Author and autism advocate Redner Salonga is bringing his work from Jacksonville, Fla., back to Central Luzon with the opening of ESL Philippines Pampanga and Emmanuel Elite Learning Center, a new hub for inclusive education and therapy services in the City of San Fernando.
“Opening ESL Philippines Pampanga and Emmanuel Elite is deeply meaningful to me because it combines my passion for education, inclusion, culture, and community impact,” Salonga said. “We want families in Pampanga to feel supported and empowered while creating opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and confidently in an inclusive environment.”
Located on the second floor of the HPT Building along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Quebiawan, directly across Vista Mall, the center is designed as a welcoming space where children of different backgrounds and abilities can learn, receive support and build confidence in an environment that prioritizes inclusion and community. The Pampanga branch marks a major step in expanding access to specialized learning and therapy in the region.
ESL Philippines has gained national recognition for programs in early childhood development, reading and dyslexia intervention, inclusive education, English proficiency, and specialized learning support. The Pampanga site brings that work to the province for the first time, offering families programs tailored to diverse learners through engaging and personalized educational experiences.
Emmanuel Elite Learning Center focuses on licensed and credentialed therapy services, with a particular emphasis on supporting autistic and special needs children and their families in the area.
Salonga is widely known for leading the creation of the “Bayani” series, considered the first Filipino American children’s book series to feature autistic representation at its center. The books promote inclusion, disability awareness, Filipino representation and cultural pride, giving neurodivergent Filipino children and their families stories in which they can see themselves positively reflected.
Beyond his work as an author, he has volunteered with autism and disability initiatives through Delta Air Lines and Autism on the Seas, and co-founded Autism Pamilya, an initiative dedicated to providing resources, education, advocacy and community support for autistic and disabled Filipino individuals and their families.
His community involvement also extends into broader cultural and organizing work. Salonga is a co-founder of Tita and Kuya, a Filipino American initiative focused on elevating Filipino culture, food and community through family-centered events, educational campaigns and cultural programming.
He currently serves as vice president of Jax Filipinos, one of Jacksonville’s fastest-growing Filipino American organizations, helping support cultural festivals, outreach programs and events that celebrate Filipino heritage and unity.
The opening also signals a commitment to future community outreach in Central Luzon, including educational workshops, inclusive programming and initiatives supporting autistic and special needs individuals and their families. The center aims to be both a learning space and a community resource, strengthening links between education, advocacy and family support.
Salonga will be honored with a TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) recognition at the 16th annual gala this year in Florida, reflecting his growing role in education, autism advocacy and community-building across both the Philippines and the Filipino American diaspora.
