The DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas showed its support for individuals on the autism spectrum by participating in the ‘Angels Walk for Autism’ event, organized by the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) Cebu Chapter on April 27, 2025, at SM Seaside City Cebu.

Staff and trainees from the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II, a DSWD 7 training facility for persons with disabilities, joined over 2,800 participants in the advocacy walk.

April is World Autism Acceptance Month, and the Angels Walk for Autism, organized by different ASP chapters nationwide, has grown significantly since its inception in 2000. This year, 30 cities across the Philippines participated in the event, showing their strong support for the autism community.

The event is part of ASP’s ongoing campaign to build an “Autism-OK Cebu,” which promotes acceptance, appreciation, and accommodation for individuals on the autism spectrum. This initiative supports the broader goal of inclusivity within the Persons with Disabilities sector.

Margie D. Pinton, DSWD 7 focal person for the PWD Sector, highlighted the event’s significance in advancing the inclusivity movement.

“The DSWD 7 chairs the Regional Committee for Disability Affairs (RCDA), and we are proud to show our support alongside our partners from the government and private sectors. It reminds us that we stand in solidarity with individuals on the autism spectrum,” she said.

The walk brought together the Cebu autism community, including 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, strongly supported the activity. Participants, dressed in green shirts, paraded through the mall to raise awareness, with staff at various stores greeting them by waving green flaglets.

ASP Cebu Chapter President Rosa Edna L. Hubahib expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all 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 excitement are building, and we can feel the momentum growing,” she shared.

“We are proud to shine a spotlight on the unique abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. Today, we celebrate the success of ASP ARTismo, a platform that allows artistic talents to flourish, using art as a powerful form of self-expression,” Hubahib added.

The event also celebrated the talents and creativity of individuals on the autism spectrum by promoting ASP’s flagship program, ARTismo, which culminated in a talent showcase following the walk. ###

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