Cebu City among most disabled-friendly in RP

Cebu City has been identified as one of the most disabled-friendly cities nationwide.

Geraldine Ruiz, president of the Organization of Rehabilitative Agencies said Cebu City is the only city in the country to create an Accessibility Monitoring Committee.

The AMC, which is composed of representatives from the government and private sectors, is a body that monitors whether establishments have complied with Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law. Ruiz is also member of the committee.

The law promotes a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities for their easy mobility.

Under the law, architectural facilities or structural features must be adopted in all establishments.

Specific design for accessibility features include ramps, grab bars in public toilets, structures in elevators, skywalks and designated pedestrian lanes.

Department of Public Works and Highways-7 said they are regularly monitoring the compliance of establishments to BP 344 and has issued warnings for compliance.

Failure to comply will be reported to the Office of the Building Official for possible sanctions, according to Marie Nillama, DPWH-7 public information officer.

A question raised during the recent regional media forum on disability inquired on the possible sanctions against the Palace of Justice in Cebu City and the newly constructed Palace of Justice in Toledo City that lack disabled accessibility features in violation to BP 344.

Ruiz said the law dictates that establishments that fail to comply with the accessibility features must pay a P2,000 fine.

Unfortunately, most establishments would rather pay the fine than renovate the building to add accessibility features that are more costly, Ruiz revealed.

Ruiz said the AMC is exercising maximum tolerance and will apply negotiations first before dispensing with the necessary sanctions. - Gregg M. Rubio/BRP