The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has urged a regulatory review of commercial “no outside food” policies following an incident at a Starbucks branch in San Fernando City, Pampanga, where an 8-year-old child with autism was reportedly asked to eat lunch outside the store.
NCDA acknowledged the swift response of the City Government of San Fernando through its Public Employment Service Office and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), which promptly conducted a site visit to the establishments involved on February 17, 2026.
The CSFP PDAO engaged management representatives in reviewing disability-inclusive protocols, with the latter affirming that staff undergo regular training on disability laws—including Republic Act No. 9442 and Republic Act No. 10754—and expressing openness to further capacity-building initiatives.
NCDA reiterated that the legal framework protecting persons with disabilities extends beyond individual policies. The Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (RA 7277) and Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, which sets accessibility standards, collectively guide both government and private sectors in promoting inclusion, non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodation. Denial of reasonable accommodation, even if unintentional, undermines both the spirit and letter of these laws.
As part of its proactive approach, the CSFP PDAO has invited the establishments to refresher training sessions to ensure consistent understanding of inclusive service standards.
Coordination has also been established with the PDAO of the child’s home locality to maintain inter-local collaboration while the matter is addressed.
NCDA commended the City Government of San Fernando for demonstrating leadership in fostering an inclusive and accessible environment.
The Council emphasized that reasonable accommodation is a legal obligation, not special treatment, and called on all establishments to uphold the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities while continuously improving service and compliance practices.
The NCDA also called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government to review establishment policies to ensure that the rights and dignity of every individual prevail over corporate rules.
The agency highlighted ongoing initiatives, including year-round disability sensitivity training and the establishment of the first Sensory-Friendly Space at SM Mall of Asia in partnership with DSWD and SM Cares.
“Inclusion is not special treatment—it is a matter of rights, dignity, and justice,” NCDA stressed. (ZIA LUNA)
