11/04/2026
World Autism Awareness Day, held last April 7, was a meaningful celebration of inclusion, hope, and advocacy.
At the heart of the program was the 10th Autism Advocate Awards, led by the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities (PACDLD), with the support of National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Council on Disability Affairs, Gateway Gallery, the J. Amado Araneta Foundation - JAAF, and Araneta City.
We honored ten remarkable advocates whose dedication continues to uplift individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities:
Carmencita Dolora N. Alegre, MD
Rita A. Aquino
Dr. Benjamin Bernandino
Marizel Pulhin-Dacumos, MD, FPPS, FPSDBP
Christine Posa Escasinas
Maria Rosario Joaquin, M.A.Ed, ACAS, BCCS
Anne Marie Makilan, M.A.Ed, EM, MaEd-SPED
Ma. Flory Mapeso
Jocelyn S. Sanchez, MD, FPPS, FPSDBP
Helario B. Supaz
The event also marked a historic moment with the introduction of PACDLD’s Autism Advocates Ambassador, Elijah Canlas —an Autism Advocate Awardee two years ago—now using his voice and platform to champion autism awareness and inclusion.
We look forward with hope to the impact he will make in promoting acceptance and empowerment for individuals on the spectrum and their families.
That day reminded us of the love, dedication, and hope that build a more inclusive future. Together, we move forward—hand in hand—toward a world where everyone is understood, accepted, and empowered.
📷 Pacdld
📷 National Council on Disability Affairs - Arlon Angeles