Photo courtesy of PNA
Most buildings and public spaces in Caraga now comply with accessibility standards for persons with disabilities, the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs said.
The requirements are mandated under the Accessibility Law, the National Building Code, and the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.
Joebert Tapales, president of the League of Persons with Disability Affairs Officers in Caraga, said many new buildings and public spaces in the region already meet the required standards.
He said some older structures were built before the accessibility laws took effect, but agencies continue to encourage owners to make the necessary adjustments.
Tapales said the RCDA and partner agencies regularly conduct inspections to check whether buildings and facilities are compliant.
DSWD-Caraga Social Welfare Officer Melanie Juan said another series of accessibility audits will be held this July.
Juan said inspections of government offices are scheduled from July 6 to 9, followed by audits of major establishments and malls in Butuan City from July 13 to 15.
DSWD-Caraga also reported that persons with disabilities in the region received various forms of assistance in 2025, including Php 18 million for 2,722 beneficiaries under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program and Php 25 million in livelihood projects for 125 PWD groups and associations.