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Filipina wins first-ever ASEAN Prize, earns praise from Malacanang

Meet Erlinda Uy Koe, who has spent decades of her life raising autism awareness, the first Filipina to ever win the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Prize.

The award was presented to Koe on Tuesday, November 13, at the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Singapore.

Koe bested 49 other nominees for the award and brought home a US $20,000 (or over Php1 million in Philippine peso) cash prize.

She received the award from Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long, with President Rodrigo Duterte witnessing from the front row.

The ASEAN Prize is an award given to an individual or group for achievements and contributions towards a ‘rules-based, people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN Community.’

“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 told Inquirer.

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

Koe served as the president of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) for three terms since 2004. She spearheaded the organization’s programs, including teaching over 2,500 barangay health and day care centers how to identify and help children with autism, Rappler reported.

Photo courtesy of Nestor Corrales of Inquirer.net

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