QUEZON CITY -- Due to public concerns regarding the renewal of persons with disabilities identification cards (IDs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) explained that the basis for the standardized five (5)-year validity of persons with disabilities IDs is for the regular updating of the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disabilities (PRPWD).

Based on Republic Act No. 9442 as amendment to Republic Act 7277 or the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability as Amended, and for Other Purposes’ Granting Additional Privileges and Incentives and Prohibitions on Verbal, Non-Verbal Ridicule and Vilification Against Persons with Disability,” the PRPWD is a database of persons with disabilities managed by the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the DSWD. The database will be the basis for planning of the annual budget of local government units (LGUs).

The NCDA formulated Administrative Order No. 001, Series of 2021 or the “Administrative Order on the issuance of Persons with Disabilities Identification Card Relative to Republic Act Nos 9442,10754,1125,1074" which provides a guide for local government units (LGUs), through their Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) or persons with disabilities focal person, to issue persons with disabilities IDs valid for five (5) years as basis for the updating of the status or profiles of persons with disabilities per LGU.”

For the process of application or renewal of the IDs, applicants are required to submit appropriate documentation confirming their medical or disability condition. Those with apparent disability or have disability which is manifested by presence of physical impairment and impaired mobility or function, will not be required to submit a Certificate of Disability from a physician or doctor to confirm the disability. Meanwhile, applicants with non-apparent disability, such as but are not limited to: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Disability; Intellectual Disability; Learning Disability; Mental Disability; and Psychosocial Disability are required to submit a certificate of disability issued by specialists or by appropriate physicians from the City, Municipal/Regional Health Offices or any recognized competent private medical institution.

Meanwhile, to check the authenticity of persons with disabilities ID cards, the public may check the name of the ID owner on the PRPWD, through https://pwd.doh.gov.ph/login.php, or verification in the PDAO where the ID was issued.

The DSWD also urged concerned citizens to report incidents involving the sale of fake persons with disabilities IDs, and issuance of persons with disabilities ID to unqualified individuals to the NCDA through their email council@ncda.gov.ph, PDAO, or any law enforcement agency.

The Department and the NCDA will continue to work together with all concerned stakeholders to uphold the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities across the country. (DSWD)