To ensure the safety and inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in all places, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in partnership with other implementing agencies will conduct anew access audit on both private and public establishments.
In a meeting held at the DPWH Head Office, DPWH and National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA) discussed the monitoring of adherence to Batas Pambansa 344 (BP344), also known as the Accessibility Law, which concerns the mobility of PWDs.
NCDA OIC-Executive Director Carmen A. Zubiaga prompted awareness on the compliance of school buildings, government offices, roads, parking lots, and even temporary shelters and evacuation centers to the accessibility requirements of PWDs. She also reiterated the importance of PWD-friendly infrastructure facilities like ramps, toilets, and handrails in all public places.
The NCDA OIC-Executive Director recognized DPWH for being pro-active in ensuring that the rights of PWDs are respected and well-exercised by setting the standards for other buildings.
Meanwhile, DPWH Assistant Secretary Tingagun A. Umpa assumed his new responsibility as DPWH permanent NCDA Focal Person previously assigned to Assistant Secretary Eugenio R. Pipo Jr.
Assistant Secretary Umpa said, “DPWH will continuously comply with BP344 and ensure that establishments will be accessible to everyone, especially PWDs,”
DPWH reminds that corresponding penalty or sanction will be applied to establishment owners for non-compliance to the Accessibility Law. (DPWH-PR)
