Getting a Person With Disability (PWD) ID in here the Philippines involves only a few steps, but its requirements and application process have raised questions from everyone who intends to secure the ID for himself or for his family member.

In this article, we answer some questions from the Baby and Breakfast community about getting a PWD ID in the Philippines.

Am I qualified to get a PWD ID?
According to the National Council on Disability Affairs, “any bonafide Filipino with permanent disabilities can be issued a PWD ID. These permanent disabilities may be caused by any one or more of the following: deaf/hard of hearing, Intellectual, learning, mental, orthopedic, physical, psychosocial, speech and language impairment, visual, people with cancer, and people with rare disease.”

I am a cancer patient / cancer survivor. Am I considered a PWD?
Yes. Section 25 of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act or RA 11215 clearly states that “Cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors are considered as persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accordance with Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, otherwise known as the ‘Magna Carta for Disabled Persons’.”

How can I prove my / my family member’s disability if it’s not physical?
A Certificate of Disability is only waived for applicants whose disability is “manifested by presence of physical Impairment and impaired mobility or function.” Otherwise, an applicant needs to submit a Certificate of Disability from accredited specialty centers or specialists.

In some cases, such as in learning disabilities, certificates of disabilities or medical abstracts require a prior assessment with a fee.

How can I apply for a PWD ID?
Getting your PWD ID in the Philippines only involves a two-step process. Just make sure that all your requirements are ready before you submit them to the City or Municipality Mayor to avoid inconveniences.

Is the PWD ID considered a valid proof of identity in the Philippines?
Within its validity period, yes. The PWD ID is a valid proof of identity in the country.

Can I still get a PWD ID even if have a Senior Citizen ID?
A Senior Citizen ID is only issued for applicants 60 years old and above. If your disability was acquired since birth or before your 60th birthday, it’s possible for you to have obtained the PWD ID first before applying for the Senior Citizen ID.

It’s also possible for you to apply for a PWD ID as a senior citizen, but since they share some benefits and privileges such as the 20% discount, Section 12 of RA 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons With Disability stipulates “No Double Discounts.” According to it, “In cases where the person with disability is also a senior citizen entitled to a 20% discount under his/her valid senior citizen identification card (ID), the person with disability shall use either his/her PWD ID Card or Senior Citizen ID card to avail of the 20% discount.”

How fast can I renew my PWD ID?
Since the renewal process entails you to submit your requirements to your city or municipality, the duration of the entire process depends on how many applicants there will be on the day. It may take you a few minutes to an hour.

Local Government Units (LGU) are also finding ways to innovate their processes for PWD ID application and renewal. Through a Facebook post, Karl Melegrito shares that through the QCitizen App, he was “able to get my new card, Free 240 Movies, and Booklet in 15 minutes within the day of application!”

Is it possible for my PWD ID renewal application to be rejected?
It’s always best to make sure your requirements are complete and updated if needed, so as not to encounter hiccups along the renewal process. In the case of non-apparent disabilities, ensure that your medical abstract or certificate comes from accredited specialty centers or specialists than general medicine doctors.

References:

• National Council on Disability Affairs, Issuance of Persons With Disabilities Identification Card
• National Council on Disability Affairs, An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons With Disability
• National Council on Disability Affairs, An Act Institutionalizing A National Integrated Cancer Program And Appropriating Funds Thereof