Accessible/Universal Design and Access Map Workshop

The Accessible/Universal Design and Access Map Workshop was conducted in two (2) pioneering municipalities. First week was held on February 11, 12, and 22-25, 2010 in Opol, Misamis Oriental. Second week was held from February 15, 2010 to February 20, 2010 in New Lucena.

Composition of the Workshop Participants
The participants comprised of architects, engineers (Municipal/District), PMT members, Barangay Captains, relevant agencies (DPWH, DSWD, DILG, and DOLE), relevant NGOs, Private Sectors and PWDs. One of the components of the project is networking and the project will continue to provide this kind of opportunity for various kinds of participants, especially architects, engineers and PWDs to share and exchange information. The promotion of sharing and understandings of different stakeholders' point of view is one of keys/conditions for the project success.

Participants with a JICA Short-Term Expert

Workshop Objectives

• To strengthen Associations of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Opol and New Lucena for their further effective involvement in access promotion;
• To develop insights of NHE Project personnel (architects, engineers, etc.) of Opol and New Lucena into rural accessibility with local materials; and
• To share and consult with relevant officials of NCDA and its line agencies the results of Opol and New Lucena workshop on strengthening PWD associations and rural accessibility.

Objectives for Dispatch of a JICA Short-term Expert:

1. To technically assist in the above mentioned Workshops as main resource persons; and
2. To provide advice and recommendations to JICA Long-term Experts and NCDA personnel for further effective implementation of the NHE Project.

Highlights of the Activities

1. Orientation on the Workshop on Accessible Design and Access Map.
2. Lecture on Accessibility and its Impact on the Future of Tourism in the Philippines.
3. Review of the Five (5) Basic Minimum Requirements of Batas Pambansa 344 (otherwise known as the Accessibility Law in the Philippines.)
4. Field visit for gathering information on locally produced/durable materials.
5. Visit to re-examine the establishments for accessible design and locally available materials.
6. Current condition designed by participants of New Lucena and Opol.
7. Actual Access Audit in selected establishments in New Lucena and Opol.
8. Accessible design workshop and simulation exercises
9. Planning for monitoring of implementation of accessible design and access map.

The NHE project personnel (architects, engineers, Project Management Team (PMT) members, etc. of New Lucena and Opol are expected to enhance their insights on access map and physical accessibility using locally produced/available materials and for them to design and fabricate accessible features using locally produced/available materials with the manner of community participation.

Opol participant's pledge of commitment

New Lucena participant's pledge of commitment