CWC JOINS THE 29TH NATIONAL AUTISM CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK, HIGHLIGHTING LEADERSHIP FOR AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), in partnership with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), and members of the NACW
National Working Committee, proudly joins the nation in celebrating the 29th National Autism Consciousness Week from January 20 to 26, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Pag-angat ng mga Lider Para sa Pagsulong ng Lipunang Walang Naiiwan”, underscores the vital role of leadership in advancing an inclusive society where no one is left behind. The theme resonates with the global disability community’s aspirations, as highlighted by the United Nations during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The week-long celebration, guided by Presidential Proclamation No. 711, series of 1996, aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum while
promoting a supportive environment that enables them to live with dignity, function independently, and contribute productively to society.
Activities for the 29th National Autism Consciousness Week:
1. Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings
o Date: January 17, 2025 (Friday)
o Location: 10 cinemas in multiple cities
o Organized by: ASP, SM Cares, and GMA Films
2. Virtual Opening Ceremonies: 1BANSA 1PANGAKO
o Date: January 20, 2025 (Monday), 8:00 AM
o Platform: Facebook Live (NCDA and ASP Pages)
3. On-site Opening Ceremonies: 1BANSA 1PANGAKO
o Date: January 20, 2025 (Monday), 8:00 AM
o Venues: Government agencies and private organizations
4. Makabata Teleradyo Program
o Date: January 20, 2025 (Monday), 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
o Platform: Radyo Magasin 1278 kHz
5. ASP Autism Works Empowerment Fair
o Date: January 23, 2025 (Thursday), 10:00 AM
6. ASP AUthletics Basketball Clinic
o Date: January 25, 2025 (Saturday), 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Building an Autism-OK Society These activities encourage free and open interaction with individuals on the autism
spectrum, fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding. The goal is to create a society that not only recognizes diversity but also empowers neurodiverse individuals to lead meaningful lives.
The CWC, NCDA, and ASP call on everyone—government agencies, private organizations, and individuals alike—to take part in commemorating this special week. Together, let us champion the rights and welfare of the neurodiverse community and work toward an inclusive society that celebrates the unique potential of every individual.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
‘Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a global concern, wherein the Philippines is one. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which may challenge an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize and adapt to the world around him/her. One in 100 Filipinos are on the autism spectrum, translating to approximately 1.2 million of our countrymen living with autism today’ (Source: Autism Society of the Philippines).’