Laoag City residents join bazaar to fund autism awareness

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—In time for the annual celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week, the Autism Society of the Philippines-Laoag Chapter has prepared a series of activities to prevent discrimination and promote inclusivity of persons with autism.

Earlier, a bazaar for children with autism opened at the Dap-ayan center where preloved items, shoes, bags and others are sold to the public.

Triscia Alexandra “Trixie” Ablan, ASP public relations officer said the bazaar for a cause will last for four days or until January 24.

“The registration fees of participants will go to ‘ausome angels’ and this is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Laoag Metro Ilocos Norte and the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association,” said Ms. Ablan saying she developed her fondness for children with autism when she had a chance to seat in a classroom with them and she found ‘peace’.

Since then, Ms. Ablan met with other volunteers in Laoag as they advocate for a better understanding of people with autism.

Report said at least one percent of the population has autism and not so many people are aware of autism and actually knows what living with autism means.

In an advocacy campaign posted by the ASP tagged as ‘Ausome Angels’, the group shared, “people with autism can have many skills and talents, you just have to let them reach for his/her full potential.”

So, by helping spread awareness about autism, organizers believe, “it takes small changes to better accommodate a person with autism needs.”

On January 25, 2019, the group invited resource speakers and conducted discussions on autism in Laoag, which aimed to promote action by the public and private sectors towards enabling persons with autism to live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and access, function independently and contribute productively in the community.

Meanwhile, the Laoag City government, through the City Health Office, waived fees for the conduct of diagnostic test for persons with autism and help them to secure or renew their identification cards under persons with disabilities and enjoy some government benefits and discounts.

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