More than 30,000 people gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday morning for the Autism Society Philippines’ (ASP) annual Angels Walk for Autism 2025. The event promotes awareness and inclusion for Filipinos on the autism spectrum, who number about 1.2 million or one in every 100.
Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP’s national spokesperson known as Mighty Magulang, said the event highlights the talents of individuals with autism. She emphasized, “Ito po ay simbolo na gusto rin namin lumabas, gusto rin namin makita. Ang mga taong may autism at mga pamilya nila (ay) hindi dapat nakakulong sa bahay na mahihiya at may agam-agam na hindi sila maiintindihan ng lipunan.”
(This event is a symbol that we also want to be seen, we want to go out. People with autism and their families shouldn’t be confined at home, ashamed or hesitant out of fear that society won’t understand them.)
One performer, Cid Tampo from ASP’s Iloilo chapter, shared his advocacy through song, saying, “I am excited and I want to share my talent and advocacy… (that) there is nothing to fear about autism.”
Celebrities such as Carmina Villarroel, Kai Montinola, Vivoree, Gelli de Belen, Janice de Belen, and Pepe Herrera attended the event. Senator Risa Hontiveros was honored for her legislative support of the autism community.
