From walk to work: Creating jobs for Pinoys with autism

SM leaders, ASP organizers, and volunteers fill the SM Mall of Asia Arena. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

This year’s edition of Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Angels Walk for Autism had its biggest combined attendance to date at 40,000.

The event was described by organizers as a “symbol of hope, unity, and support for the autism community.” It kicked off in April—World Autism Awareness Month—by holding walks in each of its 10 local chapters, namely Malaybalay, Lipa, Lucena, Tuguegarao, Iloilo, Davao, Butuan, Baguio, Bacolod, and Cebu.

All local walks, except the one hosted by Malaybalay, took place in each location’s SM mall and culminated in the grand event held on May 18 at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The SM Group, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, is a partner in the community-led initiative that has become a nationwide movement.

ASP national spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, ASP goodwill ambassador Michelle Dee, SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation president Hans Sy Jr., SM Supermalls AVP for marketing Hanna Carinna Sy, SM Prime chair of the executive committee Hans Sy, and ASP chair Emerita Dang Koe

Beyond hitting the record number of participants, ASP Angels Walk 2025 marked a new commitment for the nonprofit organization that was founded in 1989 by 11 mothers of children with autism.

“We have to continue to evolve,” ASP national spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz said at the pre-event media gathering. “We have to continue to innovate.”

Aside from continuing the walk’s mission of spreading awareness since its inception in 2000, the ASP will strengthen its other projects. There’s Autism Works, an economic empowerment program established in 2016 that has since filled 286 jobs in 11 provinces with talents on the autism spectrum.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros (center) is recognized for her support.

Inclusive employment

Magno-Veluz recalled that Autism Works found its partner-employer in SM Group as the conglomerate was pushing for inclusive employment. Initially, three individuals on the program were hired as baggers and merchandisers at an SM supermarket. The number grew to a hundred employees that were spread out in several malls just two years after the launch.

She went on sharing a story on how Autism Works overcomes challenges: “We have a kid with autism who works at SM Aura. You know, on his first day at work, we discovered, he didn’t like the SM jingle. When he heard it, he covered his ears. He kind of melted down.

“What we did was, we allowed him to use a headset when he started hearing the jingle. And it worked. He doesn’t have good verbal skills, but he’s good at stacking corned beef cans. There is something special about his spatial skills.”

The program doesn’t stop at job placements, said Magno-Veluz. It also provides life coaching that is especially needed every time a participant hits a milestone like losing a parent or being rejected by a loved one. This requires funding, which comes from donations.

ASP goodwill ambassador Michelle Dee, for one, donated the prize money she won in the “Voice for Change” challenge when she competed in Miss Universe in 2023. She rose to the challenge of presenting an advocacy, which happens to be personal to her.

“I have been championing for autism acceptance, awareness, and inclusivity all throughout my life,” Dee declared at the ASP media gathering. “For those who don’t know, I have two siblings on the autism spectrum.”

The beauty queen, who’s also an actress and music performer, then added, smiling: “So to anyone who wants to donate, feel free to contact me.”