PWD-friendly establishments in Munti lauded

Three establishments in Muntinlupa City were given recognition for their compliance to the minimum requirements of the accessibility law for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) last August 3, in the local government’s flag raising rites.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi awarded plaque of commendation to the administration of Alabang Town Center, Bellevue Manila, and Ospital ng Muntinlupa for passing the audit access audits conducted by Muntinlupa Social Services Department last July 24.

According to SSD – PWD Division social worker Caridad Molo, SSD overseen a monitoring and evaluation of establishments in the city to determine the accessibility of the buildings in terms of ease of use for PWDs, elderly, pregnant women, among others.

Molo said that in their inspection, only three out of 12 inspected buildings adhere with Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices.

Some of the provisions of BP 344 include considerations on architectural facilities and features for stairs, walkways, doors and entrance, washrooms, lifts/elevator, ramps, parking areas, handrails, public telephones, and seating accommodations.

Mayor Fresnedi encouraged all mall owners, commercial establishments, and offices to enforce the implementation of accessibility features for PWDs in their premises.

Muntinlupa City Hall shares a PWD-friendly facilities to locals such as ramps and parking spaces set apart for their group.

The local government of Muntinlupa extends full-pledged support to PWDs through medical, financial, and livelihood assistance. SSD Muntinlupa recently conducted voters’ registration and medical mission for PWDs last July 20 and 25, respectively. As of August 2015, SSD recorded 4,667 PWDs in the city.

Muntinlupa City joined the nation in celebrating the 37^th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week on July 17-23 with its theme, “Health and Wellness Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities toward Inclusive Development for All.”