Laoag Fun Run to Promote Autism Awareness

Hundreds of Ilocanos are expected to join the first-ever “Run for Autism-ok Ilocos Norte” on Saturday at the Ilocos Norte Capitol grounds in time for the celebration of World Autism Month this April.

Mari Genevieve Arcangel, president of Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) Laoag Chapter, said proceeds of the activity will finance diagnostic examinations and therapy, among others, of children with autism.

“Be AUsome! Come and join our AUsome angels as we run for awareness, acceptance, accommodation and appreciation for an autism-ok Ilocos Norte,” Arcangel said in her Facebook post as she enjoined families and communities in the province to get involved.

“Autism has no color. It simply means love,” she said.

The race tracks around downtown Laoag have diameters of three to five kilometers. Registration fee ranges from PHP250 to PHP400.

The barely one-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons with autism in Laoag has been making its presence felt in the province by soliciting concerned groups and individuals’ support to spread understanding and acceptance of people with autism.

Reports said at least one percent of the population has autism and not so many people are aware of the disorder, and actually knows what living with autism means.

Locally known as AUsome Angels, the non-profit organization mostly composed of mothers of autistic children believes that “it takes small changes to better accommodate a person with autism needs.”

The organizer hopes that by spreading awareness about autism, the province of Ilocos Norte will become more sensitive to advance the cause of persons with disabilities, especially for those with autism. (PNA)