Discounts, privileges still available for PWD's

CEBU, Philippines — Persons with disabilities (PWDs) will continue to enjoy discounts and other privileges, while the new identification (ID) cards are still underway, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna said.

Fallarcuna of the DSWD’s International Affairs and Attached and Supervised Agencies (IAASA) said that the PWDs ID cards are still transitioning from the old to the unified ID system.

“There will be a digital ID that will be issued by the system kung saan siya magre-register,” Fallacuna said, according to a press release posted on DSWD website.

She said PWDs need to re-apply for an ID once the unified system has been developed, adding they will be given a 12-month transition period.

“The persons with disabilities need to re-apply but there will be a transition period, hindi siya abrupt. Mayroon pong mga mechanism tayo na gagawin para masiguro na epektibo at naaayon sa mga pangangailangan ng persons with disabilities ang ating mga ginagawa sa gobyerno,” said Fallarcuna.

The development of the unified ID system is done to address the illegal issuance, sale, and utilization of fake person with disability ID card and to boost the efficiency in the delivery of basic services to the vulnerable sector including those in Cebu.

“Consistent with the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, assuring persons with disabilities on the government’s effective implementation of beneficial policies and programs that will guarantee equitable opportunities, especially interventions and incentives during his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the establishment and development of the unified ID system,” Fallarcuna said.

The new system will have its pilot testing from July to December in the 32 selected local government units (LGUs) across the country, which is equivalent to 200,000 PWDs or 10 percent of the total population of the PWDs as of March 7.

“Makakatulong ang unified ID system not only to the DSWD but also to other government agencies and merchants because in that system they can check real time if verified or not verified ang issued physical or digital ID ng persons with disabilities,” she said.

During the transition period, extensive information and awareness campaigns will be conducted to ensure that while there are systems improvement, the benefits and privileges of PWDs will continue to be available.

While waiting for the new physical ID cards, registered PWDs can use the digital copy of their ID instead.

“While the applicant is waiting for the physical ID, he or she can use the digital ID, generated through the system. There will be no hampering of services and benefits for persons with disabilities,” Fallarcuna told reporters at a press conference last Friday at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Auditorium in Quezon City.

With this, PWDs can still continue to avail themselves of the 20 percent discount, value-added tax (VAT) exemption, and other services using the old card. — JG (FREEMAN)