No terminal fees in all PPA ports for PWDs, seniors, et. al.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec 11 (PIA) – Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are among those who are totally exempt from paying passenger terminal fees in all seaports owned by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), an official here reiterates. Students and selected uniformed personnel are also exempted.

During the Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) meeting held recently, PPA Zamboanga Business Development Management Specialist Mark Revillas explained that PPA Memorandum Circular 02-2019 released early this year provides for the exemption.

“This is part of the ‘Malasakit’ initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the exemption is nationwide,” Revillas explained.

To avail of the discount, the selected sectors must present the following identification cards: for students, a valid school ID for the current school year; for senior citizens, any valid government-issued ID indicating the bearer’s date of birth; PWD ID; or valid IDs from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Meanwhile, PWD representatives during the RCDA meeting expressed concern that there are some PWDs that do not have IDs yet, and may not be able to avail of this exemption. Revillas said that the PPA is considerate, and will issue the exemption if the disability is explained and verified by the port personnel.

Nevertheless, the RCDA urges all PWDs to register and avail of their IDs from the PWD Affairs Offices (PDAO) under their local social welfare and development offices to avoid inconveniences, especially when availing of benefits and discounts.

Still, PWDs and senior citizens are also provided 20 percent discount for public transportation fares, including air and sea travel, as stipulated by law.

The Council is also calling for public consideration, especially when having PWD and other vulnerable passengers in public transportation. This means that PWD, senior citizen and pregnant women-reserved seats must be used only by them. (NBE/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

News Feed:

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031427
Latest News | Philippine Information Agency