Lawmaker wants tourist sites made accessible to PWDs, seniors

MANILA, Philippines — To boost the country’s tourism, House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar wants tourist destinations to be accessible to senior citizens and people with disabilities (PWDs).

In House Bill 10349 or the proposed PWD and Senior Citizen-Friendly Tourism Sites Act, Villar urged the government to engage in accessible tourism practices to encourage more individuals to travel and explore the country’s tourist sites.

The measure stated that this will “promote sustainable tourism, increase livelihood opportunities and contribute to economic growth.”

Villar said that “accessible tourism enables all people to participate in and enjoy tourism experiences” as she noted that “more people have access needs, whether or not related to a physical condition. For example, older and less mobile people have access needs, which can become a huge obstacle when traveling or touring.”

The measure cited the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the People with Disability that was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006.  The Philippines ratified this agreement in 2008.