19 April 2016 –The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi celebrated the Autism Awareness Month on April 08 at the Chancery. With an aim to promote autism awareness, acceptance and appreciation, speakers and guests were invited to give short talks on their experience and expertise in this field.
Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr., in his Welcome Remarks, recalled that in January this year, the Embassy personnel recited the oath, “1 Pangako,” in observance of the 20th Autism Consciousness Week. “Today, we are wearing blue in honor of people with autism worldwide. I hope our celebration will inspire and motivate us all to make a difference,” he said.
Ms. Kismette Jasmin Cepe-Riguerra, Special Education classroom teacher at the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi, gave a lecture entitled, “Helping Children with Autism: Practical Tips for Home, School and Community.” She shared data provided by the Autism Society of the Philippines, the forefront organization on autism in the country. Ms. Cepe-Riguerra also spoke about the United Nations 2016 theme, “Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity.”
Dr. Ma. Lourdes Sta. Rosa-Casas, Specialist in Pediatrics and Pediatric Cardiology at the Asian Philippine Medical Center in Abu Dhabi, gave a lecture entitled, “Autism – Red Flags.” She talked about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the red flags and problem areas that parents should be aware of. She emphasized that early screening and diagnosis allows for earlier intervention and that it is easier to “rewire” brain connections when the child is very young.
Special guest performer, 12-year-old Laurence de Guzman, sang his own rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” and OneRepublic’s “Love Runs Out” which greatly impressed and moved the crowd.
“My son, Laurence, was first diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. It was initially hard. Acceptance was not instantaneous. But reality sets in and we knew that if there are people who will guide this precious little child, it would be us, his parents,” Mhy De Guzman said as she introduced Laurence to the audience.
“We were never prepared for the magnitude of his gift in music and the arts. Now, Laurence has been to places that we never thought he would be,” Mrs. De Guzman proudly said, adding that his son has been invited to perform in various big events in the UAE. Her family actively supports and hopes to provide inspiration to other families.
In attendance were Principal Lizabeth Comia, Vice Principal Luz Divino, and faculty members of The Philippine Global School (TPGS), Principal Jonathan Esguerra and faculty members of The Philippine School (TPS) Abu Dhabi, invited guests from the Asian Philippine Medical Center and the Philippine Business Council in Abu Dhabi, and the officers and staff of the Embassy, POLO, OWWA, DSWD, SSS and Pag-IBIG.
At the end of the lectures, Vice Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil announced the re-launching of the Philippine Ladies Circle (PLC) – Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of Madame Yoko Vingno-Ramos. “The PLC aims to develop the role of Filipino women in society and to promote culture and Filipino values in the UAE. Aside from Embassy personnel, Membership is open to ladies from the Bayanihan Council, Philippine Business Council, Philippine schools, and other interested parties,” she said.
Vice Consul Daquipil also thanked Madame Vingno for initiating the Autism Awareness Month celebration at the Embassy. END
