2017 年 53 巻 Supplement2 号 p. S668-S671
The Philippine Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277) states that persons with disabilities (PWDs) should be granted the same rights and privileges as other people and should be able to live as freely and independently as possible. Based on the 2011 estimated Philippine population of 102 million and the 2002 blindness prevalence of 0.58% and visual impairment prevalence of 2.04%, there are approximately 592,000 blind people and 2 million people with moderate or severe visual impairment. Therefore, there is a need to assess whether the streets of Metro Manila are safe for the visually impaired (VI) to navigate. Twenty-seven (27) visually impaired commuters were interviewed to establish the inconveniences they encounter when travelling. Blindfold walk was carried out to simulate and experience these inconveniences. Standard measurements of the street components, and guidelines on street warning signs in the Philippines and other countries that cater to the VI’s were gathered. Two locations, Marikina and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), known to have the most pedestrian and PWD-friendly street conditions in the Philippines were chosen for the assessment. Several street components in both locations were measured then compared with standard measurements. Results of the interviews show that 17 out of the 27 (62.96%) interviewees are capable of navigating the streets on their own while the rest could not travel without a personal guide. The most common problems encountered by the VI’s while navigating the streets include (1) parked cars that take up and minimize the space for walking, (2) being given wrong directions, (3) fast cars that have no regard for pedestrians, (4) narrow and crowded sidewalks, and (5) uncovered manholes and pits. Blindfold simulation identified problems in finding the gutter or the lack thereof, identifying obstructions, and crossing the streets. Out of the 52 sample measurements in Marikina, 61.54% conforms to the standard sidewalk width, 65.38% conforms to the standard curb height, and 73.08% conforms to the standard pedestrian crossing width. Out of the 21 sample measurements in BGC, 80.95% conforms to the standard sidewalk width, 80.95% conforms to the standard curb height, and 57.14% conforms to the standard pedestrian crossing width. Results show that Marikina and Bonifacio Global City exhibit consistency in the implementing standard measurements for sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, curb heights, and pole distances. However, the streets lack pedestrian warning signals.
