US Ambassador Sung Kim and SM Prime Holdings director Hans Sy lead the Happy Walk for children with Down syndrome at the SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City yesterday.
Inspired by the children’s vitality, US Ambassador Sung Kim said he enjoyed yesterday’s Happy Walk for Down syndrome at the SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City and promised to join it again next year.
Kim lauded private sector efforts in the Philippines, particularly retail and property giant SM Prime Holdings Inc., to effectively weave into society’s fibers children afflicted with Down syndrome.
Also called Trisomy 21, Down syndrome is a condition where an extra gene called chromosome 21 causes delays in a child’s mental and physical development. With no known cause or cure, one person with Down syndrome is born in the Philippines every four hours, based on health data.
Yesterday, Kim gamely participated in activities set up by the children with Down syndrome.
“This is a wonderful event,” Kim said in an interview. “I am really honored to spend some time with these kids. I’m really inspired by these children because there’s so much energy. I would like to commend everyone and SM for organizing this very special event. I look forward to participating again next year.”
Elmer Lapeña, president of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), said children who have the condition have started taking the first step in becoming productive members of society.
“We have many kids now who are working or going to school and we hope more of them could be accommodated,” Lapeña said.
Lapeña’s son Jeremy, who has Down syndrome, is currently employed as a sales assistant at a bag store.
“My son currently works and he mingles well with co-workers and customers. Many look for him when he’s not around and it just goes to show that he can work and be part of the community. Our dream is full integration of our children in society and we are starting to see that happen,” he said.
Lapeña was grateful that more and more people have been participating in their Happy Walk event, which takes them around the Mall of Asia.
“Last year was special because 3,000 people came. We expected only 1,500 last year, but more than 3,000 came. This year, more than 4,000 people attended, and we feel very honored to be given this importance,” he related.
Lapeña explained that Happy Walk events have been instrumental in showing children with Down syndrome and their parents that they could be achievers in their own way.
Happy Walk for Down syndrome is the kick-off event for the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month and is spearheaded by DSAPI and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime.
Lapeña and several other parents who have children with the condition started the Happy Walk for Down syndrome on Roxas Boulevard in 2002, until SM offered to host their event at the Skydome of SM North Edsa.
When the gathering proved to be too big for the 1,200-seat Skydome, then SM Prime president Hans Sy and SM Cares offered them the much bigger SMX at the Mall of Asia.
According to Lapeña, 80 percent of babies with Down syndrome are born to mothers aged 35 and below, but the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases as a woman gets older.
Lapeña said contrary to popular belief, Down syndrome is a common genetic disorder that affects one in every 800 Filipino children. This is why it is vital that their inclusion in Philippine society is achieved.