Araneta City calls for empowerment, equality on World Autism Awareness Day
The City of Firsts marks this year’s World Autism Awareness Day through activities with the theme ‘Empowerment and Equal Opportunity’.
In partnership with the National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA) together with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) and Gateway Gallery, Araneta City has prepared events that aim to raise awareness on autism and promote recognition of people in this spectrum.
On April 5, the Gateway Gallery co-presented the Autism Advocates Awards together with the Philippine Association for Citizens with Development and Learning Disabilities (PACDLD) at Gloria Maris in Gateway Mall. This is in support of the group's yearly endeavor to recognize 10 outstanding advocates for their contributions in advancing the causes of people with autism.
On April 12, a Blue Exhibit will be opened to the public until April 16 at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area to showcase the talents of persons with autism through their exquisite artworks. The week-long gallery is made possible by NCDA, Boundless Possibilities Foundation, Young Adults with Autism Philippines, Autism Partnership Inc., Good Shepherds Option, and Autism Hearts Organization.
Araneta City employees will also take part in the worldwide celebration by wearing blue on April 12 to signify the inclusive and kind environment in the City of Firsts.
The Araneta Group has been an active participant of World Autism Awareness Day events. "Araneta City, JAAF, and Gateway Gallery have been supportive of the World Autism Awareness Day since Araneta City started participating in it in 2017. We have been active in the preparations of the April 2 celebrations, especially of the Light-Up Blue of Araneta Coliseum, working hand in hand with the lead government agency National Council on Disability Affairs. During the April 2 activities, the workforce of Araneta City, JAAF, and Gateway Gallery attend in full force for these initiatives, sometimes including the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc," JAAF Executive Director Diane Romero said.
"This is the kind of commitment and seriousness that Araneta Group provides to the cause of autism, helping raise people's awareness of it so that Persons with Autism will live and work freely in a kinder and more enlightened environment," she added.