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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider PACDLD celebrates the 10th year of its Autism Advocate Award

PACDLD celebrates the 10th year of its Autism Advocate Award

Published Apr 14, 2026 04:39 am
It was in 2016 when the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities Inc. (PACDLD) began recognizing professionals and parents who have made significant contributions to autism awareness, advocacy, and support through the Autism Advocate Award. Throughout the years, the awarding ceremony has not only highlighted outstanding efforts in the field but also fostered a stronger sense of community and shared purpose in promoting inclusion, understanding, and empowerment for persons with developmental and learning disabilities.
(From left) Benjamin Bernandino, Helario Supaz, Ma. Flory Mapes, Jocelyn S. Sanchez, Marizel Pulhin-Dacumos, Rita A. Aquino, Felicite Jean Gonzales, Elijah Canlas, Anne Marie Makilan, Carmencita Dolora N. Alegre, Christine Posa Escasinas, and Maria Rosario Joaquin (Photo: Araneta City)
(From left) Benjamin Bernandino, Helario Supaz, Ma. Flory Mapes, Jocelyn S. Sanchez, Marizel Pulhin-Dacumos, Rita A. Aquino, Felicite Jean Gonzales, Elijah Canlas, Anne Marie Makilan, Carmencita Dolora N. Alegre, Christine Posa Escasinas, and Maria Rosario Joaquin (Photo: Araneta City)
As it celebrates its 10th edition, the Autism Advocate Award has honored over 100 individuals, reflecting a decade of tireless efforts in advancing autism awareness and support. On April 7, 2026, at the Green Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a new batch of honorees was introduced, coinciding with the observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. This year’s recipients include 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, M.A.Ed-SPED; Ma. Flory Mapeso; Jocelyn S. Sanchez, MD, FPPS, FPSDBP; and Helario B. Supaz. The event also marked the introduction of PACDLD’s Autism Advocates ambassador, actor Elijah Canlas, who uses his platform to champion autism awareness and inclusion.
This year’s ceremony, led by PACDLD president Felicite Jean Gonzales, carried the theme “Bloom.” It alludes to the garden motif of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet and serves as a metaphor for the growth of individuals with autism when provided with guidance and support.
Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs head Deborah Dacanay (Photo: John Legaspi/Manila Bulletin)
Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs head Deborah Dacanay (Photo: John Legaspi/Manila Bulletin)
Elijah Canlas and Felicite Jean Gonzales (Photo: Araneta City)
Elijah Canlas and Felicite Jean Gonzales (Photo: Araneta City)
J. Amado Araneta Foundation deputy director Glenda Carlota (Photo: John Legaspi/Manila Bulletin)
J. Amado Araneta Foundation deputy director Glenda Carlota (Photo: John Legaspi/Manila Bulletin)
The celebration continued as the Smart Araneta Coliseum was illuminated in blue, in conjunction with the United Nations’ global “Light It Up Blue” campaign, joining landmarks around the world in showing support for autism awareness and inclusion.
As PACDLD marks a decade of recognizing champions of autism advocacy, the Autism Advocate Award continues to encourage every individual on the spectrum to grow, thrive, and be embraced in a world that values their unique strengths.

Related Tags

people and events Autism Autism Awareness Day Araneta City Elijah Canlas Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities Inc. PACDLD
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