MORE than 200 members, friends, family and supporters of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines celebrated the Happy Walk at SM City Bacolod this weekend. This is the Bacolod chapter’s culminating activity for National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month this February.
Joan Briones, a PWD advocate and this year’s event committee head said, “It is DSAPI’s aim to raise awareness to the public about Down Syndrome.” This year’s theme, “Kami ay mga Natatanging Nilalang,” supports this aim.
This genetic disorder that affects 1 in every 1,000 babies around the world affects quality of life. However, with a strong support system and intervention, many children with Down Syndrome grow up to live happy and successful lives with some degree of independence.
“Give them so much love and attention the way we give all children, and watch these Down Syndrome kids blossom,” Briones added. This parent herself has a son born with Down Syndrome and knows the struggles and joy of raising such a unique individual. Briones’ son, Jordan, is ten years old.
For DSAPI partner SM Supermalls, the walking event that the SM Mall of Asia has been hosting for many years, is a celebration of inclusion and diversity. SM venues with their own Happy Walk events this year are the cities of Bacolod, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
In Bacolod City, DS individuals showcased their talents through the Sunday program. Meanwhile, the DSAPI and SM Cares group welcomed guest speakers P3PWD representative Rowena Guanzon, developmental pediatricians Maricar Alejano, Iris Bettina Echaus, and Mark Talatala. They are also staunch advocates for the welfare of individuals special needs.
Highlights of the event were the Happy Walk parade, where DS kids led a walk-through around the SM North Wing, happily waving to mallgoers, dancing to the beat of the Colegio de San Agustin Bacolod drumbeaters, and greeting the public at each pit stop. The kids are supported by their teams, i.e., their families who don matching shirts and uniforms and carry colorful banners to show their love and support for their DS family member.
It is through the Happy Walk that those with Down Syndrome can share their affectionate and fun-loving side, showing that they have the gift of connecting with people. This is first face to face Happy Walk event since the Covid-19 pandemic. (PR)