Social Services Division 7 and ASP Cebu participate in the 'Angels Walk for Autism' event, offering support to the autism community.

Rewritten Article:

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 - Central Visayas rallied behind individuals on the autism spectrum at the annual '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.

Employees and trainees from the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II, a facility under DSWD 7 for individuals with various challenges, joined the 2,800 participants in the advocacy walk.

April marks World Autism Acceptance Month, and the Angels Walk for Autism, organized by ASP chapters across the nation, promises to grow in popularity as it has since its inception in 2000.

Currently, 30 cities across the Philippines are expected to participate in the event, demonstrating widespread support for the autism community.

The event kicked off ASP's campaign for "Autism-OK Cebu," a drive aimed at providing employment, education, and support services for individuals on the autism spectrum.

This initiative adds to the growing movement towards inclusivity for people with disabilities (PWDs).

Margie D. Pinton, DSWD 7's PWD sector focal person, expressed her support for the inclusivity movement during the event. "The DSWD 7 chairs the Regional Committee for Disability Affairs (RCDA), and we are honored to show our solidarity alongside our partners from the government and private sectors," she stated.

The walk in Cebu was attended by 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, offered its support for the event.

Those who participated and wore green shirts marched through the mall, encouraging store employees to donate to the cause by purchasing their goods.

ASP Cebu Chapter President Rosa Edna L. Hubahib expressed her gratitude to all participants in their continued 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 said.

"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," she added.

During the event, talents and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum were showcased through the ASP's flagship program, ARTismo, which culminated in a talent showcase during the walk.

The Philippine government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 - Central Visayas, demonstrated their support for the autism community by participating in the "Autism-OK Cebu" campaign, which aims to provide employment, education, and support services for individuals with autism.
In addition to DSWD 7, various cities across the Philippines have expressed their support for the autism community by participating in the annual 'Angels Walk for Autism' event, including Cebu, where individuals with autism showcased their unique abilities through the ASP's flagship program, ARTismo.
The science and health-and-wellness sectors have also shown their commitment to mental health by supporting initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity for people with disabilities (PWDs), such as the growing movement towards inclusivity for individuals with autism.