DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) XI has proposed a national standardization of Persons with Disability (PWD) ID cards to address inconsistencies and promote accessibility for PWDs nationwide.
The proposal, approved during a recent quarterly meeting of RCDA XI, recommends that the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) lead the development of a standardized PWD ID card (PWD-IDC). The resolution also calls for a robust validation mechanism to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the cards.
The proposal arose from the observation that not all local government units adhere to the PWD-IDC template outlined in Republic Act No. 9442, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. This lack of uniformity has resulted in confusion for establishments and hindered PWDs from accessing their rightful discounts and benefits.
The RCDA XI believes that a standardized PWD-IDC will streamline the process of identification and verification, ultimately enhancing accessibility and ensuring fair treatment for PWDs across the country.
Another resolution tackled in the meeting was the call for the local government units to include a permanent representative from the provincial/city/municipal/federation of PWDs in the local disaster risk reduction and management council.
Establishing a permanent representative will strengthen the monitoring mechanisms and disability inclusion in the LGU disaster preparedness and resilience programs.
An effective monitoring mechanism will also help RCDA formulate a timely and responsive policy intervention to disability-related issues with regards to DRM.
Once approved and signed by the members of RCDA XI coming from the national and local government, civil society organizations, PWD organizations and private sector, the resolutions will be endorsed to the NCDA for approval. (RVC/PIA Davao)
