In the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, the rights and well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) have become increasingly recognized and prioritized in recent years.
The Philippine government, along with various organizations and advocacy groups, has been working diligently to create a more inclusive society that provides equal opportunities and support for PWDs.
Legal Framework and Government Initiatives:
- Republic Act No. 7277, known as “The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons,” was passed on March 24, 1992, with the aim of rehabilitating, developing, and promoting the self-reliance of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and integrating them into mainstream society.
- The Department of Health (DOH) is required to institute a national health program for PWDs, establish medical rehabilitation centers in provincial hospitals, and adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to address their health development needs. This includes making essential health services available to PWDs at an affordable cost.
- The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta categorize disabilities into seven different categories: psychosocial and behavioral disabilities, chronic illnesses with disabilities, learning disabilities, mental disabilities, visual impairments, orthopedic/mobility disabilities, and communication deficits.
- Republic Act No. 9442, an amendment to the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, introduces a new chapter titled “Other Privileges and Incentives” (Chapter 8).
- Section 32 of Chapter 8 outlines specific privileges for PWDs, including a minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on the purchase of medicines in all drugstores for their exclusive use and a minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on medical and dental services, including diagnostic and laboratory fees, in government facilities.
- Section 32 also states that PWDs are entitled to a minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on medical and dental services, including diagnostic and laboratory fees, and professional fees of attending doctors in all private hospitals and medical facilities, in accordance with the rules and regulations to be issued by the DOH, in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH).
To know if you are qualified to get a PWD ID, Check the list of PWD List of Disabilities in the Philippines.
But you need to have a PWD ID Card as proof to avail of the PWD benefits and Discounts. You can read in this article an easy-to-follow guide on what you’ll need and how to apply.
Contents
Benefits of a PWD card
Before proceeding, let us know first some of the discounts and incentives of PWDs.
- Discounts on essential grocery items and prime commodities.
- 12% VAT exempt on food, services, & prescribed medicines.
- 20% discount on prescribed medicines from hospitals & pharmacies.
- You can avail of a 20% discount on both public and private transportation by land, air, & sea.
- Also, a 20% discount on professional services in both private and public hospitals.
- Priority parking at establishments.
- Continuation of GSIS, SSS, and Pag-IBIG (if previously employed).
- Priority lane and express lane in queues.
- Discounted parking on establishments.
- Financial assistance, scholarships, learning materials, and other educational assistance in both public and private schools.
- Exempted from paying terminal fees at PPA ports.
- Automatically covered by PhilHealth under RA 11228 – An Act Providing For The Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage For All Persons w/ Disability (PWDs).
PWD Requirements
To apply for a Persons With Disability (PWD) ID, kindly prepare the following necessary documents and visit your nearest Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office:
- Two (2) recent “1×1” ID photographs: Please ensure that the owner’s name, signature, or thumbprint is provided on the back of each photograph.
- Valid proof of identification: Bring along a government-issued ID card or alternatively, a barangay clearance or certification.
- Medical certification, disability certificate, or school assessment: You will need to present a document verifying your disability. This can be in the form of a medical certification from a qualified healthcare professional, an official disability certificate, or an assessment conducted by a school or educational institution.
- PWD registration form– You can find this at pwd.doh.gov.ph or at PWD registration centers or selected government offices. (Download here)
By ensuring that you have these requirements in hand, you will be well-prepared to initiate your PWD ID application process at the Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office.
How to apply for a PWD Card?
PWD Application in Person
If you are qualified, start gathering the requirements needed and visit your local Persons with Disability Affairs Office/Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office
PWD Online Application
To facilitate the online application process for a PWD ID, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Access the official website of the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability (PPWDRS) at pwd.doh.gov.ph. Navigate to the menu and click on the “Online ID Application” link.
Step 2: Fill out the online application form completely. Once finished, click on the “Add” button.
Step 3: Take a moment to carefully review the information provided in your application to ensure its accuracy.
Step 4: If you need to make any changes to your application, click on the “Edit” button. Otherwise, if all the data is entered correctly, click on the “Confirm” button to submit the form. The system will display a confirmation message.
Step 5: Next, proceed to the Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office nearest to your place of residence. Bring along all the necessary documentation as required for the PWD ID application. Submit these documents to the office staff.
By following these steps, you can conveniently apply for a PWD ID online and then complete the process by personally visiting the designated Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office to submit the required documents.
Conclusion
The Philippines has made commendable progress in empowering PWDs and promoting their inclusion in society. Legislation, inclusive education, employment initiatives, accessibility improvements, and health and social services demonstrate the government’s commitment.
By continuously championing the rights and welfare of PWDs, the Philippines can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to society.