Largest gathering of advocates for People on the Spectrum in Southeast Asia

 SM Cares and the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) bring together 47,500 advocates nationwide for 2026 ASP Angels Walk with SM

Thousands of participants gather at SM Mall of Asia Arena for the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, demonstrating nationwide support for autism acceptance, accommodation and appreciation.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares and its partners, gathered 47,500 allies and advocates nationwide together at the ASP Angels Walk for Autism last April 26, 2026. The record-breaking attendance this year reflects the growing support for the Autism Community through collective programs and efforts done by SM Cares and the ASP in forging an Autism-OK Philippines. 

For close to two decades, SM hosted the ASP Angels Walk as a celebration that aims to turn a long-standing advocacy into a meaningful celebration of inclusion, dignity, and hope. This year's celebration further expanded this advocacy by empowering communities through simultaneous walks across SM's most-loved malls nationwide. 

“ASP Angels Walk reminds us that inclusion is about creating space, and more importantly, making people feel that they truly belong. At SM, we are honored to walk united with the autism community—their families and fellow advocates who have long shown us the power of courage and perseverance. This commitment is about pursuing transformative inclusivity: empowering communities until every person is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive,” said Steven Tan, President, SM Supermalls.

United voices and shared purpose take center stage at ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, as Mr. Hans Sy officially cues the walk for inclusion.

SM Book Nook receives the ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year Award, represented by Ms. Hanna Carinna Sy, recognizing its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for the autism community.

A stage performance highlights talent and inclusion during the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026 program, reinforcing its message of advocacy, representation, and community engagement.

Barrier-free inclusion and transformative action

This year's theme “Aumbitious. Aarangkada. Aangat.”, encouraged like-minded advocates to turn aspirations and conversations on impactful inclusivity into actions that are not only felt but are transformative. 

To prepare for the event the SM Mall of Asia Arena’s venue team underwent specialized training from the Department of Tourism called "Barrier-Free Tourism Kaya Natin." The comprehensive session focused on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for customers on the spectrum ensuring their safety and wellbeing while in the premises.

This year’s event was also made special through the recognition of meaningful partners in the advocacy, including SM Book Nook, which was honored as ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year. The distinction reflects how inclusive community spaces can help open more opportunities for learning, engagement, and belonging. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was also recognized with the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award for Autism Inclusion and Welfare, honoring leadership that supports the autism community in meaningful and lasting ways.

 

Participants gather at SM City Olongapo Central and SM City Lipa as part of the simultaneous nationwide staging of ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, underscoring broad community support for autism inclusion across regions.

Families and participants join the walk during the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, highlighting community support and inclusive participation.

 

Participants, including families and children, join the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026 at SM City Tuguegarao and SM City Davao, reflecting widespread community support and inclusive participation across regions.

SM employee volunteers gather in solidarity during the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, demonstrating corporate and community support for autism inclusion.

Collaborative Advocacy

Since its inception, the ASP Angels Walk has grown into a long-standing movement that champions inclusion and advances the vision of an Autism-OK Philippines. The movement is reinforced by SM's pursuit of becoming a truly inclusive Mall for All—accepting, accommodating, and appreciative of customers no matter what their needs may be.

As a continuing partner of ASP, SM Cares remains committed to building spaces and programs that support the autism community throughout the year. With sustained initiatives in inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement, SM continues to stand with individuals on the spectrum and their families—always working toward a future where no one is left behind.

Held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and simultaneously in SM City Bacolod, SM City Baguio, SM City Butuan, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Davao, SM City Iloilo, SM City Lipa, SM City Lucena, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Tuguegarao, and Virac Town Plaza, this year’s ASP Angels Walk continued to unite communities across the country in support of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.