The Declaration of 2013-2022 as Philippine Decade for Persons with Disabilities

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the period of 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of “Make the Right Real” for persons with disabilities (PWDs), in support of the 3rd Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities.

During the regular press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Aquino issued the directive by virtue of Proclamation No. 688 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. last November 22.

The Proclamation No. 125 (series 1993) and Proclamation No. 240 (series 2002) declared the nationwide observance in the Philippines of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities in 1993-2002 and 2003-2012, respectively.

Fun Run for People on Wheels in the PH

A "FUN RUN" organized by the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) thru its Making Ourselves Vigilant to Exercise (MOVE) Pilipinas RUN 2013. This was in celebration of the 35th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. A simulataneous celebration of the entire PWD (Person With Disability) sector in the country. Also to celebrate and remember the birthday of the "sublime paralytic" Apolinario Mabini, who was known to be one the Filipino hero.

Last July 21, 2013 at exactly 4:30am, Manila, Tacloban, and Davao simutaneously had the PARM MOVE PILIPINAS RUN 2013.

IN EVERY RULE THERE'S ALWAYS AN EXEMPTION

Just this morning I went to NCCC Mall again for another business transaction and did some groceries. That was not the first time I used basement to enter to the said mall while im in a cab. But it was the first time that the security personnel stopped me and did not allow my cab entered the said premises. I was asking the guard for some consideration since im in wheelchair but instead he called up their head security. I really thought since she is the head, she has the capability of giving consideration. But to my dismay, she didn't. I was trying to explain to her about my situation. She told me to used instead the Maa entrance but i explained to her that the ramp in Maa entrance is not that accessible for wheelchair person like me. The inclination of that ramp is very high. Its not made for wheelchair instead for the mall's shopping cart. And then she even told me to use the Mc Arthur entrance which is not a good option since its quiet far on my part.

Are We Ready for Barrier-Free Tourism?

Are we ready for barrier-free tourism(BFT)? Is our infrastructure ready? These two questions never stop echoing into my mind. Since i started working, i have been travelling already in different places in the country. Lets just say, one reasons why i work so hard is to travel around the country, see the beauty of life, and experience new environment. But every time i travel i always consider the accessibility of the certain place. I make sure that i will not have any difficulties in transportation, accommodation, and other needs. I believe that i am not alone in this kind of circumstances.

Addressing Accessibility in the Tourism Sector

Like the general population, the term ‘persons with disabilities(PWDs)” encompasses a diversity of individuals with different levels of ability and different requirements for travelling. There is a wide range of impairments, including those to do with mobility, sight, or hearing, as well as learning difficulties and allergies. Many PWDs are keen to travel, but wide variation in the level of access within destinations and across the nation generally, combined with poor information and negative experiences, discourages potential customers. Improved accessibility will not only result in economic benefits to the tourism industry but will also assist the move towards full social integration. Unnecessary barriers should be the starting point for thinking about access. Instead of concentrating on an individual’s impairment, tourist facilities and destinations should focus on the barriers to access created by: