Council seeks issuance of PWD IDs to cancer patients

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has urged the Department of Social Welfare Services to include cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer survivors in the issuance of persons with disability (PWD) identification cards in the city.

This is pursuant to Section 25 of Republic Act No. 11215, also known as the “National Integrated Cancer Control Act,” which provides that cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors are considered as PWDs in accordance with Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.”

The City Council further requested DSWS in coordination with the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) to disseminate this information down to the barangays so as to apprise the individuals who have cancer or are cancer survivors, to enlist themselves as PWDs and be issued with the PWD identification card to avail and enjoy the rights, privileges, and incentives provided under existing laws.

Councilor Alvin Dizon sponsored a resolution with regard to the matter which was approved by the body.

Section 26 of RA 11215 provides that the cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors are accorded to the same rights and privileges as PWDs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall ensure that their social welfare and benefits provided under Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, are granted to them.

Pursuant to the implementing rules and regulations of the same Act, the local social welfare development offices, the DSWS in the city’s case, shall issue the PWD identification cards to cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer survivors.

The PWD card serves as valid proof for availing of the benefits and privileges of PWDs under RA No. 9442 also known as “An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons” and under Joint DTI-DA-DOE Administrative Order No. 17-01 on granting discounts to PWDs on purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities. —GMR  (FREEMAN)