People with disabilities, the elderly, women and children and should be given ample assistance to enable them to equally enjoy the sights and sounds like ordinary tourists.
With this rationale, the Cebu City Council passed on third reading a proposed ordinance requiring tourism-oriented establishments to provide facilities for people with impaired mobility such as people with disabilities (PWDs), women, children and the elderly.
Under the proposed ordinance, establishments like restaurants, malls and resorts will be required to follow a “universal and inclusive design specifications”.
The design specifications range from putting up ramps and handle bars in swimming pools, parking areas and emergency exits.
The proposed ordinance would reinforce Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law which was enacted in 1982.
Some establishments in Cebu have already complied with the Accessibility Law, such as the SM malls, Ayala Center, JCentre Mall, La Nueva Supermart and Casino Español.
Proposed by Councilor Alvin Dizon, the resolution stated that “persons with disabilities in the Philippines have yet to feel any significant impact on the accessibility, safety and convenience of [the] built environment, public transport and other infrastructure.”
The country already has an “Accessibility Law” or the Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 which requires “certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices” that enhance the mobility of disabled persons.
However, Dizon said many construction firms have ignored the Accesibility Law, creating inconvenience for PWD’s in their new buildings and establishments.
The ordinance also mentions the provision of these benefits also to “people of short stature,” which the ordinance defines as people below four feet tall.
Some of those who will benefit from the ordinance, some whom were in their wheelchairs, attended the session and celebrated the approval by having a photo shoot with the city councilors./ by Gerriane Faith B. Rizon, UP Cebu Intern