BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Children with disabilities due to Down syndrome are no different from other people.
Down Syndrome Association of Baguio City president Roseville Elmi Hesari emphasized this during the recent Happy Walk Parade in Baguio City in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day.
“Gusto po naming ipakita na sila po ay hindi naiiba sa ibang mga kabataan o tao. They just have disability but they are normal like other people, and we are proud to show to the others na sila din po ay masaya sa pakikisalamuha sa iba,” Hesari said.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder usually associated with developmental delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic physical features.
Acknowledging and understanding the unique abilities of people with Down syndrome will help empower them to thrive, to be happier and to live a more fulfilling life.
Parents, families and other stakeholders participated in the first happy walk parade in the city from Malcolm Square to the Children’s Park, where a short program and parlor games for children with disabilities were held.
Dr. Samuel Aquino of Baguio City of Disability Affairs Office said that this kind of event is a testament to Baguio local government’s support to PWDs.
“Sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang larangan ng aktibidades kagaya ng Happy Walk ay nagpapakita ng tunay na ang ating gobyerno ay nakikiisa, nakikilahok at nakikialam sa mga taong may kapansanan dulot ng Down syndrome. Itaas natin ang kanilang dignidad bilang taong may kapansanan. Sa pamamagitan ng ganitong ugnayan, tayo ay nakikiisa sa buong mundo,” Aquino said.
The event was in cooperation with the Easter Colleges Incorporated, and Women with Disability.
This year’s observance of World Down Syndrome Day with the theme, “Improve our Support System” highlights the importance of fostering better understanding, resources and advocacy to promote inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome and empower them to lead fulfilling lives. (JDP/DEG/Arnmari Dela Cruz & Klaud Kaniteng-PIA CAR-SLU Interns)
