SM and DSAPI successfully celebrates life with Happy Walk for Down Syndrome

Last Sunday, an estimated 6,000 attendees comprise of families, schools,  supporters, advocates, and SM employees, celebrated the triumphant life stories of people with Down Syndrome and the families at the 17th Happy Walk  with Down Syndromes, which took place at the SMX Convention Center, Manila last February 24, 2019.

Happy Walk was held in celebration of the National Syndrome Consciousness Month and is an annual celebration that promotes awareness, acceptance and inclusivity of persons with Down Syndrome into Society. Happy walk was organized by the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), in partnership with SM Cares.

The event features performances from children affected with the condition, celebrity performances, and fun interactive booths. A parade around SM Mall of Asia complex followed after the program allowing children with Down Syndrome together with their families, to interact with the shoppers and the tenants of the mall.

The event was graced by Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings together with the US Ambassador of the Phils. H.E. Sung Kim and Ambassador designate for the Royal Thai Embassy, H. E. Ruangprateepsaeng, who have both long supported the advocacies of SM and DSAPI.

“Having a child with Down Syndrome has been one of the most remarkable experience for me, as well as for countless parents and families. Some experiences can be so powerful that they have long lasting and life changing impacts on our lives”. DSAPI Chairman Mr. Elmer F. Lapena shares.

It has been a very humbling situation where people in any status in their life just could not separate the rich and the poor but instead make them one in hope and aspiration for their sons and daughters who have Down Syndrome. They further believe that a special blessing was with them, having this kind of special people during and after they give much love and dedication for them.

It is proven that most of the Down Syndrome children has one gifted qualities in terms of works and individual passion they have for life, that is why we need to help them discover their capabilities and their joy on the field they may want to grow and enjoy.

Simultaneously, SM City Bacolod also joined the celebration and had their walk as well. “At SM, we recognized the ever-changing needs of the members of the community where we are present, and the more we celebrate our relationship with groups like DSAPI, that more that we understand what needs to be developed in making a welcoming mall, including Persons with Disability”, said Bien Mateo, SVP of SM Supermalls and Director for SM Cares program on PWD’s.

“The Happy Walk is certainly one of the biggest events that continues to make beautiful stories  for families to enjoy, to have fun, to be with one another , to treasure”. DSAPI chairman Mr. Elmer F. Lapena adds.

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines , Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization, founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated and committed parents and concerned physician. It seems to offer support  to families who have a child with Down Syndrome and to initiate, develop, promote,  encourage, and support programs and projects concerning Down Syndrome.

SM Care is the Corporate Social Responsibility, arm of SM  Prime Holdings Inc. Its advocates includes programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding mothers, Environmental Sustainability, Senior Citizens and Oversees Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy).

As a responsible integrated property developer, SM ensures that its CSR programs serve as a Catalyst for positive change in the communities that it supports. To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph,  www.facebook.com/Official SMCares , or email smcares@smsupermalls.com.