showed support for individuals with autism in the Philippines at the Angels Walk for Autism event in Cebu.
- The Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) Cebu Chapter organized the Angels Walk for Autism in the city, which was part of a nationwide effort to promote understanding and acceptance of autism.
- The event, held at SM Seaside City Cebu, saw participation from various sectors, including learning institutions, therapy centers, businesses, non-government organizations, socio-civic groups, and volunteers.
- The Angels Walk for Autism is also an avenue to celebrate the achievements of individuals with autism, showcasing their unique abilities in art and creative expression through the ASP ARTismo program.
- The Science and Health-and-Wellness sectors play a crucial role in the initiative's focus on acceptance, integration, and support for individuals with autism, aligning with efforts towards greater inclusion in the Persons with Disabilities sector.
