• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution requesting the Permits and Licensing Office and the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to strictly implement City Ordinance No. 08-16-774, or “The Accessibility Ordinance for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens in relation to Batas Pambansa 344, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday.
The resolution authored by Councilor Simplicia Distrito said R.A. 7277 or the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons” provides that the State shall ensure the attainment of a barrier free environment that will enable persons with disabilities (PWDs) to have access in public and private buildings and establishments.
To operationalize BP 344, or “An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices”, the City of Bacolod enacted C.O. 08-16-774 or the “Accessibility Ordinance for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens,” it said.
It has been observed that so many buildings and establishments within the City of Bacolod are not compliant to the provisions of our laws. There were also complaints from senior citizens and PWD groups about the lack of facilities that can enhance their mobility and access which led them to appeal to the city government to give utmost attention to this matter as a way of promoting their interest and affording them equal opportunity, the resolution said.
The Office of the Building Official is requested to strictly require mobility and accessibility features for PWDs and senior citizens in buildings and business establishments in accordance with our laws and regulations, and for the Permits and Licensing Office to cease the issuance or renewal of business permits for those who are non-compliant, it added.*
