DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CULTURE & SPORTS, AND THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO PROVIDE FOR ARCHITECTURAL FACILIT…

WHEREAS, Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, otherwise known as the
Accessibility Law, has sought to promote the realization of the rights
of disabled persons to participate fully in social life, and equalize
the enjoyment of opportunities available to other citizens, by enhancing
the mobility of said sector of society;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta
for Disabled Persons provides for the rehabilitation, self-development,
and self-reliance of disabled persons and their integration into the
mainstream of society;

WHEREAS, in celebrating the International Year for Disabled Persons,
there is a need to institute a tangible program to fully realize the
objectives set forth in the aforecited statutes;

WHEREAS, the activities or programs initiated to mark the
celebration of the milestones achieved for this heretofore marginalized
sector will focus international recognition and goodwill to the country;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby
order:

SECTION 1. Provision of Architectural Facilities and Structural Features for Disabled Persons. — The Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with
the Department of Education, Culture & Sports and the Commission on
Higher Education, is hereby directed to set up the necessary
architectural facilities and/or structural features to promote
accessibility and mobility for disabled persons in state colleges and
universities, public schools, and other public buildings.

These architectural facilities and/or structural features include,
but are not limited to, access ramps, handrails, parking spaces, and
toilet & restroom facilities.

SECTION 2. Funding . — Funds necessary to immediately
carry out the provisions of this Administrative Order shall be sourced
by the Department of Budget and Management from available sources, upon
submission by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the
concerned agencies of the Work and Financial Plan to the Department of
Budget and Management.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause . — All orders,
issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Administrative Order
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Effectivity . — This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 29 Nov. 1999

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
            Executive Secretary