MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday congratulated a Filipina advocate for persons with autism for bringing home the inaugural Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Prize 2018 in Singapore.
“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 a statement.
Koe received her award during Tuesday’s opening ceremony of the 33rd Asean Summit and Related Summits in Singapore.
Panelo said no less than Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong presented the award to Koe “incidentally with our President (Rodrigo Duterte) witnessing it in front row”.
Koe also received a trophy and a cash prize amounting to USD20,000.
“As former Chairperson of the AAN, Ms. Koe’s contributions in improving the lives of People with Autism symbolize the spirit of ASEAN as an inclusive, resilient, people-oriented and people-centered community,” Panelo said.
“We cannot be more proud of Ms. Koe and may her exemplary works inspire greater righteousness and dignity in all of us,” he added. (PNA)
