15/08/2026
๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ | ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ, ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐๐ต๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐
As accessibility and mobility remains an uphill battle for many Filipinos with disabilities, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) prompted public and private institutions to strictly enforce and comply with the countryโs existing accessibility laws to effectively address persisting barriers to mobility and inclusion.
The Council pointed out that despite legal mandates, significant barriers remain deeply entrenched in both public and private spaces across the country, with many establishments and infrastructures continuing to fall short of required accessibility standards and disability-friendly facilities.
Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 or Accessibility Lawโas strengthened by Republic Act No. 7277 also known as Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, the law stipulates that public and private buildings, streets, and public transport shall install barrier-free architectural features that accommodate and enhance the mobility of persons with disabilities. This includes accessible and size-appropriate ramps, railings, sidewalks, braille markings, facilities, and designated parking spaces, among others.
The Council further reminded that the development of such accessible features extends beyond mere physical integration into buildings or establishments, as they must also strictly comply with the standard accessibility specifications and requirements outlined in the 2024 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344.
They also affirmed that accessibility is among the basic rights that must be granted to Filipinos, regardless of abilities, to improve their day-to-day lives, guarantee safety, and ensure full participation in society.
The NCDA hereby called upon local government units and private establishments to regularly inspect the compliance of their facilities and structures against the regulations and standards of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 to ensure prioritization of safety, mobility, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
In line with this, private and public establishments are also encouraged to consult with the Council for accessibility audits or request technical assistance to ensure their facilities comply with regulations.
The said accessibility audits, spearheaded by the NCDA Subcommittee on Accessibility on Built Environment and Transportation (SCABET), aim to provide essential technical inputs and evaluations from planning to completion to guarantee full adherence to the Accessibility Law and related accessibility standards. It also ensures that inclusive features are fully integrated to every phase of development to maximize safety and accessibility for all.
In a continuous push for barrier-free communities, the NCDA is urging the public to actively participate in making spaces accessible for everyone.
Citizens who encounter public or private establishments in need of better accessibility are advised to inform the NCDA or their local Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). The said reports will enable the Council to work alongside with building administrators in implementing proper reasonable accommodations.
