House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday welcomed the government’s pilot rollout of the unified identification system for persons with disabilities (PWDs), describing it as “a milestone in dignity, fairness, and service” for one of society’s most vulnerable sectors.
Earlier, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that the pilot implementation has begun in 35 areas nationwide, starting in San Miguel, Bulacan.
Romualdez — principal author of House Bill 16, which seeks to enhance discounts for senior citizens and PWDs — said this move is proof of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sincere commitment to protect and uplift those who need government’s help the most.
“This unified ID will make life easier for our PWDs by ensuring that services and benefits reach them without delay, confusion, or unfair treatment,” the House Speaker said in a statement.
“At the same time, it is a strong response to the long-standing abuse of fraudulent PWD IDs that hurt businesses and cast doubt on legitimate beneficiaries,” he added.
Romualdez is optimistic that this initiative of the DSWD and the National Council on Disability Affairs will effectively address the reported theft and exploitation of some individuals on the rights and benefits reserved for PWDs.
The unified ID aims to eliminate fake IDs and restore public trust in the system granted under the law. Around 200,000 PWDs are expected to join the pilot rollout, with full implementation benefiting an estimated two million PWDs nationwide.
Apart from Bulacan, the program will also be introduced this week in Pasay City, Muntinlupa City, and Santa Rosa City in Laguna.
The pilot run covers 35 local government units across the country, including areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Rizal, Cavite, Camarines Norte, Aklan, Bohol, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.
Under the new system, LGUs will process applications, verify eligibility, and approve unified PWD IDs through their Persons with Disability Affairs Offices, while the NCDA will handle centralized ID printing.
Security features include a digital ID accessible via mobile app or web portal; a QR code for instant verification by business establishments; and an RFID-enabled physical card for added protection.
