Happy Photos Launched for World Down Syndrome Day

March 21, 2025

The photo exhibit was officially declared open with the cutting of the ribbon by (L-R) Julia Javellana, SM mall manager; Carmeli Bantug-Zayco, head of Bacolod Sectoral Affairs; Samantha Golez, ambassadress for diversity and inclusivity; and Alma Gustilo, head of the Persons with Disabilities Office.
(featured photo) These kids with Down Syndrome will also participate in the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness on March 30 at SM City Bacolod.*

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), SM City Bacolod, in partnership with the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group – Bacolod, unveiled “A Happy Photo Exhibit” at the mall’s east bridgeway.

The city’s advocates for persons with disabilities, Carmeli Bantug-Zayco (left) and Alma Gustilo (right) have a playful moment with Jordan, a child with Down Syndrome.*

The exhibit aims to raise awareness and advocate for inclusivity for individuals with Down Syndrome. Featuring 11 curated photographs of children and young adults with Down Syndrome, the display highlights their unique personalities and joyful spirits.

Samantha Golez, an ambassadress for Down Syndrome awareness, delivered an inspiring message during the exhibit’s opening. “Most people are born with 46 chromosomes while we who have Down Syndrome are born with 47. The extra chromosome makes us a special edition,” she joyfully shared, appealing for everyone’s greater understanding and inclusion.

Golez also expressed gratitude to the mall for their continued support. “SM’s generous support makes Bacolod one of the more inclusive cities in the country,” she added.

Special messages in support of inclusivity for all individuals with disabilities were also delivered by representatives of the local government unit, through Carmeli Bantug-Zayco, head of the Bacolod City Sectoral Affairs Office, and Alma Gustilo, who heads the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office.

The photo exhibit runs until March 30, 2025, serving as a pre-event to the annual Happy Walk scheduled on the same day at SM City Bacolod. Everyone is invited to join the Happy Walk, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.* (PR)