Interested in knowing the list of PWD illnesses in the Philippines to see if you are qualified? You have come to the right place. Here Corner4men will provide you with the illnesses and diseases that are considered PWD and the benefits a PWD license will bring.

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at how you can get a PWD ID in the Philippines.

What Is PWD ID?

PWD ID is basically the identification card for PWDs (short for people with disabilities) in the Philippines. Holders of the ID can use it to avail benefits and discounts just for them, including healthcare.

PWD Card Validity

The card has to be renewed after three years. It is free of charge the first time it is issued. After that, users will be charged a small amount of fee for renewal because of loss, expiration, or damage. If you want to know whether you are qualified, read our list of PWD illness in the Philippines to find out.

People Qualify For A PWD ID?

Those with permanent disabilities are qualified to app for PWD IDs. According to the Republic Act 10754[1], PWDs are defined as people with long-term mental, sensory, physical, and intellectual, that have an impact on their daily interaction.

List Of PWD In The Philippines

Here is the list of PWD illness in the Philippines, issued by the DOH (Department of Health):

• Psychosocial disability: long-term behavioral or mental issues, depression, epilepsy, schizophrenia, ADHD, and bipolar disorder.
• Visual disability: visual impairments that can’t be treated. People with these disabilities need medical certificates issued by ophthalmologists and a clearance proving that the eyesight limits their normal functions.
• Orthopedic disability: people with amputated feet, arms, dwarfism, and scoliosis can apply for a PWD ID.
• Disability as a result of a chronic illness: for example, blindness resulted from diabetes or orthopedic disability resulted from cancer.
• Learning disability: problems that obstruct people’s ability to learn basic skills like reading, math, and writing.
• Intellectual or mental disability.
• Multiple disabilities.
• Hearing impairment
• Speech disabilities.

PWD Benefits

So if your condition is on the above list of PWD illness in the Philippines, here is what you can expect to get if you have an ID. Please bear in mind that when PWDs want to avail the benefits they are entitled to need to present their ID. People with apparent disabilities may not need the ID, just passports are enough to get discounts.

Recently there is a debate on which social classes of the Philippines deserve financial aid from the government we think you might be interested in.

VAT Exemption And 20% Discount

People with disabilities don’t have to pay VAT and can enjoy 20% discount for certain services and products:

• Restaurants
• Recreational centers like theaters and cinemas.
• Food and medicines for medical needs.
• Burial and funeral services for PWDs.
• Land transportation fares, for buses, jeeps, ride-hailing services, and trains.
• Laboratory fees, professional fees, and diagnosis for dental and medical services.
• Fares for sea travel and domestic air.
• Accommodations, including dormitories.

Please bear in mind that if the service or product has already been discounted, PWDs can’t avail their 20% on top of the existing promotion, but they can enjoy the higher discount. Plus, senior citizens with disabilities can only avail either of discounts, whichever is higher.

5% Discount on Prime Commodities And Basic Necessities

On top of the VAT exemption and the 20% discount, PWDs can also have a 5% reduction when they purchase basic commodities like fresh fruits, sugar, rice, meat, construction materials, and others listed by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry. So if your condition belongs to the above list of PWD illness in the Philippines, you can have another 5% discount as long as the total amount you purchase each week don’t exceed PHP 1,300.

Senior citizens on the list of PWD illness can’t enjoy the discount from both categories.

Mandatory Coverage Under SSS/GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG

All Filipino PWD workers have the same benefits from the GSIS (Government Service Insurance System), SSS (Social Security System), Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth as other members of these agencies.

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Educational Help

PWDs with conditions listed on the list of PWD illness in the Philippines can apply for financial support like allowances, educational grants, subsidies, and scholarships at technical or vocational education, post-graduate, college, high school, and elementary level.

Express Lanes For PWDs

PWDs are entitled to express lanes in the Philippines.

PWD Privileges In Certain Cities

These are the nationwide benefits for PWDs. People qualify the list of PWD illness in the Philippines can enjoy added privileges in some cities:

• San Fernando, Makati, SM Cinemas in Baguio, Angeles City, Bacoor, and Quezon City: free movie tickets.
• Cebu City and Makati: financial aid and cash gifts.  
• Cebu City, Cavite, and Muntinlupa: free parking.
• San Juan, Quezon City, Makati, and Taguig: reduction in parking fee at selected areas.
• Makati: free cakes on birthday.