During the 2023 Happy Walk for Down Syndrome organized by the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), SM Cares Program Director for Persons with Disabilities, Engr. Bien Mateo, emphasized the importance of showing love and care towards individuals with Down Syndrome.
At the event held on February 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, Mateo spoke about the significance of the yearly activity, which aims to promote love, understanding, and hope, as well as integration of persons with disabilities in the community. Mateo also expressed the desire to create positive change and provide opportunities for individuals with Down Syndrome to contribute and have their rights protected.
This year’s event marked the 20th year overall and the 16th year that DSAPI partnered with SM Cares. It was also the first time in three years that the event was held physically and took place simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod.
Several key individuals attended the event, including DSAPI President Luis Harder, DSAPI Chairman Elmer Lapena, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Hans Sy. Representatives from various Down Syndrome communities and advocacy groups were also present to show their support.
This year’s Manila leg of the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome had a total of 3768 participants, while the Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod legs recorded 580, 140, and 250 participants, respectively. Across the country, the event drew a total of 4,738 participants.
In addition to community members, the Happy Walk also saw the participation of 354 SM employees and their companions from various SM business units, such as SM Supermalls, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., SM Engineering Design and Development, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., SM Markets, SM Prime Holdings Inc., SM Development Corp., SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., and SM Family Entertainment Center Inc. Their presence further underscored the commitment of SM Cares to support individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.
One of the highlights of the 2023 Happy Walk for Down Syndrome was the Happy Walk Parade, where individuals with Down Syndrome and their loved ones walked together throughout the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The parade, an annual tradition, aims to promote awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for those with the condition.
Before the parade, the National University Pep Squad gave an energetic performance and led a cheer for Down Syndrome awareness. Later in the event, actress and Down Syndrome awareness advocate Andrea Torres wowed the crowd with special song and dance numbers. As a sister to an individual with Down Syndrome, Torres also shared a brief message on the importance of caring for individuals with the condition. Her participation further highlighted the significance of promoting acceptance and support for individuals with Down Syndrome.
The Dance ShowDOWN was another noteworthy segment of the event, where children with Down Syndrome flaunted their groovy dance moves on stage. Several booths featuring engaging activities like drawing and games were also set up throughout the half-day affair. The event was made even more thrilling with raffle draws offering gift cheques, insurance packages, gadgets, and a 4K smart TV as prizes.
The program concluded with a touching dance performance by children with Down Syndrome to Ronnie Lee’s “Natatanging Nilalang.” The song, written with affection for individuals with the condition (Lee himself has a nephew with Down Syndrome), highlights the unique qualities that make them exceptional. It empowers not only those with Down Syndrome but also their families and loved ones.
The Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is an annual event that brings together individuals with Down Syndrome and their families for a day of entertainment and fun-filled activities. It is celebrated every February as part of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, and aims to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of people living with the condition.
Engr. Bien Mateo, the SM Cares Program Director for Persons with Disabilities, emphasized that their partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) has been going on for 16 years and is part of SM Cares’ commitment to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.”
SM Cares also supports other initiatives that are friendly to persons with disabilities. These include the annual Angels Walk in partnership with Autism Society Philippines, which is held every January in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week. It also includes the annual Sensitivity Training for Customers with Different Needs, which educates mall staff and security personnel on how to provide proper care for PWDs. Additionally, the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum educates PWDs and senior citizens on what to do during emergencies.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. It has various programs that promote social inclusion, care for the environment, and support communities. Apart from the PWD program, it also has advocacies for Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Programs for the Environment, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
