TACLOBAN CITY — Government employees across the Province of Samar donned blue attire on Friday, January 23, 2026, in support of the 30th National Autism Consciousness Week, following Executive Order No. 03-2026 issued by Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan.
The executive order, signed on January 16, directed provincial offices, component cities, municipalities, barangays, government-owned and controlled corporations, and other agencies to participate in the nationwide observance as a gesture of solidarity with persons on the autism spectrum.
National Autism Consciousness Week, celebrated every January under Proclamation No. 711 aims to promote acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation for individuals with autism.
This year’s theme, “Mula Kamalayan Tungo sa Gawa: Pag-unlad ng Autism-OK Philippines” (“From Awareness to Action: Developing an Autism-OK Philippines”), encourages translating awareness into concrete actions in schools, workplaces, communities, and public institutions.
Governor Tan stressed that the province fully supports the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with autism.
For uniformed personnel—such as teachers, health workers, and military or police officers were asked to have blue accessories like ribbons, pins, armbands, lanyards, patches, or face masks in compliance with professional standards and safety protocols.
Heads of national and local government units were instructed to ensure the smooth dissemination and observance of the order, which shall be conducted without disrupting regular office hours.
Wearing blue serves as a simple but meaningful symbol of acceptance and solidarity, reminding the public of the importance of inclusion for persons on the autism spectrum.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
