Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — An arena in Pasay City was transformed into a sea of hope this Sunday morning as thousands of families and advocates converged for the annual Angels Walk for Autism.</p><p>The gathering served as a call to action, urging the government to finalize legislation that would provide permanent support for Filipinos on the spectrum. Led by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), the 2026 event marks a critical turning point for the community.</p><p>Beyond the traditional walk, the focus this year is the push for the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Bill—a proposed law designed to grant equal opportunities and coordinated healthcare to individuals with autism nationwide.</p><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F946925744902497%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><p>Mona Magno-Veluz, the National Spokesperson for ASP, noted that this year’s walk is particularly significant because it reflects years of uphill battles finally reaching the halls of power.</p><p>“This year is very special, kasi after so many years—more than 20 years of doing the Angels Walk—ito po ‘yung taon na nagkaroon ng significant change in policy. Sa ating gobyerno po, for the first time, nagkaroon ng policy. Passing of the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act sa Senado. At sana po, matuloy-tuloy na maaprubahan ito sa [House of Representatives] para maging batas,” she stated.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/4/11/ano-ang-mga-sintomas-ng-autism-at-bakit-hindi-pa-rin-tukoy-ang-sanhi-nito-1527">Ano ang mga sintomas ng autism at bakit hindi pa rin tukoy ang sanhi nito?</a></div><p>With an estimated 32,000 registrants in Pasay and simultaneous walks in 11 other cities, the total nationwide turnout is expected to reach 42,000 people.</p><p>“Kailangan makita tayo ng gobyerno, makita tayo ng mga negosyo, para makita rin nila gano’n kalaki, gano’n kalakas ang ating pamayanan,” Veluz added, emphasizing that the goal has shifted from awareness to active &quot;acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation.&quot;</p><p>The event featured performances from members of the community, including Cid Tampo, who traveled from Iloilo to participate.</p><p>Having performed at the walk since 2016, Tampo shared his excitement: “I’m very excited… last 2016 [was] my first time [to perform] for the Angels Walk. So, in 2019, I joined and I performed.”</p><p>For his mother, Ann Tampo, the event represents the evolving landscape of Filipino society. She recalled the days when families felt the need to constantly apologize for their children&#x27;s behavior in public.</p><p>“We&#x27;re happy about the development. Dati, ang hirap. We had to explain to everybody when they were acting out. Marami nang nakakaintindi sa kanila, at sa amin din na mga parents,” she shared.</p><p>She offered words of encouragement to families with newly diagnosed children: “For the parents, it&#x27;s important to accept the condition of your child. Pray to God, because you&#x27;ll always be guided anywhere you go. Talagang may maraming tulong na coming from anywhere. Basta manalangin ka lang, and then early intervention, and most of all, family support.”</p><p>The advocacy has found strong support among public figures and performers. Jade Riccio, whose nephew is on the spectrum, expressed her fulfillment in being part of the movement.</p><p>“To everyone who is supporting this cause, maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyo. Bless your heart even more. We aim for this world to be a really inclusive world where everyone is welcomed, everyone has the right to be on stage, everyone has the right to perform, and everyone is equal,” Riccio said.</p><p>Even the youngest stars joined the cause. Child star Imogen added, “Super happy po ako, kasi I get to meet them, and I feel so happy na na-invite po ako dito.”</p><p>The event also honored local government leaders who have championed disability-inclusive programs.</p><p>This year, the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award for Autism Inclusion and Welfare was presented to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for her city’s initiatives.</p><p>The community hopes that by next year’s walk, their call for inclusion will finally be enshrined in Philippine law.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/10/2/autism-diagnosed-later-in-life-could-be-different-form-study-0946">Autism diagnosed later in life could be different form: study</a></div>

<p>The gathering served as a call to action, urging the government to finalize legislation that would provide permanent support for Filipinos on the spectrum. Led by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), the 2026 event marks a critical turning point for the community.</p>

The gathering served as a call to action, urging the government to finalize legislation that would provide permanent support for Filipinos on the spectrum. Led by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), the 2026 event marks a critical turning point for the community.

Thousands of advocates gather in Pasay City to push for landmark autism inclusion law

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Thousands of advocates gather in Pasay City to push for landmark autism inclusion law

Bea Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 26, 2026 09:52 AM PHT

Read More:

Autism Society Philippines

Pasay City

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