CO-SPONSORSHIP AND CO-AUTHORSHIP REMARKS
“Barrier-Free and Inclusive Tourism Act”
Senate Bill No. 1988 under Committee Report No. 50
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
March 17, 2026
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,
Kindly allow this representation co-author and to co-sponsor Senate Bill No. 1988 under Committee Report No. 50 mandating accessibility and inclusivity in all tourism sites for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
This measure is both timely and necessary. As we continue to promote the Philippines as a tourism destination, we must also ensure that our tourism sites, facilities, services, and information are truly accessible to all, especially to our persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Tourism should not be a privilege enjoyed only by a few, but an experience that can be shared by every Filipino.
The bill recognizes this important duty by requiring tourism sites, whether publicly or privately owned, to adopt accessibility standards and provide appropriate facilities and services. Kabilang dito ang mga pangunahing accessibility features at support services upang maging mas ligtas, maayos, at may dignidad ang karanasan ng ating mga kababayan.
Importantly, this measure also ensures that accessibility is not limited to physical structures alone. It includes access to information, trained personnel, customer assistance, transportation support, and other service-based measures that will allow PWDs and senior citizens to access tourism sites on an equal basis with others.
Mahalaga rin na malinaw ang compliance framework ng panukala. Ang mga bagong tourism sites ay kailangang sumunod agad sa accessibility requirements, habang ang mga kasalukuyang tourism sites ay bibigyan ng makatwirang panahon upang maka-comply. Sa tulong ng Department of Tourism at iba pang kinauukulang ahensya, masisiguro na ang implementasyon ng batas na ito ay magiging maayos at epektibo.
Sa huli, ang tunay na sukatan ng isang makataong lipunan ay kung paano nito pinapahalagahan ang mga sektor na higit na nangangailangan ng suporta. Kapag ginawa nating mas accessible ang ating mga pasyalan at tourism facilities, hindi lamang natin pinalalakas ang turismo, ipinapakita rin natin na may malasakit, dignidad, at puwang para sa lahat sa ating bansa.
For these reasons, this representation expresses its full support for the passage of this measure.
Thank you, Mr. President.