CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---SM City Pampanga, the country’s marathon mall, on Wednesday culminated its own celebration of the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week with a sports fest for special children and the differently abled.
According to SM City Pampanga Public Relations Officer Rain Cervantes, the event was held in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development with the participation of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Trade and Industry and other lead government agencies, including the City Government of San Fernando and sponsor Aristocrat Restaurant.
Cervantes said that the SM Committee on Disability Affairs under the SM Cares program, has been in full support of persons with disabilities (PWDs), as it is complying with the requirements for full accessibility of SM Malls for PWDs as it tries its best to nurture a consciousness that mall goers with special needs must be attended to at all costs.
This year’s NDPR Week theme, “Sa Istrakturang Accessible, Lahat ay Able,” is most fitting, Cervantes said, as facilities in the mall were enhanced for the convenience of the PWDs. Prior to the sports fest, various activities held included exhibits, variety shows and pep talks that highlighted the skills and talents of PWDs.
Aside from the observance of NDPR Week, SM Malls also celebrate Autism Consciousness Week, White Cane Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Cervantes added that by creating a non-handicapping or barrier-free environment, SM realizes its commitment to welcome just about everyone in the mall. (Jovi T. De Leon)