MANILA, Philippines -- The Marikina City government has assured physically challenged residents of discounts at local business establishments similar to those enjoyed by senior citizens.

Mayor Marides Fernando recently ordered all business establishments in the city to implement the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and Other Purposes.

The guidelines state that persons with disabilities are entitled to a 20-percent discount on all basic services, just like citizens 60 years and older.

Fernando said this was in accordance with the rules issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs.

Fernando said she had directed the city's Business Permits and Licensing Office to conduct a city-wide information drive on the NCDA guidelines.

"All physically challenged residents in the city can be certain that they can avail of discounts on all basic services enjoyed by senior citizens,'' Fernando said in a statement.

The mayor encouraged all physically challenged residents to register at the City Social Welfare and Development Office to obtain discount IDs.

Among the businesses covered by the discount are hotels, restaurants, recreation centers, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, and carnivals.

Medical tests such as X-rays and CT scans and laboratory fees, as well as dental services, in all government and private facilities in Marikina are also covered by the discount.

The differently-abled may also avail themselves of fare discounts on domestic air and sea transport, and public railways, jeepneys, tricycles, and buses.

The privilege, Fernando said, includes educational assistance through the grant of scholarships, financial aid, subsidies, and other incentives.