Thousands walk for autism inclusion as advocates urge passage of landmark bill

Some 42,000 participants joined the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Angels Walk for Autism 2026 in Pasay City on April 26, 2026 as part of a nationwide movement that mobilized over 40,000 advocates in 2025, calling for stronger inclusion policies for Filipinos on the autism spectrum.

Since its first launch in 2000, the ASP Angels Walk for Autism, a long-running initiative of ASP, has grown into a collective call to action, bringing together communities nationwide across Metro Manila, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Lipa, Lucena, Olongapo, Tuguegarao, and Virac.

“This year’s walk is about moving beyond awareness,” said ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe. “We are spotlighting talents on the spectrum who are reaching for the stars with ambition and purpose while pushing for an Autism-OK Philippines where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”

At the walk’s Metro Manila leg at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was conferred with the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award for Autism Inclusion and Welfare. Book Nook was awarded the ASP Autism Works Employer of the Year. The ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards, nicknamed A5, were also awarded to Cid Tampo, Rhav Lomboy, and Peggy Geiser, who garnered medals at the ASEAN Autism Games.

“We reflect on years of walking side by side in keeping with the theme ‘Aumbitious. Aarangkada. Aangat.’ towards a shared goal: impactful inclusivity. This journey calls us to evolve—turning aspirations into meaningful, transformative action,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Across the country, advocates renewed calls for the passage of the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Bill, which seeks to institutionalize access to services, strengthen coordinated support systems, and ensure lifelong inclusion. The proposed measure aims to address persistent gaps in education, healthcare, employment, and community support.

According to WHO data, some 1 in 100 are on the autism spectrum. Current legislation seeks to institutionalize access to services, strengthen support systems, and ensure lifelong inclusion for Filipinos on the autism spectrum to address gaps in education, healthcare, and employment. At least 26 counterpart measures to the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act remain pending in the House of Representatives’ Committee on Health as of this writing.