A new chapter in disability inclusion began Tuesday, August 12, as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) officially kicked off the pilot run of the unified Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID system, as shared in a report from the PNA.
The pilot launch took place in San Miguel, Bulacan, where local resident Alberto Dela Cruz, president of Samahan ng mga may Kapansanan sa San Miguel, proudly displayed his new digital PWD ID. He was among the first to receive the new ID, which will streamline benefits and cut down on fraud.
“This rollout marks a big leap in how we deliver services and recognize the rights of persons with disabilities,” said DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao in a statement. “Through this unified system, we aim to bring more convenience, security, and accessibility to the PWD community.”
The pilot program will cover an estimated 200,000 PWDs — about 10% of the total 2 million PWDs nationwide. The initiative is expected to improve identity verification and standardize benefits access across different regions.
Under the new system, local government units (LGUs), through their Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs), will handle application, validation, and approval of the IDs. The NCDA will oversee centralized ID printing and monitor the nationwide schedule for future rollouts.
The new ID comes in two formats: a digital version, accessible via a mobile app or web portal, and a physical RFID-enabled PVC card for offline use. Each card features a QR code that allows businesses and service providers to instantly verify the identity and status of the cardholder.
“This addresses a long-standing issue with fake or misused PWD IDs,” said Dumlao. “It protects the integrity of our programs while making access to benefits more efficient for legitimate cardholders.”
After San Miguel, the system is expected to roll out this week in Pasay City, Muntinlupa, and Sta. Rosa in Laguna. In the coming weeks, other pilot areas include:
- Cities in Pangasinan: Dagupan, Urdaneta, San Carlos, and Alaminos
- Solano in Nueva Vizcaya
- Multiple towns in Bulacan and Rizal provinces
- Pila, Laguna; Carmona, Cavite; and Daet, Camarines Norte
- Kalibo (Aklan), Candijay (Bohol), and Malaybalay (Bukidnon)
- Koronadal City and Surallah (South Cotabato)
- Parang in Maguindanao (BARMM)
The unified ID project supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for a more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas, where public services reach every Filipino — especially the most vulnerable.
Dela Cruz, one of the first to receive the ID, expressed hope.
“Ang dali ng proseso. Hindi ko na kailangan magdala ng maraming papeles,” he shared. “Mas ramdam namin ngayon na parte kami ng lipunan.”