23-06-2025
Pilot test of unified PWD ID system begins July in 35 areas
The pilot testing of the unified persons with disabilities (PWD) ID system will be conducted in 35 areas starting this July, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) said Monday.
'Magsisimula po tayo ngayong third quarter or July (we will start this third quarter or July),' NCDA executive director Glenda Relova told PTV's Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
Among the areas included for the pilot testing are Maguindanao Del Norte; Dagupan, San Carlos, Urdaneta, and Alaminos, Pangasinan; Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; San Rafael, San Jose del Monte, Obando, and Meycauayan, Bulacan; San Mateo, Teresa, and Antipolo, Rizal; Santa Rosa and Pila, Laguna; Carmona, Cavite; Muntinlupa City; Pasay City; Daet, Camarines Norte; Kalibo, Aklan; Candijay, Bohol; Malaybalay, Bukidnon; and Koronadal and Surallah, South Cotabato.
Relova said registration for the unified PWD ID system will be done digitally.
PWDs may either download the system on their mobile phones or computers or ask for assistance from their respective Persons with Disability Affairs Office.
NCDA is an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The unified PWD ID system is DSWD's move to address the proliferation of fake PWD IDs.
Last December, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the government lost around P88.2 billion worth of taxes in 2023 because of fake PWD IDs.
The new PWD IDs will have security features such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and it can link establishments to a webpage portal where they can verify the legitimacy of the user.
There will also be a standard look to the unified PWD ID moving forward.
Under Republic Act 10754, PWDs are entitled to a grant of a 20% discount and VAT exemption on the purchase of certain goods and services from all establishments for their exclusive use, enjoyment, or availment. —RF, GMA Integrated News
