On the month of February, the Elsie Gaches Village joins in the celebration of the 2021 National Down Syndrome consciousness Week with the theme, “All for Down sa Lockdown.” The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) declared the month of February as the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. It is a state policy that deals with justly establishing awareness of the Down Syndrome condition as it will immensely help in educating the public on the great potential that the children with Down Syndrome possess to live normal lives (NCDA, 2009-2012).

EGV conducted a week-long celebration through the following activities; Happy Walk, wherein ten (10) selected residents with Down syndrome participated in by walking inside the EGV premises; Laughter Yoga which is a breathing exercise activity with the combination of laughing and various physical movements which creates harmony in both mind and body,  Educational Film Showing/ Picnic Treat, which aims to promote the children’s cognitive skills and abilities.

The National Down Syndrome Consciousness week celebration enhances and develops inclusion and interaction that was the main idea of setting awareness, a barrier- free environment for persons with Down Syndrome. 

Elsie Gaches Village is a residential care facility for persons with intellectual/mental impairments who were abandoned, neglected, or abused by their own family or community. ###