Strict implementation of access law for PWDs urged

“Kung mahimo magtigayon ta inspection o pag survey sa atong establishments kung nagtuman ba sila sa rampa o access sa atong mga PWDs.”

This was pointed out by Councilor James K. Judith II on Monday’s regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez in reaction to the special report of Councilor Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba relative to the granting of social pension to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

While commending the good intention of the report, Judith however said there are other related laws for PWDs that the city failed to implement up to this day.

One particular law, according to the councilor, is Ordinance No. 12936-2015 or the “Ordinance Mandating the Management of Shopping Centers/Malls, Hotels, Restaurants, Moviehouses, Airports, Bus Terminals, Seaports, Schools, Gymnasiums, Beach Resorts and Other Recreational Centers and Similar Establishments in Cagayan de Oro City to Provide Free Wheelchairs to Customers, Patrons or Students Who Are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).”

Along with the National Building Code, this law was never implemented by the city and malls have never observed its purpose, Judith lamented.

“Ang ako singit na lang ni na ma refer sa iyang komiteba. Kay daghan ta mga balaod naa gani ta Ordinansa 12936-2015 pero dili nato gakatuman. Isa lang ni ka component kay kung gusto man gani ta motabang, dili lang ayuda sa atong mga PWDs kundili apil na sa pagpatuman sa lain-laing balaod,” Judith further manifested.