The city of Cagayan de Oro celebrated a heartwarming event as the ‘Angels Walk’ with children with autism unfolded successfully at the Centrio Ayala Mall on April 16.
City mayor’s office Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan, proudly disclosed the details of the event that embraced the beauty of inclusion and awareness.
The day before the walk, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy expressed his unwavering support for the PWD (Persons with Disabilities) sector during the 8th Cagayan de Oro Federation of Persons with Disabilities (CAFEDPA) General Assembly and Election of Officers.
This assembly took place at the City Tourism Hall on April 15, setting the tone for the inclusive activities that followed.
The ‘Angels Walk’ was a collaborative effort led by the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, the Psychosocial Division of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Department, the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, and the CSWD PWD Section, in partnership with Centrio Ayala Mall.
Acoording to Lumbatan, this event was part of the Autism Awareness Month, which is celebrated every April to spread knowledge and understanding of autism.
During the event, children with autism, alongside their parents and other advocates, dressed up as ‘angels’ to support the cause and raise awareness for autism.
“It was a symbolic gesture that highlighted the innocence and unique qualities of these children,” said Lumbatan.
In addition to the walk, informative talks about autism were delivered by Dr. Annah Rebecca Valmores-Doroja, a pediatrician from NMMC, and City Psychologist Jaymee Leonen-Pagaspas.
These talks provided valuable insights into the condition and emphasized the importance of community support.
The Mayor’s office added to the festivities by providing a free photobooth and treats like popcorn, fries, cotton candy, and more, contributed by various doctors and sponsors.
One of the notable features introduced at the event was an app called ‘Pic-A-Talk’, an assistive mobile application designed to help children with autism, speech and language disorders, and learning disabilities.
The event saw the participation of nearly 70 students from West City Central School, and several children identified by the PDAO and the CSWD section.
The ‘Angels Walk’ not only celebrated the children and their families but also enhanced the community’s awareness and acceptance of autism.
It was a day where children with autism were recognized, supported, and celebrated, marking another milestone in the city’s advocacy for inclusivity and compassion, according to Lumbatan.
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