PB pushes for additional requirement for mayor's permit

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) is pushing for an ordinance requiring those who get a mayor’s permit to show compliance with laws protecting persons with disabilities.

The ordinance, sponsored by PB Member Arleigh Sitoy, was subject of a public hearing yesterday wherein representatives from various sectors gave their inputs.

In his proposal, Sitoy wants compliance of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons as an additional requirement for the approval of a mayor’s business permit in the cities and towns in Cebu.

The magna carta or Republic Act 7277 makes sure that a building, as certified by the local building official or local engineer and an association for persons with disabilities, has facilities to make their establishments accessible to persons with disabilities.

Such an ordinance would show that the Capitol is recognizing the need to include persons with disabilities in policy making and to show concern for their interests, according to Sitoy.

If approved, each town and city will be directed to coordinate with a duly appointed representative for persons with disability in making sure that a building is “barrier-free” for the handicapped.

The proposed ordinance covers both new applications for mayor’s permit and applications for renewal.

Sitoy, as chairman of the committee on persons with disabilities, presided over the public hearing attended by Provincial Board Members Agnes Magpale, Sergio Restauro and Ribomapil Holganza Jr., the newly-assumed president of the Association of Barangay Councils-Cebu Province.

Representatives from associations of disabled persons from various cities and municipalities also attended the public hearing and made suggestions in support of the ordinance introduced by Sitoy.

Adela Avila Kono from the private sector lauded Sitoy and the PB for giving special attention to persons with disabilities.

Kono also cited the need to have a better coordination between the private and government sector.

Sitoy told The FREEMAN that during the public hearing they gathered some inputs and recommendation from the different sector.

Holganza, on the other hand, assured Sitoy that the barangay captains in Cebu province also behind him.   (FREEMAN NEWS)