First Seminar on Gender-Responsive Parenting for AUSome Parents, Bontoc, Mountain Province

 

July 24, 2026. A memorable day for the ausome community of Bontoc, Mountain Province. Parents, teachers, representative from the government agencies and the LGU of Bontoc participated in this first Autism awareness seminar. I thought that the parents might leave after lunch but they stayed, participated and listened. It was indeed a good day for learning! 

"A thriving school is never built alone. It takes a village, and a government that shows up!"

MPSPED and ASCCO join hands to break stigma and gender-sensitive issues

Cheppay, Bontoc — In a united effort to promote inclusion and understanding, the Mountain Province Special Education Center (MPSPED) and the All Saints Credit Cooperative (ASCCO) have partnered to launch a community awareness campaign aimed at breaking stigma surrounding Autism and gender-sensitive issues.

The joint initiative, held at Xuayan's, Cheppay, Bontoc brought together parents of learners with special educational needs, non-teaching of MPSPED, cooperative members, and local stakeholders for a day of talks and interactive activities.

“This partnership is about more than awareness. It’s about acceptance in our homes, schools, and workplaces,” said MPSPED Principal Ms. Ching E. Kilakil. “By working with ASCCO, we are bringing the message of inclusion beyond the classroom and into the community where our learners live. We hope for a more informed and compassionate Bontoc."

Key activities included:

1. Mental Wellness Activities, Gender Sensitivity and Caring for Caregivers Forum with PHO's Psychologist Eleonor B. Batnag where sessions covered respect, safe spaces and identification of level of stress/ burnout and self-care for Ausome parents.

2. Understanding Autism and Awesome Parenting to Ausome Kids Forum led by Dean Cuanso, founder of Ausome North. The session tackled realistic challenges and his colorful experiences of having 2 Ausome kids. He also shared strategies for support and communication which captured the hearts of the participants.

Bontoc Dad, Hon. Franklin Odsey also graced the activity and assured the local government's support to Learners with Special Education Needs as it takes on more extensive and proactive measures in implementing PWD policies.

BOD Chairperson of All Saints Credit Cooperative, Nikki Awilan expressed the cooperative’s commitment that as community-based institution, we believe GAD empowerment must go hand-in-hand with social empowerment. " Breaking stigma starts with education, and we are proud to stand with MPSPED in this cause.”, Awilan shares.

Parents and participants welcomed the initiative, noting that the activity has not only refreshed their perspective but also equipped them with a list of doable approaches when their children become too difficult to handle. "Sana meron ding ganito sa lahat para hindi iba yung nakikita o nasasabi nila kung may meltdown yung anak namin sa labas." says one of the mothers.

Prior to the activity an Advocacy Walk: WALK OF FAITH with parents and stakeholders was conducted (7am-7:45am) where learners distributed informative bookmarks to random community members.

MPSPED has announced that this is the first of a series of quarterly activities aimed at strengthening family, school, and community relations. BOFATOD officers, Bontoc-MPS representatives and process observers from the community also attended the CapB.

The partnership reflects the Department of Education’s push for inclusive education and the cooperative sector’s role in community development.

-Ching Kilakil

RAISING AUSOME CHILDREN IN AN INCLUSIVE WORLD! When parents challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and celebrate every child's unique potential, they help shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and empowered generation.

On July 24, 2026, the All Saints Credit Cooperative (ASCCO), in partnership with MPSPED, successfully conducted a Seminar on Gender-Responsive Parenting for AUSome Parents at Xuayan's Cafe, Cheppay, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

The seminar equipped parents with valuable knowledge on Gender-Responsive Parenting, Gender Sensitivity , Autism and Disability Awareness , and Inclusive Parenting Practices Participants were encouraged to foster loving , safe and supportive homes where both boys and girls—and every child regardless of ability—are respected valued , and empowered to thrive.

Because inclusive parenting goes beyond raising children—it nurtures understanding , celebrates differences , and builds a future where everyone belongs. Together, we can create a kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive world for every child. Every child matters. Every child belongs. Every child can shine.

- All Saints Credit Cooperative.

𝐌𝐏 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐃𝐏𝐑 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 (Municipality of Bontoc)

In line with the observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week, the Mountain Province Special Education (MP SPED) Center conducted a seminar today, July 24, 2026, at Xuayan's Café, Cheppay, Bontoc Poblacion.

The activity brought together parents, educators, stakeholders, and advocates to strengthen awareness and support for inclusive education and the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Anchored on this year's theme, "Rights First – Legislation Forward – Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development," the seminar emphasized the importance of ensuring the equal participation of PWDs in the community.

MP-SPED Center Principal Ching E. Kilakil welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of working together to promote inclusive education through collaborative efforts among schools, families, government agencies, and the community.

In his inspirational message, Bontoc Municipal Mayor Franklin C. Odsey reaffirmed the municipal government's commitment to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for all.

Mayor Odsey emphasized that the observance of NDPR Week serves as a reminder that the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) must remain at the center of efforts toward building an inclusive and progressive society.

“Let us move beyond recognizing the rights of PWDs. Laws must not remain only on paper; they must be reflected in accessible spaces, inclusive services, equal opportunities, and communities where every person can participate, contribute, and live with dignity,” he stressed, reaffirming his administration's commitment to advancing programs and initiatives that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for PWDs.

The seminar also featured resource speakers who shared valuable insights on mental health, behavioral support, and inclusive approaches in working with children with special needs. Among the speakers were Psychologist Eleonor B. Batnag, and Dean C. Cuanso, founder of Awesome North organization, who discussed practical strategies for supporting learners with disabilities and strengthening collaboration among families, schools, and communities.

The activity forms part of the weeklong observance of NDPR, reinforcing the collective responsibility of government agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders in creating a society where every person is respected, valued, and provided equal opportunities to succeed.

- Bontoc LGU

I was happy for the result. It was a good start for Mountain Province.

 

 

 

 

Thank you everyone!