US Ambassador lauds PH efforts for kids with DS

The recently-appointed US envoy to the Philippines said he enjoyed Down’s Sydrome Association of the Philippines’ (DSAPI) Happy Walk held last February 19 at the SMX Convention Center and promised to join it again next year. He also lauded efforts by the country’s private sector, in particular SM Prime Holdings Inc., to “effectively weave into society’s fibers children afflicted with Down syndrome.”

I LOOK FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING AGAIN NEXT YEAR. These were the words of US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim (center) at the recently-concluded Happy Walk by DSAPI and SM Cares. Image grabbed from SM Cares

Kim described Happy Walk as a wonderful event in an article published on The Philippine Star. “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,” he added.

DSAPI President Elmer Lapena, who has a son with Down’s Syndrome, said that the children of DSAPI’s members have started to level up in taking the first step to becoming productive members of the society. He also expressed his gratitude that more and more people have been participating in their event.

Happy Walk for Down’s Syndrome is the kick-off event in the celebration and observance of the National Down’s Syndrome Consciousness Month and is spearheaded by DSAPI and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime.

It started as a small event held along Roxas Boulevard in 2002 until SM offered to host their event at SM North EDSA’s 1,200-seater Skydome. With interest in the event increasing every year, then SM Prime President Hans Sy and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, offered them the much bigger SMX at the Mall of Asia.

 

Source: The Philippine Star, Manila Times, Malaya