Special children hold their photo exhibit at an SM mall. DAVID CHAN

The Autism Society of the Philippines recently held the Angels Walk at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City to promote wider access for people with special needs.

ASP chairwoman Erlina Uy Koe said the advocacy was spearheaded by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Malls.

This is a show of force. We started with just 11 mothers 25 years ago and now we already have almost 10,000 members. We’ve grown very fast,” she said.

Bien Mateo, Vice President for Operations of SM Malls and Program Director for Disability Affairs of SM Cares, said the attendance was very encouraging.

“I can clearly remember last year’s Angels Walk, when Mr. Hans Sy (SM Prime Holdings President), challenged us and ASP that if we gather a bigger crowd to support Angels Walk, he will allow us to use the MOA Arena. And so we did! We are here now because all of you came,” he told the participants.

SM malls have been cited as the country’s most PWD-friendly mall, winning 22 Apolinario Mabini awards.

Mateo said SM has designated areas for PWDs for parking and disembarking, restrooms, ramps, Braille signages, theaters and dining room, as well as utilities such as payphones and washroom sinks.

Mall security guards and personnel are also trained to respond to the unique needs of PWDs.

Also with Sy in the Angels Walk were Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Commission on Elections Commissioner Grace Padaca, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, Buhay Party List Rep. Irwin Tieng, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla and former Commission on Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, among other guests.