KEZSA MARIE S.

BACAS
ARCH_3A

I. BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344

SECTION 1

In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the social life
and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment of the opportunities available
to other citizens, no license or permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private
buildings for public use, educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation centers and complexes,
shopping centers or establishments, public parking places, workplaces, public utilities, shall be granted or
issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall install and incorporate in such building, establishment,
institution or public utility, such architectural facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance
the mobility of disabled persons such as sidewalks, ramps, railings and the like. If feasible, all such existing
buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities may be renovated or altered to enable the
disabled persons to have access to them: Provided, however, That buildings, institutions, establishments,
or public utilities to be constructed or established for which licenses or permits had already been issued
may comply with the requirements of this law: Provided, further, That in case of government buildings,
streets and highways, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways shall see to it that the same shall be
provided with architectural facilities or structural features for disabled persons.

In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions, buildings, or establishments, or public
utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons.

SECTION 2

In case of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent display of posters or stickers shall be used to
generate public awareness of the rights of the disabled and foster understanding of their special needs.
Special bus stops shall be designed for disabled persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the
carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful.

SECTION 3

The Minister of Public Works and Highways and the Minister of Transportation and Communications, in
coordination with the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons, shall prepare the necessary
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 4

Any person violating any provision of this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall,
upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than
one month but not more than one year or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court:
Provided, That in the case of corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or associations, the president,
manager or administrator, or the person who has charge of the construction, repair or renovation of the
building, space or utilities shall be criminally responsible for any violation of this Act and/or rules and
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

SECTION 5

All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the foregoing
provisions are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

KEZSA MARIE S. BACAS

KEZSA MARIE S. BACAS
ARCH_3A

SECTION 6

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

II. CASE STUDY: PROMOTING ACCESSIBILITY IN A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX

INTRODUCTION:

To make sure that architect Aiza follows the law in BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344 (BP344) and creates a place
that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use, Aiza needs to come up with a plan for the design
of the commercial complex. This plan should consider various parts of the building rules to ensure that
the complex is not only a beautiful structure but also a place that can meet the different needs of all the
people who might visit:

Interior Design and Circulation:

• Ramps and Slopes: Make sure the commercial complex has ramps for wheelchairs, and these
ramps should be built at the right angle, following the rules in BP344. The ramps should blend well
with the overall design of the building so that they don't look out of place.
• Doorways and Corridors: Doorways and hallways should be made wider so that people in
wheelchairs can easily pass through. These doorways should meet the size requirements set out
in BP344.
• Elevators and Lifts: Install elevators that are easy for everyone to use, including those with visual
or hearing problems. These elevators should have Braille and raised signs so that people with
visual impairments can read them with their fingers. There should also be auditory signals to help
people with hearing impairments know when the elevator is coming.
• Handrails and Guardrails: Put in handrails and guardrails as described in BP344. These are
important for people who may have difficulty with their mobility, as they can use these to support
themselves and move around more easily.

Restroom Facilities:

• Accessible Restrooms: When designing the restrooms, make sure they are accessible to all visitors,
including those in wheelchairs. Ensure there is plenty of room for wheelchair users to move
around, and position fixtures like sinks and toilets at the right height as per the guidelines in
BP344.
• Braille Signage: Install signs in Braille to help people with visual impairments find the restrooms
and identify different facilities within the complex. These signs will have raised dots that can be
felt by touch, making it easier for individuals with visual impairments to navigate and locate the
necessary facilities.

Parking and Drop-off Areas:

• Reserved Parking Spaces: Make sure there are enough parking spots close to the complex entrance
reserved for people with disabilities. These spots should be clearly marked and should meet the
rules in BP344.

KEZSA MARIE S. BACAS

KEZSA MARIE S. BACAS
ARCH_3A

• Accessible Routes: Create pathways from the parking spots to the building that are easy for
everyone to use, including those in wheelchairs. These pathways should have curb ramps where
needed, be free from obstacles, and follow the specific slopes and sizes required by BP344.

Communication and Information:

• Accessible Signage: The signs inside the complex should have information in Braille and tactile
(raised) format to help individuals with visual impairments. These signs should follow the
guidelines in BP344.
• Auditory Signals: Elevators should have auditory signals that announce which floor the elevator is
on and important announcements. This helps people with hearing impairments know what's
happening.

Collaboration with Consultants:

• Accessibility Consultants: It's a good idea to work with experts who know a lot about accessibility,
especially the requirements in BP344. These consultants can give valuable advice to make sure
everything is done right.
• Regular Inspections: During the construction phase, these consultants should regularly check to
ensure that the complex follows all the rules for accessibility. This helps make sure the complex is
truly accessible to everyone.

SUMMARY:

Architect Aiza's strong commitment to following BP344 and creating an inclusive commercial
complex is crucial. This means ensuring that everyone, including those with disabilities, can easily use and
enjoy the complex. The plan includes making the inside easy to navigate, providing accessible restrooms,
convenient parking and drop-off areas, and clear communication for everyone. Collaborating with
accessibility experts and regularly checking everything meets the required standards are vital components
of this plan. This will transform the complex into a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of whether
they have a disability. Architect Aiza is helping make a fair and equal space where everyone can utilize the
complex's facilities and services.

Aiza should remember that meeting BP344 requirements is not just a legal obligation but also adds to the
overall inclusivity and attractiveness of the commercial complex. By seamlessly integrating these
accessibility features into the design, Aiza can create a friendly and inclusive space that benefits people
with disabilities while maintaining the complex's aesthetic appeal.

KEZSA MARIE S. BACAS