Filipina autism advocate bags first Asean prize

Erlinda Uy Koe, A Filipina advocate for persons with autism, wins the inaugural Association of Southeast Nations Prize, besting 49 other nominees. (Photo by NESTOR CORRALES / INQUIRER.net)

Updated @ 1:05 a.m., Nov. 14, 2018

SINGAPORE – A Filipina advocate for persons with autism won the inaugural Asean Prize.

Erlinda Uy Koe,  chair emeritus of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP),  won the award, besting 49 other nominees.

“For the inaugural Asean prize to go (to) the family autism advocacy is a statement that Asean is embracing the inclusion of persons with autism like our children,” she told reporters here in an interview.

The Asean Prize “aims to recognise inspiring achievements and contributions of an individual or organisation that foster the Asean identity, promote the Asean spirit, and champion the Asean way.”

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong conferred the award to Koe during the opening ceremony of the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit here.

In his intervention during a working dinner with regional leaders here, President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the award given to Koe.

“The Philippines is honored by the conferment of the premier award to Ms. Erlinda Uy Koe, whose work with Asean Society Philippines and Asean SEAN utism Network has touched the lives of persons with autism and their families across the region,” Duterte said.

/kga /atm