The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has called on public and private institutions to strictly enforce accessibility laws, warning that mobility barriers continue to undermine the rights of Filipinos with disabilities.
Despite existing legal mandates, the council highlighted significant accessibility gaps in both public and private spaces, with many facilities failing to meet mandated standards.
Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (the Accessibility Law) and Republic Act No. 7277 (the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities), buildings, streets, and transportation systems are legally required to provide barrier-free features such as standard ramps, railings, sidewalks, braille markings and designated parking.
The council stressed that these features must strictly follow the specifications set under the 2024 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of BP 344.
“Accessibility is a basic right that should be afforded to all Filipinos regardless of ability to improve everyday living, promote safety and ensure full participation in society,” the NCDA stated.
To address compliance gaps, the NCDA urged local government units and private owners to conduct regular inspections. Establishments may also request technical assistance and accessibility audits through the NCDA Subcommittee on Accessibility on Built Environment and Transportation (SCABET) from the planning stage through completion.
The council also encouraged the public to report inaccessible structures to the NCDA or their local Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to facilitate coordination with building administrators for needed modifications.