• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is urging the Persons with Disabilities Office and the Department of Social Services and Development to prepare and hold activities in support of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month this February.
The resolution authored by Councilor Em Ang said the City of Bacolod recognizes that children with special needs have the right to special care, education and training to help them enjoy full and decent lives in dignity and achieve the greatest degree of self-reliance and social integration possible.
Children with Down Syndrome deserve the dignity and respect from everyone and need the city’s mantle of protection against abuse, violence and public indifference, it said.
The resolution said there are currently 3,416 total number of children with Down Syndrome in Bacolod City, according to the latest data from the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office.
Holding of interactive activities and strengthening information drive have been proven to be effective measures in spreading awareness of a certain advocacy, it said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod deems it necessary to intensify citywide awareness of Down Syndrome among all Bacolodnons so that those who are living without the above-mentioned condition may fully appreciate the importance of normal living to those who have the aforesaid disability, the resolution added.*
