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Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens shouldn't be left behind when it comes to accessibility to tourism sites in the Philippines. 

With this notion, House Deputy Speaker Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar penned and filed House Bill (HB) No.10349, or the proposed “PWD and Senior Citizen-Friendly Tourism Sites Act". 

Villar's bill espouses accessible tourism practices for PWDs and seniors “in recognition of their preferred and valued place in our society". 

“Accessible tourism is the ongoing endeavor to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities, or age. This includes publicly and privately owned tourist locations, facilities and services,” she said. 

She added that “Accessible tourism enables all people to participate in and enjoy tourism experiences,” as she noted that “More people have access needs, whether or not related to a physical condition."

"For example, older and less mobile people have access needs, which can become a huge obstacle when traveling or touring," Villar said. She likewise stressed that “Accessibility is an important aspect of realizing the rights of the world's ageing population". 

“As we grow older, our chance of experiencing a permanent or temporary disability is increased. A focus on accessibility can therefore ensure that we are able to participate fully in our societies well into our older years. Accessibility also benefits pregnant women and persons who are temporarily rendered immobile,” Villar said. 

The Nacionalista Party (NP) leader said the lack of travel and tourism facilities and services, including the discriminatory policies and practices, have for years discouraged or deterred disabled persons and their spouses, children, and caregivers from traveling and touring the country. 

Under HB No.10349, tourism sites refer to cultural or natural heritage sites, museums, national parks, agro-industrial and eco-tourism sites, wildlife areas, and other tourism sites or spots. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Council on Disability Affairs, and National Commission of Senior Citizens, are enjoined to ensure that tourism sites are equipped with physical infrastructure facilities that are PWD and senior citizen-friendly. 

Physical infrastructure includes components within and outside the tourism sites, including but is not limited to signages, accessible entrances, corridors, toilets with grab bars, switches and controls, ramps, elevators, accessible information desks, water taps, emergency exits, as well as outdoor facilities like roads and footpaths necessary to reach the tourism areas. 

The bill likewise proposes that PWD and senior citizen-friendly activities be included in all tourism policies, programs and plans of the DOT. 

The DOT is also tasked to prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure, which shall provide or enhance PWD and elderly-friendly tourism sites.