The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) led by its Gender and Development (GAD) Committee and the GSIS Museo ng Sining is holding an art exhibit titled “Aruga” which features the work of a nine-year old aspiring artist Rafael Tomas “Rafa” M. Tanglao.
Rafa was diagnosed to be in the Autism Spectrum at four years old but continues to overcome his challenges, while discovering his talents with the love and support of his family, continuous therapy, and inclusive programs that give equal opportunities to people with special needs. Today, Rafa continues to succeed in expressing himself through paint on canvass, with the brush strokes and paint hues serving as the bridge between him and others.
His first exhibit was at the Sunshine Place: Senior Recreations Center. His paintings, Bloom and Blossom, were later acquired by a collector. His parents, Toteng and Mayie, hope that many more will discover Rafa’s personality through his paintings.
The exhibit, which will run until April 20, 2023 is at the Lower Gallery of the GSIS Museum.
It is part of GSIS’s gender mainstreaming activities, which aims to give equal opportunities to kids. GSIS hopes to contribute to a more inclusive society through programs that offer equal opportunities for people with special needs.
