{"id":176666,"date":"2024-01-17T10:20:40","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T15:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=176666"},"modified":"2024-02-22T11:13:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T16:13:55","slug":"best-buddies-in-philippines-featured-on-kada-umaga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2024\/01\/17\/best-buddies-in-philippines-featured-on-kada-umaga\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Buddies in Philippines Featured on Kada Umaga"},"content":{"rendered":"
He graduated as the salutatorian from Ateneo de Zamboanga University. He acts and is a production assistant at a local theater, sings on his YouTube channel, captures award-winning photographs and works at the Philippines office of Best Buddies International<\/strong>, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), where he also represents the organization as an Ambassador.<\/p>\n The latter two roles are the most important to him, as Best Buddies helps enrich the lives of people like Clarence, who was diagnosed with autism at five.<\/p>\n \u201c[Best Buddies has helped me] in terms of learning new skills, practicing public speaking and making friends with others,\u201d Clarence said in his interview with Kada Umaga. \u201cFriendships help people with IDD in expressing ourselves [and] fulfilling our dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n Clarence has worked for Best Buddies in Philippines since July of 2023, where he compiles reports for sponsors and donors, organizes documents, manages the office\u2019s social media page and hosts online events.<\/p>\n \u201cClarence has an incredible way of connecting with others,\u201d Romaine Gonalzes<\/strong>, who manages operations at Best Buddies in the Philippines, said. \u201cHe is a great representation of the Best Buddies mission and is a great reminder of the value of gratitude and humility in one\u2019s endeavors.\u201d<\/p>\n Clarence has also represented Best Buddies in Philippines as an Ambassador since 2022, where he has shared his story at events like World Autism Day, the Persons with Disabilities Awareness Fair and the Disability Expo.<\/p>\n \u201cI admire Clarence for being independent and smart,\u201d Cathy Cham<\/strong>, a program manager for Best Buddies in the Philippines, said. \u201cBest Buddies in the Philippines is proud to have someone like Clarence representing the organization as both an advocate for and a living example of inclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n