The well-being of every family member, young or old, must take front seat as you usher in the new year. If this means finally confronting your or any of your family member’s disability, we’re here to provide you with small steps you can take to answer your What do I do?, What Now?, or What’s Next? questions.

Here in the Philippines, a Person With Disability (PWD) is supported by the government in his or her “wellbeing and integration in the mainstream society” by means of acquiring a PWD ID. If getting a PWD ID is a part of your checklist for a better and healthier year ahead, here’s what you need to know:

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a disability is a condition of the body or mind that limits a person’s participation in activities and interaction with other people. It is important to note that not all disabilities are seen by the naked eye. As a guide, the National Council of Disability Affairs in the Philippines lists down the two types of disabilities that applicants for PWD ID and their family members must note:

STEP ONE: Secure the required documents.

• PWD ID Application Form (available in your barangay hall/health office)
• Certificate of Disability
  • Certificate of disability issued by the city / municipality health office
  • (for applicants with non-apparent disability) Certificate of disability issued by specialists or appropriate physicians from health offices or recognized private medical institutions
  • (for applicants with cancer and rare diseases) Certificate of disability issued by an oncologist, surgeon, or appropriate physician
• Documents to confirm identity
  • Two “1×1” recent ID pictures with the names, and signatures or thumb marks at the back of the picture.
  • One valid government ID
    • (for children) School ID, or a photocopy of the Birth Certificate
    • (for applicant of legal age) a Barangay Certificate in the absence of a valid ID (with the purpose of applying for a PWD ID)

A guardian must secure a proof of guardianship and a representative must secure a notarized authorization letter, along with the following documents:

• Proof of residence
• Voters ID, Barangay Certificate, or Utility Bills with exact name and address

STEP TWO: Submit your form and requirements to your City or Municipality Mayor and receive your PWD-ID.

When your application is approved, you will receive the following:

• PWD ID
• Basic and Prime Commodities Booklet (5% off of groceries and other commodities, can be used once a week)
• Medicines Purchase Booklet (20% off of medicines that are specifically prescribed for the PWD ID holder, and therefore each discounted medicines purchase should come with a doctor’s prescription)
• (Depending on the city/municipality) Free Movies/Movies Discount booklet 

Along with the aforementioned, bearers of PWD IDs in the Philippines are also entitled to Twenty Percent (20%) Discount and Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemption on the purchase of certain goods and services from all establishments, such as, lodging establishments, restaurants, recreation centers, medical and dental services, domestic air and sea travel, and land transportation travel.

Furthermore, there are also educational assistance, express lanes, and funeral and burial services discount for persons with disabilities.

The PWD ID in the Philippines is valid for five (5) years. Its renewal may be processed a month before the ID’s expiry date. Only the existing PWD ID and a form are required for renewal.

Got more questions regarding the PWD ID in the Philippines? Share them with us in the comments section below.

Sources:

• Disability and Health Overview
• An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons With Disability – IRR of RA 10754
• Issuance of Persons With Disabilities Identification Card