Diplomats wear blue for World Autism Awareness Day
Left to right: Consul Reginald Bernabe, Consul Reichel Quiñones, Judge Betty Buccat, Consul Leah Rodriguez and Mr. Thomas Natale. PHOTO BY www.photovisi.com
SAN FRANCISCO, California — An unusual sight greeted visitors to the Philippine Consulate General here on Tuesday, April 2 — all Consulate personnel were attired in blue.
At various times during the day, personnel would hold up a sign displaying a fact about autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sharing the information with the Consulate’s transacting public.
The Consulate’s daylong activity was intended to raise awareness of autism and persons with ASD. It was one of two activities it undertook to commemorate April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, which was adopted by the UN in 2007.
In partnership with the Autism Hearts Foundation and Bantay Bata 163, the Consulate also launched an exhibit of paintings done by children with ASD.
Consul Reggie Bernabe was joined by Judge Betty Buccay of the Autism Hearts Foundation and Jo Anne Kyle of ABS-CBN Foundation at the ribbon cutting for the exhibit.
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SF Consulate personnel hold signs with information on autism
“As always, we support the work being done by Autism Hearts Foundation, and thank ABS-CBN Foundation for their active participation in this project,” Consul Bernabe declared.
Article continues after this advertisement“The Consulate welcomes, as well, this opportunity to help build awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and what resources are available to our community to diagnose and treat those with the disorder,” Bernabe added.
“Persons with ASD can be valued and valuable members of our community if we understand how they can contribute,” Judge Buccat added. “Early diagnosis is important, as is the appropriate treatment and training.”
For more information on autism spectrum disorder, its diagnosis and resources for treatment and training, the public is encouraged to contact Autism Hearts Foundation, which holds office at Suite 502 in the Philippine Center, 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco. The Foundation may also be contacted via phone at (415) 392-0882, or by email at [email protected].
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