BY: ADRIAN BRIX LAZARO AND RUTH ANGELI NONATO (UNIVERSITY OF BAGUIO INTERNS)
A new project has been launched at a pedestrian crossing in Baguio City, introducing an audio cue system to assist visually impaired individuals in crossing the street safely.
At the Harrison Road crossing, pedestrians can hear a distinct sound that signals when it is safe to cross. The “Pedestrian Blind Man” project aims to provide an accessible and safer crossing experience for people with visual impairments.
For Krizza Reyes, a visually impaired individual, this innovation has made a significant difference. “My eyesight is very poor, and I used to struggle when crossing the street. But now, I don’t have to check the traffic light. I can just listen for the sound,” she said.
According to Engineer Richard Lardizabal of the City Engineering Office, the system emits two distinct sounds—one for crossing and another for waiting. “This technology is essential in Baguio, especially since we prioritize persons with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, and pedestrians in general,” he said.
The City Engineering Office and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) will conduct an evaluation to determine the system’s effectiveness. They will collect user feedback, especially from the visually impaired, to assess whether improvements are needed.
PDAO Head Dr. Samuel Aquino expressed support for the project, stating that it is a step toward better accessibility for persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, pedestrians also welcomed the initiative, saying that it enhances safety and inclusivity.
The audio cue system was installed on March 3, and an assessment is set to begin in the coming weeks.
