NCDA to launch ‘unified’ PWD ID system in July to fight fake IDs

MANILA, Philippines, June 26 ------ The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) will begin the pilot implementation of the unified identification system for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in July, aiming to curb the proliferation of fake PWD IDs. According to the NCDA, the new ID and database system will initially cover 200,000 PWDs in 35 local government units across the country.

The new ID will be issued in both digital and physical formats. The digital version will be accessible through a mobile application or web portal and will include a QR code for fast and secure verification. The pilot sites for the unified PWD ID system are at the following areas:

- National Capital Region: Pasay City and Muntinlupa City

- Ilocos Region: Dagupan City, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City, and Alaminos City (Pangasinan)

- Cagayan Valley: Solano, Nueva Vizcaya

- Central Luzon: Multiple cities and municipalities in Bulacan such as San Rafael, Baliwag, Malolos, San Jose Del Monte, Guiguinto, San Miguel, Bocaue, Santa Maria, Pandi, Marilao, Balagtas, and Meycauayan

- Calabarzon: Cainta, San Mateo, Teresa, and Antipolo City (Rizal); Carmona (Cavite); Pila and City of Santa Rosa (Laguna)

- Bicol Region: Daet, Camarines Norte

- Western Visayas: Kalibo, Aklan

- Central Visayas: Candijay, Bohol

- Northern Mindanao: Malaybalay, Bukidnon

- Soccskargen: Koronadal City and Surallah, South Cotabato

- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Parang, Maguindanao

According to the NCDA, the selection of pilot areas was based on two key considerations: first, local government units (LGUs) with reported incidents of falsified PWD ID cards; and second, LGUs that formally expressed interest in participating in the pilot phase. Once the pilot run is launched in July, registration will be fully digital and conducted online. Applicants may still register in person at their respective Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs), provided they bring the required documents.

Meanwhile, the physical RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)-enabled PVC cards will feature enhanced security elements that are difficult to replicate. These are scheduled to be delivered to registered PWDs by October. According to NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova, the unified ID system is expected to improve the authentication process for PWD IDs. She acknowledged that business establishments face difficulty verifying the authenticity of PWD ID cards presented by customers, as each local government unit issues differently designed PWD IDs. “The aim of our unified ID system is for us to have a single design and only one issuing authority, so that when our PWDs present this new ID, there will be no more questions or a need to verify. These cards themselves will tell that they are being carried by registered PWDs,” Relova explained.

The setup aims to prevent forgery by using materials and technology that are difficult to replicate. According to Relova, the new PWD ID system is also integrated with the National ID and e-verifier systems, enhancing inter-agency authentication and ensuring data consistency.

Source: inquirer.net