Continuing its dedication in providing inclusive quality healthcare, Saint Louis University (SLU), through the SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC), partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to conduct the “DOT Barrier Free Medical Tourism: Assisting PWD” training program for the hospital staff on 29 September 2026 at Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall, 5th Floor Multi-Level Parking Building, SLU-SHMC.
In line with DOT’s recent initiative, Barrier-Free Tourism (BFT), the training is focused on inclusivity, special patient-centered care, and understanding the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs), people with special needs, and the elderly.
The awareness of equal opportunity, inclusion and non-discrimination of persons with disability in tourism is promoted via the introduction of BFT centered initiatives: accessibility, safe-spaces, and equal experiences.
In his remarks, Dr. Jason Roy Bacani, SLU SHMC Medical Director, said, “It is a privilege introducing you to the theme, Barrier Free Tourism: Assisting Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Seminar. As healthcare and service providers, it is our responsibility to ensure that persons with disabilities receive respectful, equitable, accessible, and person-centered care. When we say person-centered care, it means recognizing each individual as a person first, with their own preferences, abilities, experiences, choices, and needs, it means asking rather than assuming, listening rather than speaking on someone’s behalf, and providing assistance in a way that respects the person’s dignity, privacy and independence.”
The morning training session began with a view into disability perspectives and laws, introduced by the speaker, Persons With Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Head, Dr. Samuel G. Aquino. He continued with the topic, “Assisting Persons with Disability,” in the afternoon, with a thorough lesson about not only how to interact with persons with disabilities in a respectful way, but especially delved into the Filipino sign language.
Putting a close to the event, the training participants shared their impressions and experiences from the knowledge gained from training, including skills like Filipino sign language, the importance of prioritizing the comfort of persons with disabilities, and identifying the different kinds of disabilities a person can have.
The partnership between SLU and DOT aligned with United Nations Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well–Being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals), provides emphasis on the importance of inclusivity and equality within healthcare. The program reinforces the notion that SHMC’s continued work in the industry displays that continuous self-improvement is worthwhile. (Article by Roberto Romano, UIO Intern | Photos by Hanz Viloria, UIO Intern)
