MEMBERS OF the Association of Differently-Abled Persons (ADAP) have called on the Davao City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to strictly monitor the implementation of the Accessibility Law. ADAP Administrator Redendo E. Martinez said buildings in the city, especially on floors above the ground level, are still largely non-compliant. “May (There is) implementation in Davao City, pero parang (but it’s like) partial compliant,” Mr. Martinez told BusinessWorld in an interview on the sidelines of the PWD Trade Fair and Services being held this week at the city council building. “These offices (CEO and DPWH) supposedly monitor if accessibility has been strictly implemented,” he said, noting that building and occupancy permits should only be issued if the provisions of the Accessibility Law are met. The Accessibility Law is contained in Batas Pambansa 344 and strengthened by Republic Act (RA) 7277, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. Mr. Martinez also pointed out that while Davao has the City Council on Disability Affairs, it needs to establish a Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), which is required from all local government units under RA 10070. Councilor Wilfredo Al-ag, chair of the committee on social services, has vowed to address the PWD group’s concerns. — Maya M. Padillo

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