BY DR. THEODORE ARTHUR PINNOCK, JD
November 4, 2026
On October 28, my wife, Jennifer Pinnock, went to the bank to withdraw small bills for tipping the men who would assist me during our trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island. On October 29, at 5 a.m., Jennifer, my daughter Yvonne, and I, Theodore Arthur Pinnock, were picked up by a Grab car from Carmona, Cavite, Philippines, to go to the airport. Jennifer helped me into the front seat, and when we arrived, she transferred me to my wheelchair. An airport accessibility attendant promptly pushed me to the designated area for people with disabilities while Jennifer checked in my small bathroom wheelchair and two bags. We boarded at 9 a.m., at which time two airport accessibility attendants assisted me into my airplane seat. We were finally on our way to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.
At the Puerto Princesa airport, four attendants carried me off the plane as if I were Claudius Caesar of Rome. Two attendants retrieved my wheelchairs. My wife called a Grab car, and Jennifer, Yvonne, and I went to the Costa Palawan Resort. Before the trip, my wife had called the resort to ensure we had a room on the first floor.
The bathroom in our room had sufficient width and clearance for my standard wheelchair, and the small wheelchair could roll into the shower. I was able to access all common areas of the resort.
On October 30, Jennifer paid ₱15,000 for a private Honda Bay island-hopping tour with a guide named Michael. The tour van arrived at 10 a.m. We visited three islands by small boat: Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island. Each location offered beautiful white sand beaches, clear water, and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. The boat crews and guides were extremely helpful, ensuring I could enjoy the scenery and join my family on the shore by carrying me in my wheelchair.
On October 31, we visited the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. To reach the entrance, we took a boat from Sabang Beach, and then transferred to a smaller paddle boat. The park staff provided extra assistance to help me board safely. Inside the cave, the river winds through spectacular limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. The experience was both accessible and awe-inspiring, thanks to the support of the staff.
At each stop, the dock workers performed the "Claudius Caesar." The "Claudius Caesar" refers to service accessibility provided when physical accessibility is lacking. In this case, program accessibility meant at least five men carried me in my wheelchair on and off boats. For this type of service accessibility, the wheelchair must be durable and equipped with a seatbelt.
Most of the terrain was uneven and had multiple steps. As a result, being carried in the wheelchair felt like riding a roller coaster, but you have to trust that the workers will not drop you. The workers are accustomed to carrying various equipment and are very jovial.
In 1977, program accessibility was defined as part of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 is a landmark American civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Program accessibility means that when physical changes to a facility are not possible, alternative methods—such as providing services in accessible locations, or offering personal assistance—must be used to ensure equal access. In 1992, the Philippines adopted this definition into law, but even before that, the culture had embraced program accessibility through creative and personalized support for people with disabilities.
If you are a person with a disability or a senior, consider coming to the Philippines for a vacation. Before you come:
A. Purchase assistive technology such as a narrow, durable wheelchair.
B. Book a standard resort or hotel.
C. Call your lodging to ask about physical accessibility.
D. Bring small peso bills for tipping for program accessibility.
