Pasay, Philippines, April 16, 2023 — The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares, held the annual Angels Walk for Autism at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
Over the last two years, the “Angels Walk for Autism” has been held online in response to the pandemic, but before that, it was recognized as the largest autism advocacy event in Asia, drawing 26,000 participants in 11 cities in 2020. After a long wait, the Angels Walk has already been held face-to-face and was attended by roughly 10,000 people.
“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.”
Miss Universe Philippines Candidates Support the Angels Walk for Autism
The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 candidates take the stage together with children with autism for a touching start to this year’s pre-walk program. They demonstrated their role as “big sisters” for players who required assistance during the afternoon games.
The Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall upholds ASP’s cross country drive on wellbeing through development; and the growth of competitive athletes for people with autism. Families and individuals on the spectrum benefit from the program’s emphasis on friendship, success, and well-being.
The SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Autism Network, Tiktok, Pancake House, and other organizations and individuals who have collaborated with ASP are also proud to provide their support for this year’s celebration.
Angels Walk Honored Achievements
The ASP Hans T. Sy Initiative Honor for Incorporation and Government assistance, the ASP’s most noteworthy acknowledgment, celebrates excellent initiative that decidedly affects propelling the ASP’s vision of acknowledgment, convenience, and enthusiasm for people with mental imbalance in a Mental imbalance alright Philippines, will bestowed to Mr. Daniel Razon, the imaginative monster behind the significant supports of the famous Wish
Music Grants.
The New York-based Daivergent, represented by CEO Byran Dai and local leaders Elaine Sisno and Diana Salmone, is the recipient of the ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year award for innovative practices in autism-inclusive employment. Even as the pandemic raged, ASP and Daivergent signed a partnership to help analysts on the autism spectrum from NCR, Laguna, and Iloilo succeed in work-from-home positions in artificial intelligence and machine learning data management.
The ASP Autism Angels Achievement Awards honor the remarkable abilities of people on the autism spectrum and the growing body of accomplishments they have achieved in the fields of information technology, sports, and the performing arts: John Christian Ballesteros, Noel Cartera, Robin Conanan, Laurence Anthony de Guzman, Rafael Manuel, Miguel Franco Ramirez, Rian Rayos, Exiquiel de Vera.
As a matter of fact this year’s Angels Walk for Autism was full of fun and a wonderful performance. People with autism may act and move differently from other people, but that will never make them less, for they are unique and designed to bring joy to this world and hope for humanity to be kind, loving, and patient. Let’s support and embrace an Autism-Ok Philippines!
