The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has taken steps to address the issues surrounding the construction of a wheelchair access ramp in Quezon City, which drew flak for allegedly being too steep for persons with disability (PWDs).
MMDA acting Chairman Don Artes said the agency is exploring the possibility of adding an inclined wheelchair platform at the elevated ramp situated at the EDSA Busway’s Philam Station as another option for PWDs.
“We will consult with architectural firms, present the plan, and start the necessary improvements on the ramp in the EDSA-Philam station,” Artes said on Friday, July 19.
The MMDA chief said that the government will not be disadvantaged by the planned improvements.
“Improvements will have no additional cost to the government,” he assured the public.
A photo of the said wheelchair access ramp at the EDSA-Philam Station went viral recently as several social media users noticed it was too steep for use of PWDs.
The MMDA earlier defended the design of the access ramp, saying that the agency only followed the height restriction imposed by the management of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3).
“Nais namin ipabatid na mayroong height restriction ang MRT na sinunod ng MMDA kaya hindi naging posible na ipantay ang elevator sa footbridge (We want to inform the public that there is a height restriction from the MRT that the MMDA followed that’s why it is not possible to equalize the elevator with the footbridge),” the agency said.
“Hindi ito perpektong disenyo lalo na sa mga naka wheelchair pero malaking tulong pa rin ito para sa mga senior citizens, buntis at ibang PWDs sa halip na umakyat gamit ang hagdan (This is not a perfect design especially for those using a wheelchair but it is still a big help for senior citizens, pregnants, and other PWDs instead of using a stair),” it continued.
“Magtatalaga ang MMDA ng mga kawani para umasiste sa mga PWDs kung mahirapan sila pumanhik ng rampa. Kumpara sa nag-viral na photo, hindi ito masyadong matarik kung lalakaran. Inilagay ang rampa dahil sa limitadong espasyo at kung wala ito ay hindi maiilagay ang elevator sa istruktura para sa convenience ng mga commuters na sumasakay sa busway station (The MMDA will deploy personnel to assist PWDs if ever they find it hard to access the ramp. Compared with the viral photo, the access ramp is not that steep if one walks on it. The ramp was built due to the limited space and if it is not there, the elevator will not be established on the structure for the convenience of the commuters who are riding the busway station),” it explained.