Manila:The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to finalize regulatory amendments within the next two weeks to implement a unified QR code-based identification system for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This initiative aims to enable businesses to instantly verify legitimate cardholders and curb the proliferation of fake cards.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that the digital verification system is ready, with nearly 80 percent of local government units (LGUs) trained to use it. However, regulatory and equipment requirements have delayed the broader implementation. Gatchalian mentioned plans to sign agreements with the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Health (DOH) soon.
The amendments to existing rules will formally define DSWD's role in issuing these unified credentials, encouraging establishments to adopt the verification system. PWDs will receive digital IDs with QR codes linked to a centralized database, allowing restaurants, hotels, and other establishments to easily verify registrations by scanning the codes.
Gatchalian highlighted that under the current system, approximately 1,500 different ID formats exist, complicating verification for businesses. The new system will integrate with the government's eGovPH application, streamlining the process further.
Addressing the concerns of Senators Raffy and Erwin Tulfo regarding fake PWD IDs, Gatchalian identified three primary sources of fraud. These include inappropriate medical certifications, irregularities in LGU Persons with Disability Affairs Offices, and counterfeit cards produced outside authorized government offices. The unified system aims to mitigate these issues by ensuring only legitimate registrations are accepted.
Despite the system's readiness, some LGUs lack the necessary equipment to implement it. Gatchalian has requested funding restoration for the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) to procure and distribute the required hardware. The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program sees a significant reduction in the NCDA's budget, which could affect system implementation.
Gatchalian assured that PWDs without smartphones or internet access would still receive identification credentials, as LGUs will print standardized cards and manage records locally. He emphasized that technology should not exclude anyone from social protection programs. The DSWD and NCDA have already begun introducing the system in selected LGUs, with plans to expand its use nationwide to enhance verification and protect legitimate PWD benefits.
