PHL Embassy and Philippine Ladies Circle Celebrate 10th World Autism Awareness Day in Abu Dhabi
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. and Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno, Chair of the Philippine Ladies Circle – Abu Dhabi, presented Plaques of Appreciation to Guest Speakers Ms. Kismette Jasmin Cepe-Riguerra and Dr. Maria Lourdes Sta. Rosa-Casas. Plaques of Appreciation were also presented to Jollibee-UAE, Mr. Hitesh Kamal of Rehana Textiles Est. (represented by Mr. Joey Gualberto), Ms. Mylene de Guzman, and Mr. Gaudencio Raganit III for their support in the 10th World Autism Awareness Day celebration on April 21 at the Philippine Embassy. They are joined in the photo by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil.
26 April 2017 ABU DHABI — The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Ladies’ Circle (PLC) – Abu Dhabi chaired by Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno, conducted a Seminar on Autism Awareness at the chancery’s function hall on April 21, in celebration of the 10th World Autism Awareness Day with the theme “Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination”.
Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. spoke of the national policy for empowering people with special needs that was recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and that people with special needs should now be referred to as “the determined ones”.
“Today, we show our continued support and hold this activity in honor of children with autism worldwide. I hope our gathering and observance today will inspire and motivate us all to make a difference,” Ambassador Vingno said.
Ms. Kismette Jasmin Cepe-Riguerra, Special Education Classroom Teacher at the Future Center for Special Needs, Abu Dhabi, delivered a lecture entitled, “Accommodations and Support for People with Autism”. She outlined ways on how to better accommodate people in their deficits in areas such as social skills, communication and language, emotional functions, and general sensation.
Dr. Maria Lourdes Sta. Rosa-Casas, Specialist Pediatrician at the Asian Philippine Medical Center, Abu Dhabi, delivered a lecture entitled, “Changing Perspective – Autistic Spectral Disorder”. She discussed the causes, early signs, and characteristics of autism, as well as treatment and therapy. Believing that something can be done with early intervention, she expressed hope for a change of perspective that ASD be referred to instead as Autism Spectral Condition (and not a disorder). For more information, visit www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph or www.facebook.com/abudhabipe. END
Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno pose with Embassy personnel, members of the Philippine Ladies Circle, speakers and guests at the 10th World Autism Awareness Day celebration on April 21 at the Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi.