RIGHT now, there’s a photo exhibit at SM City Bacolod. This artsy display features 11 curated portraits of individuals diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
It’s simple yet striking — a unique exhibit where the “models” aren’t celebrities or influencers, but people who deserve deeper understanding and appreciation.
Naturally, I was intrigued. So I asked May Castro, the mall’s public and media relations officer: why a photo exhibit about Down Syndrome?
Her candid response: the “Happy Photo Exhibit” serves as a prelude to a much bigger event — “The Happy Walk” — happening on March 30. Thousands of individuals with Down Syndrome, along with their families, are expected to join the walk in Bacolod.
SUSTAINABLE AWARENESS
Both the Happy Photo Exhibit and the Happy Walk are not new initiatives for SM malls across the country. These are part of the Sy-led mall chain’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.Their goal? To raise and sustain awareness about Down syndrome. And yes, these efforts are truly commendable.
Whenever we talk about Down Syndrome, the first thing that comes to mind is chromosomes.
A typical individual has 46 chromosomes, while a person with Down Syndrome has 47. That one extra chromosome makes them truly special.
But with unique facial features, distinctive traits, and a different intellectual capacity, living with Down Syndrome is no walk in the park. Sadly, society has long been unkind. They’ve been labeled “abnormal” or, worse, called by the derogatory term “mongoloid.”
That’s why there’s still a lingering stigma — an invisible barrier that makes Down Syndrome a taboo topic in many circles. Some parents, fearing ridicule or judgment, choose to keep their children with Down syndrome out of the public eye. They’re afraid of bullying. Afraid of humiliation. Afraid of being branded as parents of someone “abnormal.”
But the more they hide their children, the more the situation worsens.
ACCEPTANCE
To be clear, there is still no cure for Down Syndrome. That’s because the medical field classifies it not as a birth defect, but as a genetic condition.
Experts agree: simple acceptance can lead to a world of good for children with Down syndrome.
And I can personally attest to that. My son, Sab, now 14 years old, was also diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Yes, Sab is unique. And so, caring for him requires equally unique — oftentimes unconventional — ways.
But because we wholeheartedly accepted his condition, everyone around us has learned to embrace him as well, treating him just like any other child. And it works.
Sab is jolly, sometimes a little wacky, but always super lovable. With him, there are no dull moments—only daily lessons and heartwarming surprises.
DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
Kudos to SM City Bacolod for dedicating a small space at its east bridgeway for an artsy exhibit that puts the spotlight on individuals with Down syndrome.
The fact that this exhibit aims to promote deeper understanding of Down syndrome is, in itself, commendable. I can’t help but salute the management of SM City Bacolod for such a meaningful and heartfelt initiative.
Indeed, fostering a deeper understanding of Down syndrome is no overnight feat—it’s a long and winding journey.
But with SM malls across the country taking the lead in raising awareness and encouraging empathy, the road ahead becomes a bit more hopeful.
Consider this: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 to 1,100 live births globally.
And right here in Bacolod, the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) reports that nearly 3,500 individuals are living with Down syndrome.
That’s why efforts like this—from awareness campaigns to inclusive community programs—are not just helpful. They are necessary.
POSITIVE OUTLOOK
They say that a positive outlook in life, coupled with meaningful support, can help individuals with Down syndrome live fulfilling lives.
Even more powerful is the creation of an inclusive environment—one that allows their unique abilities to shine and their hidden potentials to be unlocked.
Sustained and well-grounded advocacy is key. And that’s exactly what SM malls are doing.
Through initiatives like the Happy Photo Exhibit and the Happy Walk, they are giving “an up” to Down syndrome advocacy.
May efforts like these continue to grow. And may the movement for greater awareness, inclusion, and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome flourish in every corner of the country./PN
