Blind man falls into uncovered DPWH drainage repair site in Pasay City

A blind man fell into an uncovered drainage construction site in Pasay City while walking to work, exposing the lack of safety measures at ongoing road projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

According to a report by Bea Pinlac on "24 Oras Weekend" on Saturday, the incident occurred on the afternoon of July 26 along F.B. Harrison Street, where Lourdfil Cruz, who is totally blind, was crossing the road using his white cane to detect obstacles and alert motorists to his presence.

After crossing the street, Cruz unknowingly stepped into an open drainage manhole that was undergoing repairs.

"I'm used to walking alone because I commute to work and my home service appointments by myself. I was frightened at first, but I quickly recovered," said Cruz, who works as a masseuse.

A motorcycle rider and nearby residents immediately came to his aid and helped him out of the drainage. Cruz sustained abrasions on his arm.

His relative, Catherine Padillo, said the family was grateful he escaped with only minor injuries, but expressed dismay over the lack of regard for public safety.

"He was lucky because he was okay. But it could have been much worse if he had hit his head. It's sad that something like this happened. At night, someone might not even see that there's an open hole," she said.

Residents in the area said the drainage had been left uncovered for about a week.

One resident said sacks of sand had been placed around the excavation but there were no yellow safety barriers or hazard warning devices to alert pedestrians and motorists.

Since Cruz's accident, the drainage has since been repaired and covered.

Barangay 73 officials said they have already met with representatives of the Pasay City government and the project's contractor following the incident.

Meanwhile, the Pasay City government said personnel from its engineering office are conducting inspections of construction projects across the city to ensure compliance with safety requirements.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) reminded contractors and government agencies that the law requires adequate barriers and warning signs around open drainage systems, construction sites and other hazardous areas to protect the public.

The Move As One Coalition said the incident reflects the everyday dangers faced by commuters, particularly persons with disabilities, and renewed its call for the government to fully fund the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan and establish local road safety councils.

"We have no other appeal except to be able to live peacefully and safely. That is our only hope," Cruz said.

In a statement, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said its initial investigation found that the manhole had been left open to allow newly poured concrete to cure, but the contractor failed to install the required barriers or hazard warning devices.

The DPWH said it has imposed sanctions on the contractor for violating safety standards and ordered it to shoulder Cruz's medical expenses and compensate him for the distress caused by the incident.

The agency added that it has coordinated with Cruz and the Pasay City Social Welfare and Development Department to extend assistance. — MCG, GMA News