Filipinos were enjoined Saturday on the occasion of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month to support people afflicted with the condition, one of the most common types of cognitive disabilities.
The Presidential Communications Office warned that one in every 800 babies born in the Philippines has Down Syndrome, a genetic condition that occurs when an error in cell division results in an extra chromosome.
Babies with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the typical 46.
In 2002, then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation 157 declaring the month of February as the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.
Proclamation 157 stated that children with Down Syndrome deserve dignity and respect from everyone and need the State’s mantle of protection against abuse, violence, and public indifference.
“Nationwide awareness of the Down Syndrome condition will immensely help in educating the public on the great potential that children with Down syndrome possess to live normal lives,” it added.