Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reaching my Fitness Goal!

I never would have thought that I would go this far in my weight loss journey when I first started. I'm on day 218 and I still yearn for more days to work out, to feel perspiration during my walks and dance routines, and to catch my breath after doing new workouts every day.  The capabilities of my body and mind amaze me.  In a few days, I'll be weighing in to see how much I've changed over the past eight months, especially around my stomach area, exciting part!   
Post a Comment
Read more

SM Coastal Cleanups Go Beyond Trash, Teach Communities to Care

In celebration of World Water Day , SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares , organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls. This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems.  The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean.  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SM Introduces Sparklo Reverse Vending Machines to the Philippines for the First Time Ever

SM Supermalls and Sparklo executives formalize their partnership during the official launch of Sparklo’s reverse vending machines in the Philippines, expanding the SM Green Recycling Machine program under the SM Green Movement. SM Supermalls is strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability through a new partnership with global cleantech company Sparklo. Expanding the reach of the SM Green Movement and the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program , the partnership aims to make recycling more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for participating customers through SM malls nationwide. The collaboration introduces Sparklo’s reverse vending machine technology in the Philippines for the first time, providing an innovative way for customers to recycle plastic bottles and cans while visiting SM malls.  “This initiative further elevates the role our malls play in ensuring a greener future, all for Filipinos. When we help make recycling accessible and rewarding, taking steps...
Post a Comment
Read more