Last year, the annual Happy Walk for Down Syndrome set many firsts in its 14-year history.
This year, when the Happy Walk unfolds once again today, the event is leveling up its advocacy as children with Down Syndrome are reaching new heights in their achievements.
Elmer Lapeña, president of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc., said this year’s Happy Walk theme, “All for Down—Level Up” signals their organization has become bigger and stronger with their children becoming achievers.
“We are celebrating our 25th year and we have leveled up. We have been conducting seminars in provinces across the nation to new parents, medical professionals, therapists, and to many other sectors of society,” Lapeña said.
“Many children have become achievers providing inspiration as they attend school, hold jobs, and get involved in activities once thought not possible. Thanks to all those who believe in them, help promote awareness, and give them opportunities to live more normal lives.”
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is the kick-off event in celebration and observance of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month and is spearheaded by DSAPI and SM Cares.
Lapeña said the SM Cares’ Caring for Customers with Special Needs program has been instrumental in giving their children the attention they need and deserve.
“The SM Cares program has been one of the best programs created for our children. Families experience more warmth and appreciation of their children with special needs because of this,” he added.
In the Happy Walk slated today at the SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City, they are hoping to set another record for attendance. In 2016, Happy Walk saw more than 3,000 attendees, more than double the previous year.
“Last year was really special because it was unprecedented, especially the number of participants. We expected only 1,500 but more than 3,000 came,” Lapeña said. “This year, we hope to surpass that record so that we will be able to make our advocacy known to more people.”
The Happy Walk promises to be a fun-filled day for all families and friends of persons with Down Syndrome, and everyone is welcome to join in this annual event.
In 2016, the Happy Walk transferred to a new home at the SMX Mall of Asia. The United States Embassy in the Philippines also joined in the event for the first time to join the cause for acceptance and inclusivity for people Down Syndrome and other People With Disabilities (PWDs).
Coinciding with the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month celebration, Happy Walk has become a bigger event. From just a small gathering at the San Lorenzo Village in 2003, the event transferred to the Skydome at the SM North Edsa.
When the gathering proved to be too big for the 1,200-seater Skydome, then SM Prime president Hans Sy and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., offered them the much bigger SMX at the Mall of Asia.
Lapeña said SM has always been instrumental in the successful holding of Happy Walk. “We could not thank Mr. Hans Sy and the whole SM enough for their never-ending support. We could never be this successful without their help and this is another milestone for us because of their support,” Lapeña said.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding, OFWs (SM Global Pinoy), Environment and Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship.
Down Syndrome (DS), also called Trisomy 21, is a random genetic disorder that occurs in one out of 800 to 1,000 childbirths. Medical research has also shown that 80 percent of babies with the condition are born to mothers aged 35 years and below, but the risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome increases as women get older. Typically, having DS causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically.
There is no known cause or cure but early intervention, therapy, and proper medical attention can vastly improve the behavioral and intellectual development of persons with DS, and enhance their inclusion in society.
Engineer Bien Mateo, director of SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities, said advancing the causes of People with Disability is one of the advocacies of SM Cares.
“Through the years, SM Cares has instituted key programs to support communities and address the needs of PWDs which earned it the reputation of being the most PWD-friendly mall in the country,” Mateo said.
“All malls have dedicated areas for parking and disembarking for PWDs, special restrooms, ramps, Braille signages, designated areas for PWDs in theaters and dining rooms as well as utilities within accessible height like pay phones and wash room sinks. Mall security guards and personnel are also trained to respond to the unique needs of PWDs,” he pointed out.