Palace congratulates Filipina winner of Asean Prize 2018

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)

Malacañang on Tuesday congratulated a Filipina autism advocate for bagging the inaugural Asean Prize 2018.

“The Palace wishes to congratulate Ms. Erlinda Uy Koe of the ASEAN Society Philippines and the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) for winning the ASEAN Prize 2018 and bringing tremendous pride and great honor to the country,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in statement.

Koe was conferred with the premier award during the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Singapore on Tuesday, besting 49 other nominees.

READ: Filipina autism advocate bags first Asean prize

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong presented the award to Koe, which was witnessed by President Rodrigo Duterte and other leaders in the region.

Koe received a trophy and a cash prize of $20,000.

Panelo said Koe’s contributions in improving the lives of persons with autism “symbolize the spirit of ASEAN as an inclusive, resilient, people-oriented and people-centered community.”

“We cannot be more proud of Ms. Koe and may her exemplary works inspire greater righteousness and dignity in all of us,” Panelo said. /atm