Guidelines on getting a PWD ID in PH

The government of the Philippines has enacted policies to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. They make special arrangements to eliminate environmental and personal factors and enable persons with long-term physical, mental, intellectual disabilities to work, learn, and engage with the community.

They propose a solution in the form of the PWD ID, a standardized form of identification for persons with disability (PWD) in the Philippines that entitles cardholders to discounts and other benefits, as required by Republic Act 9442, an amendment to Republic Act 7277, called the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and Other Purposes.

PWD list of disabilities

Anyone living in the Philippines who has been diagnosed with a permanent handicap--whether partial or total inability-- that can result in full and effective participation restrictions on equal basis with the society may apply for a PWD ID. People with long-term physical, mental illness, or sensory impairments or any permanent disability are considered disabled by Republic Act 10754 and therefore eligible to get benefits to overcome these environmental and social barriers.

A PWD ID may be obtained by someone with any of the following disabilities, according to the Department of Health (DOH):

- Psychosocial disability including bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other long-term and recurring mental or behavioral issues

- Permanent disability arising from a chronic infectious disease like blindness due to diabetes, orthopedic disability due to cancer, and other disabilities due to a chronic disease

- Learning disability and central nervous system disorder. This includes cognitive issues that prevent or impede learning math, reading, writing, and other essential skills due to organic or neurological causes. It also includes autism spectrum disorder and mental retardation.

- Visual impairment. People who have irreversible visual disability are eligible for a Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID card so long as they produce a medical certificate from an ophthalmologist stating that they have limitations in their daily lives as a result of their vision impairment. A simple poor eyesight doesn’t qualify a person for a PWD ID.

- Orthopedic (Musculoskeletal) disability

- Growth disorder characterized by shorter body height than normal such as dwarfism

- People with amputated hands or feet and disabling physical condition

- Individuals with scoliosis

- Mental/Intellectual disability or other chronic neurological conditions

- Hearing impairment

- Speech impairment

- Multiple disabilities

Process for PWD ID applications

To get a PWD ID card, one needs to follow these four easy steps:

Step 1. Complete all the necessary PWD ID requirements

Here are the documents that you need to prepare to get a PWD card:

a. Two (2) current 1x1 ID pictures that include both your names and signatures or thumb marks on the back

b. One (1) valid ID issued by the government

c. In order to verify the medical or disability status, you must provide documentation or a medical certificate. Proof of your disability might come from any of the following sources:

- Medical records of disability or chronic illness, both apparent disability and non-apparent, signed by a licensed medical doctor

- Written evaluation of the student's academic performance by a certified faculty member and approved by the principal

- A Certificate of Disability signed by the head of a business establishment or NGO leader

Step 2. Get the PWD Application or Registration Form (PWD-RF)

It's available at any of the following places:

• · Department of Health (DOH) online registration facility
• · DSWD offices
• · National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or its regional counterpart
• · Office of the Barangay Captain
• · Office of the Mayor
• · Participating organizations with Memorandum Agreements with the DOH

Step 3. Complete the PWD-RF Form

It's possible to submit the form in one of these two ways:

Via Manual Method

a. Please be sure to fill out the printed form entirely and precisely.

b. Staple the completed form and affix one (1) photo ID to the form. The latter is what will appear on the official ID.

c. Please provide a copy of the documentation that verifies your medical or disability status.

Via Online registration system

a. Start the process of applying for a DOH ID online by going to the DOH Philippine PWD Registry System (DOH-PPWDRS) and selecting the Online ID Application option.

b. Ensure accuracy by entering all the required PWD registration data

c. Print the completed form.

d. Attach one photo ID to the completed form and staple the other.

e. Please provide a copy of the paperwork that verifies your medical or disability status.

Step 4. Submit the Completed PWD-RF

Complete the PWD ID Application form and any required attachments, then submit them to the Person with Disability Affairs Office or PDAO in your city, municipality, or barangay to be sent on to the mayor or captain.

Upon receipt, the Mayor or Barangay Captain of the City, Municipality, or Barangay will take the following actions through the PDAO:

- In order to authenticate the applicant's handicap or medical condition, they check and/or verify any data and documents that may be needed.

- Tag the PWD-RF with a designated PWD ID number.

- Complete the necessary information on the ID card.

- Issue the PWD ID Card to the applicant

- Complete the PWD-RF and any other paperwork necessary, and return it to your local city or county's Social Welfare Development Office so they may input your information into the DOH-PPWDRS.

This ID card is free of charge upon its first issuance and is good for three years. In the event that your PWD ID expires, is damaged, or is lost, you may get a replacement or PWD ID renewal for a minimal fee.

Processing and completing your government transactions in order to acquire a PWD ID can be much simpler and easier when you have a house and lot in Lumina Homes.

Each Lumina Home community is located near the government offices, building, and establishments that save you time for long trips and gives you convenience. In addition, our community also have amenities that persons with disability condition can enjoy.

You don't have to go outside of your community to do some of your daily activities as our subdivision is complete with mini parks and playgrounds, basketball court, multi-purpose hall, 24/7 guard house, perimeter fence, and subdivision marker.

Also, if you have difficulty traveling around the subdivision or when you want to go a nearby commercial establishment, Lumina Homes also has a shuttle service for its residents and future homeowners.

When you buy a house and lot with Lumina Homes, you'll have access to everything you need. Make your home reservations today and take advantage of all the amenities our handy community has to offer.