THE Provincial Board (PB) wants all government buildings to have a wheelchair on standby in entry and exit points for the elderly.
Filed by PB Member John Ismael Borgonia (3rd district), the measure is in support of the global campaign for access, mobility and comfort for senior citizens.
The PB approved Borgonia’s resolution during its regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2019.
“Senior citizens are most at risks for injuries, such as arthritis, hip problems and other medical issues that come naturally with age and thus, assistance is required to fulfill their everyday tasks, obligations, responsibilities and activities,” reads a portion of the resolution.
According to Borgonia, the provision of a standby wheelchair is in accordance with Batas Pambansa 344, or the Accessibility Law, which classifies disabled persons as those who have impairments due to conditions of aging and those with difficulty in coordination, among others.
A report from the Commission on Population had revealed that senior citizens constitute seven to eight percent, or at least five million, of the country’s population.
The number is expected to increase in the coming years.
“It is high time for the cities and municipalities of Cebu Province to prioritize support for our senior citizens to fully allow them to enjoy life and participate in community-building activities and programs by creating and building an environment that is accessible, efficient and functional for them,” Borgonia said. (RTF)