Friday, March 20, 2020

Making the Philippines a friendlier place for people with Down Syndrome

“Everyone is welcome in SM, and we have always made a conscious effort in ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are in the heart of everything we do. We believe that every member of our community should experience the same fun and leisure whenever they are in SM. SM is a Mall for all, and we strive to support communities and create a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment for every Filipino, especially for our customers with diverse needs.” ~Engr. Bien Mateo, SVP Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Program on PWDs

A parent’s love knows no bounds. This is especially true of those of persons who are born with Down syndrome. The nurturing that their parents provide is the equalizer that will allow them to thrive and do great things, regardless of their condition. It is the key factor that will enable these individuals with special needs to live fulfilled lives.

Being active members of their respective organizations, all mothers know how crucial inclusion is, in enabling a society where persons with Down syndrome and other disabilities can feel secure and cared for. They believe that it is the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and corporations to work together and create an environment that is free from discrimination and prejudice.
“Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all, or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is usually associated with increased risks of health conditions, physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial and physical features.” ~Suzanna Yuzon, Founder of Miss Philippines Foundation
Suzanna Yuzon, is the founder of the Miss Possibilities Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization that advocates for the differently-abled, including those with Down syndrome, by offering free therapy sessions, medical missions, and activities that are set to enrich their lives—particularly a pageant where girls with special needs can show the world their beauty and individuality.

Among the Miss Possibilities Foundation’s numerous contributions to the upliftment of lives of people with special needs is the creation of the first Bill for Down syndrome that has had its first reading in Congress, and the group is currently lobbying and hoping for more support from members of Congress. 

Suzanna Yuzon, founder of Miss Philippines Foundation, together with her family.
Wanting to use their personal experience to help other families, all three mothers each have made it personal advocacy to help raise awareness about Down syndrome and other disabilities and promote inclusion for those who have it in the country.
“More than that, I think children and adults with Down syndrome face the challenge of not being included. Many times, they are left out due to laws not being implemented properly, or worse yet cultural stigma that inhibits them from even being counted. It is imperative. It is their right. Children with Down Syndrome have the right to be included in schools, in social situations, and fully integrated into society where they can contribute and earn a proper wage through gainful employment. Kids and adults with Down syndrome are completely capable of achieving the same milestones as a typical child or adult, it just might take them a little longer.” ~Michelle Aventajado, Executive Director at Best Buddies Philippines
Michelle Aventajado is the Executive Director of Best Buddies Philippines, the local arm of international non-profit Best Buddies, which is “dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).”

The organization has, among numerous initiatives: a Friendship Program that matches persons with IDD with non-IDD individuals according to their age, interests, and gender, with the aim of fostering friendships; a Leadership Program that involves identifying leaders within the community, giving them speech coaching lessons, and teaching them how to self-advocate; and, a Jobs Program that actively looks for companies who are ready to partner to help facilitate an inclusive work environment for persons with Down syndrome, by offering integrated employment for individuals with IDD.

Michelle Aventajado, Executive Director at Best Buddies Philippines, together with her family
SM’s support for these and similar organizations align with the countless programs that the company has introduced in its various developments over the years—programs that address the needs of customers with special needs and celebrate their abilities over their disabilities, earning a reputation as being the most PWD-friendly developer in the country.
“There are also challenges associated with development, wherein individuals will experience certain delays in that regard, as well as behavioral issues. These equally require great care and attention.” ~Agnes Lapena, of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines 
Agnes Lapena is a member of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI), a non-profit organization that aims to offer support to families that have members with Down syndrome. Some of the many programs of DSAPI include Happy Walk, an annual walking event for Down syndrome that gathers thousands of families and advocates from different parts of the country; the annual golf tournament Tee-Up for Down, a fund-raising campaign that supports various Down syndrome initiatives; and the Early Intervention seminar, which offers counseling and clinical consultation for parents of children with Down syndrome.

Agnes Lapena of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines together with her family.
In addition, DSAPI has a partnership with Shakey’s Philippines wherein people with Down syndrome are given opportunities to work.

As a responsible corporate citizen, and as a program partner that supports the advocacy on inclusion for persons with Down syndrome, SM Supermalls, through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility group, fully understands the importance of inclusion for PWDs in their business environments. This is why the Mall giant has been actively supporting non-profit organizations like DSAPI, Miss Possibilities Foundation, and Best Buddies Philippines, amongst others, as the company has always supported causes for persons with disabilities (PWDs). 


Mothers Agnes Lapena, Suzanna Yuzon, and Michelle Aventajado are living embodiments of this kind of parental love. As mothers of persons with Down syndrome themselves, they know firsthand the challenges that living with a family member who has Down syndrome entails.

Help DSAPI, Miss Possibilities Foundation, and Best Buddies Philippines make a difference by attending their events and supporting all their projects. Visit their websites and social media sites for more information:
To learn more about DSAPI

To learn more about the Miss Possibilities Foundation

To learn more about Best Buddies Philippines

Learn more about SM Cares and their Various Community Programs


Attendees of Best Buddies Philippines, Go Skating 2020 pose for the camera during a day of fun on the ice at the SM Mall of Asia. 

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