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Autism Society of the Philippines recognizes SM Book Nook’s heart for inclusion

by Contributor
written by Contributor

SM Book Nook, the community reading and learning space of SM Cares, has been recognized by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) as Autism Works Partner of the Year. The award recognizes organizations that contribute to advancing inclusive hiring and opening pathways for talent on the autism spectrum to thrive in the workplace.

“We are deeply grateful to the Autism Society Philippines for this recognition,” said Shereen Sy, pioneer of Book Nook for SM Supermalls. “We have always believed that the spaces we curate serve the higher purpose of welcoming its visitors, making them feel valued through the growth they encounter—whether reading through the learning materials on the shelves or finding their calling by helping curious minds find the book for them. This recognition speaks of the kind of community we hope to keep building—one that is warm, open, and inclusive.”

The accolade also highlights Book Nook’s vision that community spaces can do more than simply open their doors—they can become places where people feel seen, valued, and given opportunities to participate, learn, and connect.

Since its launch in 2020, Book Nook has continually grown as a welcoming hub for reading, creativity, and community engagement.

With hubs across the metro, Book Nook has also served as a welcoming space for autism-related activities and inclusive community engagement.  These help open more opportunities for individuals on the spectrum to connect, participate, and be part of shared learning experiences. On top of that are inclusive reading sessions, creative activities, and community-centered programs that encourage learning, self-expression, and meaningful participation.

The first batch of Book Nook Ambassadors, as part of the partnership with the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Autism Works program, demonstrates how inclusive community spaces can empower individuals through opportunities for meaningful participation and engagement. Photo courtesy of Ms. Mona Magno Veluz (Facebook).

Through its inclusive environment and evolving programs, it has continued to open growing opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to take part in meaningful experiences that foster confidence, self-expression, and belonging.

As SM Cares continues its partnership with ASP and the autism community, Book Nook remains committed to being more than a reading space—it is a place of possibility, where stories, learning, and belonging come together.

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ASP Davao: Stronger inclusion for autism

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY ALDRIN JAMES BOHOL, JADE GUMBAN & ROCHELLE ANN UBAUB/DNSC Interns

‎‎‎THE AUTISM Society Philippines (ASP) Davao Chapter held the Angels Walk for Autism on April 26, at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center, with the theme “AUMBITIOUS – Aarangkada. Aangat.”

‎ASP Davao president Uswaldo Parreñas led the annual event, which gathers families, advocates, and community members in a show of love and support for persons with autism. 

“We stand together with one message, one purpose, and one shared hope. Filipinos on the autism spectrum—and the families who care for them—are reaching for the stars… with ambition, purpose, and contribution. But reaching for the stars does not happen by chance. It happens when we build a society that makes inclusion real,” Parreñas said.

‎The activity aimed to foster greater understanding and inclusion while pushing for positive change in how society views and supports individuals on the autism spectrum.

Councilor Antoinette Principe called for action over awareness and empowerment over sympathy, pushing for inclusive facilities while drawing from her experience as a mother of a child with special needs. 

“This is precisely why I push for the establishment of the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children, not as a token project but as a commitment that no child, no family, and no individual should be left behind,” Principe said. 

Meanwhile, Sinag ng Dabaw 2026 Christine Joy Bermudo highlighted in her speech that children with autism have unique potentials, unique strengths, and perspectives that deserve to be recognized and valued.

“As said, inclusion is not just an idea; it is our shared responsibility. That is why I hope to contribute to creating a community where individuals with autism are empowered to reach their full potential,” Bermudo emphasized. 

This year, the event marked a major win: the Senate approved, on third reading, the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act (Senate Bill No. 1822) on March 9, 2026. The landmark law mandates national action on early detection, inclusive education, health services, and social protection for persons with autism. Still, advocates stressed urgent development needs remain.

