Though there are 1.2 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines, only 50,000 are PWD cardholders. The PWD card offers many benefits.
In keeping with the terms and provisions of the Magna Carta of Disabled Persons, the state is "duty-bound to recognize the rights, protect, and support PWDs through various social systems."
A PWD is someone who, because of mental, social, sensory, or physical impairment, has different or restricted abilities
According to the National Council on Disability Affairs, PWDs can be classified as follows:
1. Physical / Orthopedic Disability
2. Visual Impairment
3. Hearing Impairment
4. Speech Impairment
5. Intellectual Disability
6. Psycho Social Disability (includes people with ADHD, Bipolar disorder, long term depression, epilepsy, schizophrenia and other long term recurring mental or behavioral problems)
As for kids or adults with autism, they can be classified under intellectual or psychosocial disability depending on the degree or extent of impairment.
If you're unsure how to obtain a PWD ID, you can visit the National Council on Disability Affairs website to get all the information you need.
As for cardholders looking to make the most out of their PWD ID, here are some important reminders:
- The PWD ID grants you 20% discount and VAT exemption: restaurants, hotels, recreation centers, places of leisure and amusment (theaters, cinemas, carnivals), medicine, medical/dental services (this includes laboratory, diagnostic, professional fees in all private hospitals and medical facilities, domestic air/sea travel, public railways (MRT, LRT 1 & 2), skyway, and all public utility vehicles.
- The PWD ID entitles the bearer to 5% discount on all basic commodities, such as: rice, bread, fish, pork, beef, chicken, fresh vegetables,salt, sugar, cooking oil, fresh milk, etc. PWD cardholders must also be given discounts on prime commodities like: fresh fruits, noodles, diapers, paper, school supplies, light bulbs, battery, etc.
It's important to note, however, that purchases should not exceed P 1,300 per week.
Other benefits include:
- Educational assistance for the PWD to enroll in public or private schools for nursery and kindergarten, secondary, tertiary, post-tertiary, vocational or technical education, as long as the cardholder meets the school's admission's requirements.
- Priority lanes in all government and commercial establishments.
- Availment of GSIS (Government Service Insurance System), SSS (Social Security System), and Pag-IBIG benefits.
- Annual tax income deduction of only P25,000 of PWD's relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, who are living with or caring for the PWD.
- The right to be protected from verbal and non-verbal ridicule or abuse. Learn more about these here.
As 2016 drew to a close, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) revealed more privileges granted to PWDs on top of the aforementioned benefits.
To know more about the rights of your child with special needs, read the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons in its entirety, here.
READ: PWD tax exemption approved in the PH
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