Walk For Down Syndrome Awareness: Join These Events For Inclusion

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day observed by the United Nations since 2012. The goal has always been to help people understand and support individuals with Down Syndrome better. The date, which is the 21st day of the third month of the year represents the triplication or trisomy of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down Syndrome.

This year, the Down Syndrome community worldwide calls on governments to improve support systems. Like everyone else, individuals with Down Syndrome and their families need help and support so they can uphold their rights and be included in society.

Join Happy Walk, Friendship Walk for Down Syndrome

Here are two major events that individuals, families, and organizations can participate in to raise awareness and support people with Down Syndrome.

Happy Walk 2025 is happening in Pasay, Cebu, Bacolod, and CDO

On March 30, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters of Persons with Down Syndrome will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025. For more than 20 years, Happy Walk has been a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome. SM Cares and the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) host the Happy Walk.

With the theme "321 & Beyond," this year's Happy Walk will take place at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier. This will make it a nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of Persons with Down Syndrome.

"Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it's about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations," said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI board member and head of Happy Walk 2025.

How to be part of Happy Walk 2025

Everyone is encouraged to participate in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support.

To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at the DSAPI website: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares on Facebook or join the DSAPI Facebook group.

Join Best Buddies Philippines Friendship Walk 2025 in Cebu and Cavite

On March 29, Best Buddies Philippines is launching its first-ever Friendship Walk to be held in Cebu and Cavite. Best Buddies participants from different countries celebrate Friendship Walk as the world’s largest walk that raises funds and awareness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The event is supported by Robinsons Land Malls and Robinsons Summit Galleria Cebu.

The Friendship Walk in Cavite will be from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Spark Building - De La Salle Santiago Zobel Vermosa Campus, while the Friendship Walk in Cebu will be from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

With the theme Steps of Hope, Strides of Friendship, this friendship walk highlights the mission of raising awareness and visibility of disability inclusion in the country.

^{Companies, teams, and andividuals can all walk for inclusion. Registration is free.}

Each walk will feature interactive games, inspiring stories, and performances. There will also be booths of government agencies, therapy centers, and non-profit organizations.

How to be part of Best Buddies Friendship Walk 2025

Registration is free, with limited edition friendship walk kits for walkers and teams that donate to further the cause. For more information, kindly visit the Best Buddies Philippines website: https://bestbuddiesph.org/friendship-walk/

How You Can Help Support Persons With Down Syndrome Year-Round

Here are some ways you can continue making a difference. 

1. Advocate for inclusive education and employment opportunities.

Organizations like Project Inclusion Network help Persons with Down Syndrome and other disabilities find gainful employment opportunities. One of their campaigns is May 1 Percent Ka Ba?, which promotes Republic Act No. 10524, an act that expands employment opportunities for Persons with Disability (PWD) in the Philippines by mandating that all government offices reserve at least 1% of their workforce for PWDs and encouraging private companies with 100 or more employees to do the same.

In 2023, Smart Parenting talked to Janet Gan, who shared the employment journey of her daughter Jana, an adult with Down Syndrome. Read their story here.

2. Volunteer for organizations that support individuals with disabilities.

DSAPI, Best Buddies Philippines, and Miss Possibilities Foundation Inc. are some of the groups that organize activities for Persons with Down Syndrome. 

3. Join the 'Lots of Socks' campaign

On March 21, wear mismatch socks or your boldest, colorful socks to make a statement that you are raising awareness for Down Syndrome. Use the hashtags #WorldDownSyndromeDay and #LotsOfSocks when you post on social media.

This video that will change your assumptions about Persons with Down Syndrome. Watch it here.