by Jan Albert K. Araña
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Children with Down syndrome and their parents gathered as the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) Northern Mindanao (NorMin) Chapter held its first-ever Northern Mindanao Happy Walk at SM Downtown Premiere, February 26.
“This is the first Happy Walk in Northern Mindanao. It is a walk to show solidarity and to promote inclusion and awareness for [down syndrome] advocacy,” DSAPI-NorMin Chapter Head Honey Hernan said.
The DSAPI aims to gather family and supporters of kids and adults that have down syndrome conditions to promote awareness and inclusion with regards to how to take care of, value, and appreciate those who have the said condition.
Aside from raising awareness, the DSAPI provides emotional support to families with children with Down syndrome and helps them process the situation and understand their child better.
The management of SM Downtown Premiere also wants the group to know how much they appreciate their work. SM Downtown Premiere promised to continue taking care of their customers, especially those with special needs, in the best way possible.
The program included children’s activities like face painting, kids’ yoga, mascot presentations, dance-alongs, and more. There were 100 participants. The event was in line with the observance of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, observed every month of February, and in preparation for the upcoming World Down Syndrome Day, held every March 21st.
DSAPI-NorMin encourages parents of children with Down syndrome to visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DSAPINorthernMindanao to learn more about their programs. (JAKA/PIA-10)
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