BY LINDON L. ABAPO & ARIEL JAMES P. MERO | DSSC Intern
THE 21ST Davao City Council approved a resolution showing support for the observance of White Cane Safety Day on August 1, following a privilege speech delivered by Councilor Lorenzo Benjamin Villafuerte, chairperson of the committee on social services.
In his speech, Villafuerte expressed support for Filipinos who are visually impaired, saying that visual impairment goes beyond a medical condition; it affects a person’s mobility, access to opportunities, and participation in everyday life.
“As lawmakers, it is our solemn duty to create policies that will ensure inclusive and accessible public spaces for everyone,” Villafuerte said.
Republic Act No. 6759 declares Aug. 1 of every year as White Cane Safety Day to raise public awareness about the rights and situation of blind individuals.
The resolution passed by the City Council serves as a call to action for all sectors of society to be mindful of persons with visual impairment and to support their right to move freely and independently.
Paul Quire Quire, a technical focal person at the PDAO, and a visually impaired person himself, thanked the City Council for adopting the observance of White Cane Safety Day.
He said inclusivity does not always require big projects; small but consistent steps, such as the ordinances the council has already passed, make a real difference.
“For persons with disabilities who use the white cane, it is more than just a navigation tool; it is a symbol of independence, dignity, and mobility,” Quire Quire said.
He also shared a personal experience, noting that during his visit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod building, he used a talking elevator for the first time, something he described as a meaningful and significant experience.
Quire Quire expressed gratitude to the city government, mayor, vice mayor, and Villafuerte for giving persons with disabilities a platform to be seen and heard.
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr. also raised concerns about public infrastructure, particularly sidewalks that still do not comply with the Accessibility Law.
He noted that while private establishments are required to follow accessibility standards, some public sidewalks still lack ramps and tactile guidance systems.
Mahipus urged Councilor Villafuerte to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that public infrastructure fully complies with the law.
“These may seem like minor concerns to some, but they are among the many things that government must continuously monitor,” Mahipus said.
The City Council committed to crafting more policies that will strengthen inclusivity and accessibility for all persons with disabilities in Davao City.
