DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here joined the nation in a weeklong celebration of the 18th National Autism Consciousness Week last Jan. 19-25 with the theme, “Katuparan ng Karapatan ng Pilipinong may Autismo: Isulong mo, Ngayon Na!"
The weeklong observance was in pursuance of Proclamation No. 711 of 1996, declaring the third week of January as “Autism Consciousness Week,” aimed at promoting awareness and supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity, function independently, and to contribute productively to society.
Evelia Maluto, Center for Children with Special Needs coordinator here, said that streamers were hung to make the public aware of the weeklong celebration.
The activity started off with a motorcade, participated in by children with autism and their parents, teachers and personnel tasked with the development and enhancement of children with special needs. This was followed by an opening program at the SPED Center covered court inside the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School compound.
Art works and parlor games for children with special needs were held to give more color and meaning to the autism week celebration.
Maluto also disclosed that “Angels Walk and Touring” were also conducted “not only to promote autism awareness but to encourage environmental awareness as well.”
“In addition, we conducted hydrotherapy to children, like we did last year, not only to promote their well-being but also to build up camaraderie between and among them,” Maluto added. (PIA9)
