Proclamation No. 157 declares February as National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. In Elsie Gaches Village, the Psychological Service organized a four-day celebration that aims to promote nationwide awareness of the Down Syndrome condition and to help educate the people about the great potential possessed by children diagnosed with this condition to help them fully enjoy and have decent lives with dignity and respect that they deserve from everyone.

On February 26, 2023, nine (9) residents joined the celebration accompanied by seven (7) Activity Coordinators in Happy Walk 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City organized by the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), the goal of this activity is to promote a community that supports persons with down syndrome, and also show that even with their condition these persons excel in many ways and that their disability does not define them or what they can do. The official walk started at 10:00 AM, the participants walked around the mall while the staff waited for them and wave the flags to show support and love.

As a final activity to sum up this 3-day event, the residents who participated in the activities were gathered in the multi-purpose hall for sandwich making. The Psychological Service prepared loaves of bread, ham, egg, cheese, lettuce, ketchup, mayo, and fries for sharing. The residents lined up and prepared their own sandwiches supervised by the Activity Therapist/Coordinators and Admin Officer II.

This activity helped bring awareness to the world of Down Syndrome where we learned important information regarding the condition.  It also encouraged us to see each person as unique, with special abilities and talents rather than focusing on their ‘disability’. It also helped promote inclusion for everybody, acknowledging the strengths and potentials of each person despite some limitations brought about by their condition. ###