Malls urged to put up more benches during holidays

MANILA, Philippines - A senior administration lawmaker yesterday urged malls to put up additional benches and other facilities for the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the Christmas rush.

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas said traffic congestion and crowded malls caused by the holiday rush are hard on senior citizens, pregnant women and PWDs.

“At the onset of December, we always expect a heavy turnout of Christmas shoppers, resulting in longer queues and extended hours of waiting. We often forget that there are senior citizens who endure the rigors of the Christmas rush, but who deserve, nevertheless, to experience comfort while shopping,” Vargas said.

“I don’t think it’s too much to ask if we request mall owners and administrators to provide additional benches or chairs in various parts of the mall to make the shopping experience of their customers more relaxing this Christmas,” he said.

Vargas said some malls have inadequate waiting and resting areas for the general public.

He added that it is now a tradition of Filipinos to bring the entire family during a trip to the mall or a shopping spree.

“With additional benches and other facilities, there is no reason not to bring along our lolos and lolas to the malls,” Vargas said.