ENVIRONMENTAL justice organization BAN Toxics joined the 13th advocacy “Fun Walk” in celebration of Autism Awareness Month in Daet, Camarines Norte today, highlighting the urgent need to protect children and the general public from exposure to toxic chemicals and waste.
Carrying the theme “Uplifting Children with Autism Through Unconditional Support is Our Lifetime Legacy,” the Fun Walk was led by the Daet-based Autism Recovery Network of the Philippines (ARNP), in partnership with local government units, various institutions, and the private sector.
According to BAN Toxics, there is increasing scientific evidence suggesting that ecological exposure to toxic chemicals, particularly during pregnancy, may contribute to a higher risk of autism in children, with ongoing studies continuing to strengthen this connection.
“Some of the available studies, including more recent ones, identify toxic chemicals present in everyday items—such as heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium, as well as chemicals found in plastics like phthalates—that contribute to the risk of autism,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer at BAN Toxics.
Dizon added that these toxic chemicals can be found in a variety of everyday items. “For example, lead and mercury are often present in paints, some imported toys, and electronics. Arsenic and cadmium can be found in contaminated water, food, and even some clothing or jewelry. Chromium, commonly used in industrial products, can also be present in some household cleaning agents and paints. Meanwhile, phthalates are frequently used in plastics and are found in items such as food packaging, vinyl flooring, cosmetics, and personal care products like shampoos and lotions.”
According to the Autism Society Philippines, one in 100 Filipinos are on the autism spectrum, which translates to about 1.2 million people.
This year’s 1.5-kilometer Fun Walk was attended by around 1,500 participants who assembled at the Freedom Park of the Provincial Capitol. The walk passed through the inner streets of the town and continued along the main roads to Barangay Bagasbas.
“There is still so much work to be done in raising public awareness and understanding of autism,” said ARNP President and Founder Marilou Lagdameo Park. “Through activities like the Fun Walk, we hope to foster a more compassionate and informed community, one that embraces children with autism and supports them with the unconditional care they deserve.”
Among the highlights of the festivities was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between BAN Toxics and ARNP to promote awareness on the potential impact of toxic substances on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism, and to support affected families through joint campaigns, community education, and advocacy for safer, toxics-free environments.
Prior to the Fun Walk, BAN Toxics and ARNP a few other awareness activities such as the webinar on the importance of diet and food sensitivities in patient with autism last April 11, and a Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Program (TFSP) seminar last April 25, 2025 at the Hope Science Technology and San Isidro Elementary School in Daet on April 28.
TFSP is an initiative by BAN Toxics aimed at creating safe and healthy learning environments for children by addressing toxic chemicals and waste in schools, homes, and communities. The program focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of toxic substances and promoting the use of sustainable, safer alternatives. Part of this initiative is the group’s Safe Toys for Kids Campaign, which calls on the government to step up regulation on the presence of toxic chemicals in toys and ensure that products marketed to children are properly labeled, tested for safety, and free from hazardous substances.
“As we continue to raise awareness and strengthen partnerships, we hope to build a future where every child—especially those with developmental conditions like autism—can grow, learn, and thrive in safe and healthy environments, free from toxic threats,” the group said.
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