Philippines2

By Maria Conjuangco and Josephine De Jesus


2023 was a year that Philippine ABA (PABA) managed to complete its Phase 1 training programs initiated before the covid pandemic with the Local Government Units and its participating Community Health Services.

PABA offered several training workshops mostly to Community Health Centers who needed assistance in their programs for children with autism. Participants were mostly parents and caregivers of children with autism who had minimal financial means to avail of full intervention programs. Basic training and therapy programs were introduced in giving care, guidance and support to the intervention and improvement of the learned skills of these children in their homes and ability to assimilate in their communities. PABA developed post-training consultations for participants to avail and have easy access for them to maintain continuity and consistency and address difficulties experienced in their respective programs. PABA scheduled to launch its Phase 2 training program to the same beneficiaries in 2024 as a follow-up course.

PABA accommodated more on-line seminars requested and organized by ABA practitioners, institutions and parents coming from the Visayan Region of the country. The on-line programs basically addressed local issues to be adopted by ABA practitioners and bridging the gap of latest information and development in ABA practice. The convenience and accessibility of on-line training and seminars attracted more interested organizations from other parts of the country in availing of PABA’s services. More organizations started collaborating with PABA to give assistance in introducing ABA awareness and basic training programs adaptable to their local communities.

PABA hosted two workshops requested by two hospitals in support of their training and awareness programs for their credentialed professionals and paraprofessional practitioners by promoting ABA as an effective intervention for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. More medical professionals have become more aware of the capabilities of this sciencebased program and indicated ABA programs in their recommended interventions.

PABA offered more on-line lectures and seminars to most institutions as this emerged as a more effective vehicle for PABA to achieve one of its goals in providing assistance and accessibility in educating students about ABA practice in the country. More students participated in the lectures and higher interest in pursuing further education in the field was indicated. Likewise, PABA extended assistance to individuals seeking guidance and mentorship in acquiring their certifications.

For the coming year 2024, PABA will be hosting more on-line lectures to accommodate requests from various groups outside of Metro Manila. It will aim to help address various issues and concerns of practitioners in promoting more effective ABA programs and to address the high demand for a quality intervention for children diagnosed with autism and related disorders. PABA aims to bring more speakers and lecturers in its seminars and workshops to provide the latest information and resources in the field of ABA for its participants. PABA will organize more fund-raising projects to help sustain its various training programs for the local community centers and expand its projects to other areas outside of Metro Manila.


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