by Andreana Marie Sy & Angel May Grace Relox

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) led the Angels Walk for Autism, promoting wider acceptance of Filipinos on the autism spectrum, and renewed calls for the passage of the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Bill on April 26, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

Now in its 26th year, the event has grown into a nationwide movement promoting what organizers describe as an “Autism-OK Philippines,” a phrase emphasized by ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe to highlight inclusion that goes beyond awareness and into action.

Among those present were Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who are long-time autism advocates. 

In a Facebook post, Hontiveros said the Senate has already passed the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Bill and urged continued support for its counterpart measure in the House of Representatives.

The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for autism care, support services, and inclusive policies across government agencies. 

For families and individuals who attended, the event made inclusion visible. Parents said that the program, performances, and employment partnerships offered at the event show what their children can do when given support and opportunity.

Marlo Pascual, whose 20-year-old son is on the spectrum, explained that some individuals on the spectrum are assessed by human resource personnel and matched with roles they can perform, such as merchandisers, depending on their skills and abilities.

Pascual also spoke about how these employment opportunities for individuals like his son change how parents view the future.

“Nakakatulong ‘to sa amin. Itong SM, nagbibigay sila ng trabaho, eh, itong mga ganitong mga bata. Kaya kailangan maki-join dito para mabigyan ng kaalaman yung iba na merong ganitong pagtitipon yearly,” Pascual said, stressing the importance of being part of such gatherings.

Pascual also emphasized the long-term costs families face. “Kaya [hinihiling] natin sa government na sana kahit konting subsidy lang naman kasi magastos. Magastos magpa-aral ng mga batang ganyan. Kulang. Talagang dapat ang bulsa [may laman],” he explained, pointing to how therapy, education, and daily support require steady resources over many years. .

Elizabeth Sarmiento, a physical therapist and mother of two children on the spectrum, shared that tuition in a special education inclusion school can reach ₱150,000 a year. Families may also need to hire a shadow teacher costing around ₱8,000 to ₱16,000 monthly, aside from occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, tutorials, and other one-on-one interventions that require sustained funding, adding to Marlo’s statement about their need for financial support.

Sarmiento also said that the event carries weight for parents who often feel alone in navigating care and education. 

“Kahit papaano nali-lift up ka rin kasi alam mo na itong mga batang ‘to, darating ‘yung time na mawawala kami. Paano sila makaka-survive mag-isa? Sa ganitong panahon, nakakalimutan namin ‘yung mga bagay na isipin na ganun,” Sarmiento said, describing how seeing participants older than her children take part in the program offers a picture of what is possible later in life. 

The program highlighted individuals on the spectrum through performances, including a duet by actress Vivoree Esclito and Bradd Chiong, a performer on the autism spectrum.

Sarmiento added that while she is encouraged by the performances, she herself also becomes the “encourager” to those parents with children with autism, especially those still adjusting to the demands of raising a child on the spectrum. For her, gatherings like Angels Walk provide reassurance that families are not facing the journey by themselves.

Organizers said the strong turnout this year reflects sustained public support for autism inclusion and the urgent call for policies that ensure lifelong support for Filipinos on the autism spectrum and their families.