Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Congressman Eric Olivarez, and Councilor Pablo Olivarez attend the launch of the city's free movie screening program for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at SM City Sucat. (Photo courtesy of the Parañaque PIO)
Around 25,000 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Parañaque can now watch movies for free every Tuesday, the city government announced.
This is made possible through City Ordinance No. 45, Series of 2025, officially titled “An Ordinance Providing Free Movie Admission for Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the City of Parañaque Once a Week (Every Tuesday) in All Cinemas Operating Within the City.”
The measure grants qualified PWD residents one free movie viewing every Tuesday in participating cinemas across the city.
Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the program was formally launched on Tuesday, June 23, at SM Cinema Sucat, with thousands of PWD beneficiaries attending the event.
Participating cinemas include SM City Bicutan, SM City Sucat, SM City BF Parañaque, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Olivarez explained that the cost of free admission will be shared equally by cinema operators and the city government.
Theater operators will shoulder 50 percent of the ticket price, while the remaining 50 percent will be covered by the city government through deductions from amusement taxes due from participating cinemas.
The mayor emphasized that the initiative aims to promote inclusivity and provide recreational opportunities for PWDs, allowing them to enjoy leisure activities and participate more actively in community life.
Meanwhile, cinemas registered with the city's Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), under Atty. Melanie Malaya, that fail to comply with the ordinance may face penalties. Violators may be fined ₱5,000 for non-compliance.
The city government expressed hope that the program will further strengthen support for PWDs and enhance their access to social and recreational services.