Candy Pangilinan's Son With Autism Begins On-The-Job Training

Candy Pangilinan is proud of her son, Quentin, for reaching a new milestone. Quentin, 21, has begun his on-the-job training at a restaurant in Quezon City. He is an adult with Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

Candy Pangilinan's son Quentin begins on-the-job training

On January 29, the actress and comedienne shared the good news in an Instagram post. 

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A post shared by Candy Pangilinan (@candypangilinan)

"Good news! Praise God for people like Cocoi Javier and Ms. Mary Rose Peña of Cucina di Francesco. Quentin will start his OJT there at the dining area next week. Thank you for accepting Quentin. I hope everything goes well. Please pray for us. Let’s support businesses that support inclusivity for PWDs [Persons with Disability]," she said.

"This is such a big stepping stone for Quentin. Doing something outside his comfort zone. He is doing something beyond my control." —Candy Pangilinan

On her Instagram broadcast channel, Candy and Quentin Survival Journey, the single mom also shared updates about Quentin's OJT. She mentioned that her son will be greeting diners as part of his training. In another video, Quentin practiced his lines for interacting with customers during his therapy sessions. 

"This is such a big stepping stone for Quentin. Doing something outside his comfort zone. He is doing something beyond my control. Praise God," she added.

Candy also posted a video of Quentin being taught how to pack a meal. She shared that her son became fond of the restaurant business when he was trained under Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, an inclusive employment advocate who owns Gourmet Gypsy Restaurant and Open Hand School.

^{Candy shared a video of Quentin cleaning windows at Cucina di Francesco} 

The proud mama also shared updates showing Quentin trying on new roles, such as cleaning windows and preparing food for take-out on his own.

Providing employment opportunities to Persons with Autism

Candy's followers expressed their support to Quentin, while parents of Persons with Disability shared their hopes that their children would also receive the same opportunities.

Cucina di Francesco is a community restaurant that serves comfort meals inspired by Italian and Filipino cuisines. Located at the St. Pio Chapel Compound in Bagumbayan, Quezon City, the cafe has been providing meaningful employment opportunities to Persons with Autism.

In an interview with Smart Parenting, Grant "Cocoi" Javier, executive director of Project Inclusion Network (PIN)—a non-profit organization that aims to improve the access to opportunities of Persons with Disability—shared that Quentin's employment milestone is proof that Persons with Autism can thrive in the workforce given the right support and conditions.

"Given the right support, Persons with Autism can thrive wherever they may be placed. What is important is the openness of the businesses, and at the same time, the openness of their parents to let their children be trained." —Grant Javier

"Just like Quentin, he starts off as a greeter, then later on bussing tables, then washing the dishes. Slowly, even taking orders. At the same time, he'll also be exposed to work not only in cashiering but also in the kitchen. What we're trying to do is to find the space where Quentin can truly prosper, helping him develop and dive deeper into whatever interests him the most," Javier explained.

He emphasized that Quentin’s journey is just beginning, but his experience sends an important message about the capabilities of Persons with Autism.

^{Candy shared on February 5 a video of Quentin preparing takeout food on his own}

"Oftentimes, people would think they are not fit for it simply because madalas, people would say may sarili silang mundo, they cannot engage customers, but we have proven that it's not true. Through our work with various businesses, we've proven that Persons with Autism can thrive even in customer-facing roles. Why? Because they simply can."

Javier also highlighted the crucial role of both businesses and parents in building a more inclusive and barrier-free society.

"Given the right support, the right environment, they can thrive wherever they may be placed. What is important is the openness of the businesses, and at the same time, the openness of their parents to let their children be trained. Kailangan din yung kanilang tapang na mag-let go ng kanilang anak."

Ensuring a job match for Quentin

Project Inclusion Network follows an Access-to-Work model, which prepares both jobseekers and employers, ensuring a smooth transition into an inclusive community.

Javier noted another reason why Quentin’s new role is a good match for him. "Those who follow Candy and Quentin know how much Quentin loves attending Mass. Cucina di Francesco is located right beside a church. Alam natin that Persons with Autism work well with rewards. We scheduled his OJT na hindi magka-clash sa oras ng Misa. Kaya excited pumasok si Quentin, not only for his OJT, but even because makakadalaw siya sa simbahan."

Advocating for Inclusive Employment

One of PIN's advocacy projects, May 1% Ka Ba?, raises awareness on Republic Act No. 10524. This law mandates that government offices allocate at least 1% of their workforce for Persons with Disability and encourages private companies with 100 or more employees to do the same.

With Quentin's OJT going well so far, everyone's looking forward that this will lead towards employment.

"This is not just a win for Quentin or for Persons with Autism—it's a win for the business, too. Sabi nga nila, he will be bringing something valuable to the table, something that benefits the business as well," Javier concluded.

For inquiries about inclusive employment opportunities, you may contact Project Inclusion on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website here.