BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The city government emphasized to the public that in observing the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), not only should there be accessibility in tangible structures and objects but also positive changes in mentality.
On Dec. 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated. The annual observance aims to mobilize support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of PWDs, promote awareness about disability issues, and draw attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
According to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, in this city there are programs for PWDs implemented through the city government’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office headed by Eleonor Gregorio.
Among these are financial assistance for medical expenses up to P5,000, and educational assistance, wherein beneficiaries must be presently enrolled in a university or college to receive P5,000 per semester.
How PWD-friendly is Iloilo City?
Analyn Porras, the focal person for PWDs at the Special Program of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), said there are many PWD-friendly establishments in the city.
“We have establishments that have structures for accessibility such as ramps and elevators, especially in bigger establishments, as well as offering discounts on groceries and medicines. Although we do not deny that there are also others who don’t, while some have ramps that are not made well,” Porras said.
She added: “Daku gid ang mabulig just for example sa 20 percent nga food discount, sa medicine. Plus may ara restaurants nga sa ila pag-less 20 percent, less pa gid sang 12 percent VAT, so daku ang ma-enjoy nila (PWDs).”
She, however, stressed that there are other barriers affecting PWDs.
“We have attitudinal barriers; may mga tawo pa gid kita nga indi maka-accept that we should have these for PWDs. Not only sa mga nagasungkod kag wheelchair, of course ang aton mga hearing impaired man nga kautoran. Kay ti maayo gani subong kay may ara na kita inset sang sign language sa television, pero sang una waay gid,” Porras said.
As a sign language interpreter for the CDRRMO, Porras also sees to it that the calamity advisories are also being interpreted for the hearing-impaired people to be safe from disasters.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Building Official also sees to it that the guidelines in buildings and establishments are implemented.
“During sa annual inspection, gina-check namon na kung compliant sila sa mga requirement sa Batasang Pambansa (BP) 344,” said Engr. Mavi Gustilo.
BP Bilang 344 is an act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments, and public utilities to install facilities and other devices.
Under BP 344, there are general provisions in an establishment for PWDs such as accessible ramps, slip-resistant materials, handrails and grab bars, accessible parking slots, signages, and stairs.
Meanwhile, being built outside and around buildings are dropped sidewalks, curb ramps, sidewalks and walkways, open spaces, and crossings.
For the inside of a structure, there should be accessible entrances with elevators, and doors such as sliding doors and swing doors./PN