Thousands of advocates gathered at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 26. They participated in the annual Angels Walk for Autism.
The event celebrated the progress of Senate Bill 1822. This is the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act. Senator Risa Hontiveros attended the gathering. She authored the bill.
The bill will create a National Autism Care Plan. It awaits final approval from Congress. The plan aims to fix gaps in education and healthcare. It also focuses on employment and community support.
The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and SM Cares organized the walk. More than 40,000 people joined the movement nationwide. Other walks took place in cities like Cebu, Davao, and Baguio.
Mona Magno-Veluz is the National Spokesperson of the ASP. She called for stronger public services.
“The government has made strides for the disability sector, but there remains an opportunity to further strengthen public services for the autism community,” Magno-Veluz said.
She believes policies should celebrate strengths. “Filipinos on the spectrum and their families will benefit from responsive systems and policies that promote acceptance, provide meaningful accommodations, and celebrate their strengths—enabling them to fully thrive,” she added.
Magno-Veluz also spoke about leadership. “We need a government with a plan to address the needs of our growing and aging community, from the national government to the LGUs,” she said.
SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Junias Eusebio spoke at a press conference before the event. He highlighted the need for inclusive spaces.
“It is important to sustain efforts that improve the well-being of Filipinos on the autism spectrum,” Eusebio said.
He emphasized teamwork. “Working hand in hand with the government and organizations like the ASP, we build disability-inclusive spaces and make equitable employment possible so those on the spectrum can thrive,” he said.
Actress and ASP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Dee joined the walk. She wants to empower families.
“Responsive autism policy strengthens families by reducing everyday barriers,” Dee said.
She believes in dignity. “It shifts the narrative from dependence to empowerment—equipping families with the tools, opportunities, and dignity,” Dee stated. “Inclusion means making sure they are seen, supported, and not left to do this alone.”
The event ended with a call for progress. ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe reflected on the walk’s history.
“Since it began in 2000, the ASP Angels Walk for Autism has always carried hope,” Koe said.
She urged the crowd to move forward. “But hope must evolve into — not just awareness or acceptance — but action,” she concluded.
