FILE PHOTO: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chair Don Artes speaks to the media at his office in Pasig City on March 6, 2024. | PHOTO: MMDA
MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes said the design of the ramp at the Philam station of the Edsa busway in Quezon City is not wrong.
According to the MMDA chief, that is the only design that can be built using the limited space, height, and size of the area and considering height restrictions.
“Kung sasabihing mali, hindi po siya mali,” Artes said in an interview with reporters on Thursday. “Given the limited space, height, and sa laki ng lugar, ito lang po ‘yong pwedeng mailagay.”
(If we are to say that this is wrong, this is not wrong. Given the limited space, height, and area size, this is what we could only provide.)
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, the MMDA recognized that the design of the ramp at the Philam station of the Edsa busway is not the most ideal for people using wheelchairs.
“Hindi ito perpektong disenyo lalo na sa mga naka-wheelchair pero malaking tulong pa rin ito para sa mga senior citizens, buntis, at ibang PWDs sa halip na umakyat gamit ang hagdan,” it said.
(It is not a perfect design especially for those who are using wheelchairs but this is still a big help for senior citizens, pregnant women, and other persons with disabilities instead of using the stairs.)
It also said the ramp was built due to the limited space and that without it, the elevator could not be placed in the structure for the convenience of commuters.
The MMDA chief explained Thursday that during their deliberations on the project after consultations with Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3), they were given height restrictions that the elevator cannot be raised too high.
“Made-defeat naman po ‘yong purpose kung dalawang side may elevator tapos pagdating sa gitna, maghahagdan ka rin,” Artes also pointed out.
(The purpose will be defeated if there are two elevators and you will take the stairs in the middle.)
READ: 2 new Edsa busway stations open in QC
He likewise asserted that the ramp was not too elevated, dispelling the angle shown in the viral photo of the ramp that earned flak from netizens for not being PWD-friendly.
Artes nevertheless disclosed that they contacted an architectural firm that will provide its services for free to inspect and suggest ways to improve the construction of the ramp to make it more accessible.
He also said that although the ramp at the Philam station of the Edsa busway has already been inaugurated, it won’t be open to the public for now.
“Gawin po muna namin siguro ‘yong improvements na pwede bago po ito buksan,” he added.
(Maybe we do the improvements first before we open it to the public.)