Labella asked: Ensure CCMC is PWD-friendly

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has requested Mayor Edgardo Labella to ensure that the new Cebu City Medical Center is compliant with the requirements of the accessibility laws for persons with disabilities and the elderlies.

In a resolution sponsored by Councilor Alvin Dizon, the City Council asked Labella to see to it that the laws protecting the welfare of PWDs and the senior citizens are observed. The new city hospital building is set to fully operate within the year.

Dizon said the rights of PWDs and elderlies are protected under Section 11 of the Constitution which states that; “State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health, development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children.”

He also cited Section 25 of Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the Act providing for the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society. The law provides that it is the duty of the government to provide a barrier-free environment for the PWDs to give them the opportunity to have access in public and private buildings.

Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 also required certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to enhance the mobility of PWDs to fully enjoy their rights of social life and the development of the societies as equal as the opportunities enjoyed by the other citizens. (FREEMAN)