Politics · Philippines Bureau
DPWH Chief Admits 'Terrible' Compliance With Accessibility Law for PWDs
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon acknowledged significant shortcomings in his agency's implementation of the Accessibility Law, saying the department must accelerate efforts to make public infrastructure accessible to persons with disabilities and vulnerable sectors.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday characterized his agency's adherence to Batas Pambansa 344, the Accessibility Law, as "terrible," signaling an urgent need for improvement in making public infrastructure accessible to persons with disabilities and other sectors.
Dizon's candid assessment came during a House Committee on Appropriations briefing, where he acknowledged the magnitude of work required to bring the department's infrastructure projects into full compliance with accessibility standards.
The admission highlights persistent challenges in the implementation of the 1982 law, which mandates that public facilities and infrastructure be designed and constructed to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Despite decades since its enactment, widespread gaps remain in accessibility across the country's public infrastructure.
Dizon's comments suggest the DPWH is committed to addressing these compliance issues, though specifics on timelines and additional resources needed were not immediately detailed during the briefing.