WHEREAS, on December 3, 1999, the International Year for Disabled Persons will be celebrated;

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.

Sec. 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.

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 All orders, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Administrative Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 4. Effectivity. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 29^th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Nine.

(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
President of the Philippines

By the President:
(Sgd.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary