Unified ID for PWDs eyed

MANILA, Philippines — A unified identification system for persons with disabilities will be implemented to sift through authentic and fake PWD ID cards, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the unified ID system will prevent criminals from availing themselves of discounts and privileges intended for PWDs.

“The President has been very consistent and has kept on reminding us to use technology to solve inefficiencies in the government’s current system,” Gatchalian told state-run PTV.

Pilot-testing of the unified ID system for PWDs is expected from January to June this year.

The system is one of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)’s proposals to address fake PWD IDs.

The NCDA governing board is chaired by Gatchalian.

Creation of the unified ID system will be managed by the DSWD and NCDA, in collaboration with local government units, Gatchalian noted.

A policy to produce online IDs first is being formulated and physical IDs will be mailed by the DSWD upon request, he said.