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2,000 participants to join Angels Walk for Autism 2026

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY AARON CHRISTIAN D. RUSIANA, KISHA MICA BARDAGO & CLIFFORD JAMES L. DANDUAN/UM Interns

THE AUTISM Society Philippines (ASP) Davao expects around 2,000 parents, children, advocates, and supporters for the Angels Walk 2026 at SM City Davao, Annex, on April 26. 

During the Kapehan Forum on April 7, Imelda Rendon, executive director of Rainbow Intervention Center for Autism Foundation Inc., said the event aims to promote the rights and welfare of the children in celebration of Autism Awareness Month this April.

Uswaldo Parreñas, president of ASP Davao, added, “One of the aims of the Autism Society Philippines is to create, aside from awareness, this time is to focus on the acceptance, coz we want everyone to accept the individual.” 

Parreñas said 1,227 attended last year’s Angels Walk, which exceeded their 1,000 target participants. 

This year’s event will feature the same activities as last year, including showcasing the talents of children, as well as a parade that includes marching bands and mascots. 

‎In an exclusive interview, Parreñas described the annual event as a platform to strengthen their advocacy, especially in raising awareness and helping children on the spectrum feel accepted and appreciated. 

‎”This program is a very powerful tool for us because, apart from our advocacy for society to be fully accepted, we want to create awareness. Basically, we want [children in the spectrum] to have the feeling of being accommodated and being appreciated,” he stated. 

‎Aside from the angels walk program, Parreñas also mentioned their other initiatives that continuously support children on the spectrum. These include Autism Works, where jobseekers aged 18 and older on the spectrum are matched with caring, inclusive employers, and the family support group sessions, which bring families together to share their experiences living with autism, providing insight and mutual support. 

‎”Moving forward, of course, we want to have a continuous, I would say, acceptance that these individuals with autism will be fully inclusive,” he shared.

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Autism Society Philippines Davao lobbies to expand PWD special employment to individuals on spectrum

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE AUTISM Society Philippines (ASP) is calling on the city government to expand the PWD special employment to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

ASP president Uswaldo Parreñas recognized the city government’s special employment for PWD ordinance, but wishes if possible, to expand it to cater to the autism spectrum.

“There is a need to also include a specific program to help the individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Parreñas said.

The city government and Jollibee Group officially signed the memorandum of agreement on Sept. 11, 2025,  formally integrating the senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD)  workforce.

Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr, proponent of the Special Employment ordinance, said the council is eyeing to expand the opportunity to other PWDs, as it is currently limited to the deaf and has difficulty hearing.

It can be noted that the first batch of 21 PWDs, employed in various Jollibee Food Corporation food chains in the city, concluded their work last March. 

Parreñas said the ASP provides skills training to adults with ASD to prepare them for possible employment, which is supported by SM, among others.

“We have started this with SM, where they try to employ adults with autism, but this is not on a full-time basis, parang short term lang siya, hindi diretsong eight hours, sometimes halfway lang,” he said.

The official said the characteristics of the individuals with ASD in terms of patience are a factor in the difficulty in finding jobs suitable for them.

However, the ASP is negotiating with other companies for employment in the specific sector.

“Daghang interested, but the challenge is we still have to give training to these individuals, hindi natin basta basta diretso na,” he said.

Under the Autism Works program of ASP, there were six individuals employed pre-pandemic, but the program was halted. 

The ASP is working to resume the program to give hope and a chance to individuals with ASD.

The group lauded the City Person with Disability Affairs Office for the proposed Autism Center.

“The PDAO is helping us a lot, and in fact, they are planning to have an Autism Center, mas maganda yan kasi may specific area kung asa moadto,” Parreñas said.  

He stressed there is a need to have a separate center for individuals with ASD to focus more on their needs for medical assistance and possible employment.

Parents and guardians of kids 0-6 years of age can avail of the free services from the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children.  

While it caters to children aged 0-6 years old with ASD, it does not focus on them but also caters to Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay, Speech or Language Impairment, Specific Learning Disorder, Physical Disability, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment/Hearing Loss, Sensory Delays, and cognitive delays.

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