Dear President Rodrigo Duterte

We are happy to know that your administration would like to implement the jeepney modernization program. This is the opportune time we have been waiting for.

Philippines as a country is growing fast. However, data shows that persons with disabilities are being left behind because of the barriers they face in their day to day life. One of the barriers to participation of persons with disabilities is the lack of accessible transportation. Because of this, many persons with disabilities cannot pursue a productive life. Most persons with disabilities are poor because we have less access to education, could not get a job. We could not meaningfully participate in many socio-economic activities that other people could do without problem.

We request the President to take action to ensure that the modernization of jeepney transport will include accessibility of persons with disabilities as minimum performance standard. It has to be part of the modernization program. Otherwise, it will probably take another century before this opportunity will open to us. It is the duty of the government to regulate what the people will experience. Persons with disabilities have been in the margins of our society. It is time for the government to help us get out of this situation. Thus, we are expecting that your administration will cause this to happen.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully yours,

Abner Manlapaz