The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) has authorized the city government to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with LTS Malls, Inc. (NCCC) to provide free movie access to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The council approved an ordinance allowing Mayor Sebastian Duterte to sign the MOA on behalf of the city government. This initiative builds on Ordinance 155-23, which grants PWDs free access to movies.
Under the MOA, PWDs can avail of free movie passes at NCCC malls every Monday during the first screening of the day, limited to once a week. The resolution, filed by lawyer Jesus Joseph Zozobrado, formalizes this arrangement.
The council also passed a resolution, introduced by Councilor Joanne Bonguyan, commending LTS Malls for supporting PWDs and enhancing their recreational and cultural experiences. The resolution recognized NCCC as an active partner in implementing Ordinance 155-23.
In an interview Wednesday, Redendo Martinez, newly appointed head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), welcomed the partnership.
“We are thankful to NCCC for their commitment to corporate social responsibility through free movie passes for PWDs. SM Malls have also pledged support, pending Mayor Duterte’s approval, and others are expected to follow,” Martinez said.
He noted that Davao City has 23,000 registered PWDs, a number expected to rise as individuals with cancer and rare diseases are now included in the PWD category. (PNA)
