Baguio: Officials from the Clark International Airport Authority (CIAC) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have expressed their commitment to advancing programs that ensure dignified mobility for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative was highlighted during a convention at the Baguio Health Services Office conference hall. Joseph Alcazar, CIAC president and CEO, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in public transport systems, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision of equal opportunity for all citizens. The event, titled "Making public transport more safe and accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs)," is part of CIAC's corporate social responsibility initiatives, supported by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the DOTr.
Alcazar noted that CIAC has implemented universal design principles in infrastructure projects at facilities managed by CIAC, including the Clark Airport. He stressed the importance of a PWD-friendly environment as a community-wide responsibility, urging that safety, accessibility, and inclusivity be integral to all policies and projects.
Jenny Bugarin-Tan, CIAC's investment promotions officer, highlighted efforts at Clark Airport to facilitate navigation for PWD clients and mentioned collaborations with private corporations to introduce PWD-friendly amenities. Alexis Gabriel Doroteo, head of the DOTr's road transport and infrastructure office, presented various projects aimed at enhancing accessibility for PWDs, underlining the agency's role in crafting inclusive transportation policies.
Doroteo called for collaboration among sectors, urging local government units, transport operators, and private planners to embrace inclusive design standards. Testimonies from individuals, including a mother of a PWD and a senior citizen with disabilities, underscored the unique challenges faced by PWDs in public transport, such as the disturbance from loud music in vehicles.
Baguio City Councilor Arthur Allad-iw, representing Mayor Benjamin Magalong, reaffirmed the city's commitment to inclusive development, supporting measures to improve public transport accessibility for PWDs. He encouraged a shift in perspective, advocating for accessibility as a standard rather than a privilege. The event provided a platform for PWDs to voice their concerns and advocate for a more accommodating public transport system.
