DOT To Push For “Barrier-Free” Travel Experience For PWDs

Last 7 July, an interagency consultative meeting, led by DOT Office of Industry Manpower Development (OIMD) Director Nelly Nita Dillera, was held to come up with a communication plan designed to ensure a barrier-free travel experience for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Also read: Better Airports & Boracay Rebranding Next On DOT’s Plans

It was attended by representatives from the departments of public works and highways, social welfare and development, trade and industry, health, academe, private sector, and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

According to Dillera, it is important that there is a coordination between the private and public sectors in order to provide better accessibility and reduce barriers for PWDs.

NCDA representative Carmen Reyes-Zubiaga, on the other hand, encouraged both the national government agencies (NGAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) to invest more in accessibility for the country to become a preferred destination for PWDs.

The body also discussed challenges in providing barrier-free services such as the lack of awareness among stakeholders and the lack of appropriate trainings among service providers.

Moreover, they also focused on ways to create a non-handicapping environment through the implementation of national policies, adopted by the local government units (LGUs) and transformed into visible and tangible programs and services.

During a forum in Papua New Guinea last June, DOT Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez said that the Philippines is committed to an accessible and barrier-free tourism. She reiterated that DOT aims to promote a tourism industry that recognizes PWDs’ equal rights to tourism services and opportunities.

Also read: DOT Announces Increase In Tourist Arrivals

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About Author

Patricia Somera

Patricia is not your typical 26-year old food and travel-obsessed millennial. Her passport says Filipino, but her mind thinks global and her heart feels human. After quitting her banking job in Manila, she moved to Denmark and lived with a Danish family for 2 years. She is back in the Philippines now to fulfil one of her dreams of becoming the next Anthony Bourdain or Rolf Potts. Aside from travelling, she’s also into studying other languages, reading travel books, watching foodie shows on Netflix, and looking for cheap flights anywhere. Her (mis)adventures can be seen on her Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/patriciasomera">@patriciasomera</a>.

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