The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Protective Services Division – Sectoral Unit and as Chair of the Regional Committee for Disability Affairs (RCDA), led the conduct of an Access Audit in select National Government Agency (NGA) offices in Butuan City.

Audited Caraga regional offices included the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Commission on Population and Development (CPD).

The audit was conducted in adherence to Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 or the Accessibility Law, which mandates all public buildings and utilities in the country to install facilities that promote the mobility and safety of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

This initiative forms part of the lead-up to the National Disability Rights Week on July 17–23, 2025, which carries the theme: “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together.”

The activity was participated in by RCDA member agencies, both government and non-government, with architects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Butuan City leading the inspection. The team reiterated that compliance with BP 344 is a vital step toward building an inclusive and responsive infrastructure.

Notably, the Regional Directors and representatives of the audited offices responded positively to the audit findings, viewing them as valuable inputs for improvement. They expressed their commitment to enhancing their office spaces to create safer, more accessible, and inclusive environments, especially for PWDs, senior citizens, and other vulnerable sectors.

The RCDA emphasized that the Access Audit is not only a compliance measure but a shared responsibility in shaping a society that values dignity, equity, and participation for all.