Photo credit: DSWD

Exciting news for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines. A new Unified Identification (ID) system is on its way, set to be pilot tested from January to June and fully rolled out across the country in July, according to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

Glenda Relova, NCDA's Executive Director, shared the update during a recent media forum at the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) New Press Center in Quezon City. This unified ID system aims to tackle the long-standing issue of fake PWD IDs by introducing a more secure and efficient process.

Relova explained, “Nagkaroon po tayo ng round-table discussion… doon po ay nagkaroon ng pagbabalangkas na mag-iissue po ang DSWD ng isang unified ID system. Inaantay lang po naming na ma-finalize ang terms of reference para ma-plantsa po natin ang different phases ng pag-rerelease ng ID.”

The unified ID, which will be managed by the DSWD and NCDA in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), promises to streamline the application, verification, and approval processes through their respective Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAO).

What's unique about this ID? It's both physical and digital. The physical ID will be a high-security RFID-enabled PVC card, while the digital ID will be accessible via a mobile app or web portal. Both versions will include biometric data to help prevent fraud and ensure that PWDs can easily access their statutory benefits.

Relova also highlighted that the system will have a web-based portal linked to the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability (PRPWD) for real-time updates and local-level verification.

With this new system, the government hopes to create a more inclusive and fair environment for all PWDs, ensuring they get the benefits they rightfully deserve while curbing abuse. Keep an eye out for more updates as this promising initiative unfolds!