By Cricel B. Elises, ASP Administrative Staff
July 20, 2011, The NCR Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) gave an Orientation of PWDs on Light Rail Transit (LRT) Accessibility and Safety Features in Compliance to BP 344 or the Accessibility Law. The activity was held at the LRT 2, Santolan Depot, Pasig City. The activity was in line with the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) Celebration, with the theme “Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities” (“Isakatuparan ang Karapatan ng Filipinong May Kapansanan”).
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| ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon with Teacher Ren, Directress of Footstep learning Center Inc., a PWA Student and his Teacher |
Eng. Emerson Benitez, LRTA 2 Deputy Administrator for Operations of the Engineering Department, gave the welcome remarks, while Ms. Delia U. Bawan, Director III OIC from DSWD-NCR, gave an inspirational message. Ms. Ana Maria Valdez, DILG-NCR discussed the overview and objectives of the activities. Invited speakers on the morning’s topic were Architect Jaime aka “The Blind Architect” Silva, Chairperson on the Committee on Accessibility of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) discussed the Batas Pambansa 344. Ms. Evelyn Paragas, Head of Public Relations Officer and Mr. John Buenaventura Chief B, Transportation of Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). They discussed on the LRT history, accessibility, safety and security features. Dir. Susan Cruz, Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region (OCD-NCR) discussed the OCD-NRC’s project on Disaster Preparedness and how the agency prepares and responds to PWDs in times of crisis/disasters (such as earthquakes, typhoons, and the like). As tokens for the participants, the agency distributed flashlights equipped with mini whistle. Dr. Cruz also demonstrated how to use the whistle as a means of calling people’s attention during emergencies. This coming September, the agency will conduct a “Disaster Drill for PWD’s in LRT/MRT” Seminar for LGUs and other PWD Groups. Demonstration on involving retrieval or rescue of PWDs will also be included.
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| ASP Administrative Cricel Elises with RCDA Members and LGU’s PWD Participant |
An open forum followed after the ride from Santolan to Katipunan Station. Feed backs/responses were collated after the activity. A lot of issues were discussed, such as the Rights of PWDs and the Obligations of LRT Management to their special commuters. The LRT 2 management responded/acknowledged the PWD concerns and would immediately take appropriate actions. ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon gave the closing remarks.
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| ASP Executive Director during his Closing Remarks |
Special thanks to NCR RCDA members and partner agencies of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) Celebration: DSWD-NCR, NCDA, PIA, DILG-NCR, DepEd, DTI, DOH, DOTC, DPWH, DOLE, DOA BAI-NCR, LRTA, KASAMAKA CBR Foundation, MMDA.
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