The ceremonial ribbon cutting to formally open the art exhibit and to kick off the National Autism Consciousness Week. (From L to R) SM Olongapo Central Asst. Mall Manager Ariel Ferrer, City Councilor Lugie Lipumano-Garcia, ASP President Olongapo chapter Atty. Soledad Santos, the artist Miguel Calapatia, ASP VP Olongapo chapter Dr. David Calapatia.
In celebration of the National Autism Consciousness Week, SM Olongapo Central in coordination with Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) Olongapo Chapter has launched An Art Exhibit that features the works of Miguel Calapatia, a child with autism. The exhibit will run from January 20-26, 2020.
“Thank you to SM for the wonderful accommodation during the opening of the Autism Consciousness Week and ribbon cutting ceremony of Miguel’s painting exhibit,” Dr. David Calapatia, the vice president of ASP Olongapo chapter said.
City Councilor and Chairman of the Committee on Social Services Lugie Lipumano-Garcia remarked, “ For those who understand Autism, we have the greatest responsibility to educate others, this is not a disease, let us be open-minded and let us help them and be aware of such existence and let us always be part of them.”
To culminate the event, ASP together with SM Olongapo Central and SM Olongapo Downtown will hold the annual ANGELS WALK for Autism on 26 January 2020 simultaneously with SM MOA, SM Bacolod, SM Cebu, SM Davao and SM Lucena. The walk will start at 7:30 am from SM Olongapo Downtown to SM Olongapo Central, a short program follows that will showcase the talents of children with autism.
Since it began in 2007, the walk continues to advocate for acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of Filipinos with autism towards an Autism-OK Philippines.
