(Updated: July 22, 2024)

Most of us will experience a handicap at some point in our lives, know someone who does, or both. Everyone is affected by disability, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic or cultural origin. This blog includes a list of PWD Illnesses in the Philippines and how to get a PWD ID in person and online.

PWD List of Disabilities in the Philippines

According to RA 10524, disabled individuals (PWDs) have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, combined with other impediments, may prevent them from fully and equally participating in society. In the Department of Health A.O. No. 2009-0011, the current list of PWD illnesses in the Philippines is defined as follows: 

Psychosocial Disability

“Any acquired behavioral, cognitive, emotional or social impairment that limits one or more activities necessary for effective interpersonal transaction and other civilizing process or activities for daily living.” This category also defines civilians who show antisocial behavior.

Examples: Bipolar mood disorder, schizophrenia, etc.

Disability due to Chronic Illness

“Chronic Illness describes a group of health conditions that last a long time. It may get slowly worse over time or may become permanent, or it may lead to death. It may cause permanent change to the body, and it will certainly affect the person’s quality of life.”

Examples: Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, etc.

Learning Disability

“Any disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes (perception, compression, thinking, etc.) involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language.”

Examples: Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, etc.

Mental Disability

“Disability resulting from organic brain syndrome (i.e. Mental retardation, acquired lesions of the central nervous system, or dementia) and or mental illness (psychotic or non-psychotic disorder).”

Examples: Personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.

Also read: World Mental Health Day 2023: Breaking Free from Outdated Stigmas

Visual Disability

“A person with visual disabilities (impairment) is one who has impairment of visual functioning even after treatment and/or standard refractive correction and has visual acuity in the better eye of less than (6/18 for low vision and 3/60 for blind), or a visual field of less than 10 degrees from the point of fixation. A certain level of visual impairment is defined as legal blindness. One is legally blind when the best corrected central visual acuity in your better eye is 60/60 or worse, or your side vision is 20 degrees or less in the better eye.”

Example: Legal blindness, etc.

Orthopedic Disability

“Disability in the normal functioning of the joints, muscles or limbs.” This category also covers people who had their limbs amputated.

Examples: Cerebral palsy, paraplegia, polio, etc.

Communication Disability

“An impairment in the process of speech, language or hearing:

1. Hearing impairment is a total or partial loss of hearing function that impedes the communication process essential to language, education, social, and/or cultural interaction
2. “Speech and Language Impairment” means one or more speech/language disorders of voice, articulation, rhythm, and/or the receptive and expressive process of language.”

Example: Deafness, muteness, etc.

PWDs can also be classified as Qualified Persons with Disabilities, which comprises people with disabilities who, with appropriate accommodations, can carry out the responsibilities of the job they now have or desire.

PWDs with non-obvious disabilities like psychosocial, learning, mental/intellectual, visual, and hearing impairments must obtain a certification attesting to their impairment from the Department of Health through one of its regional hospitals, medical centers, or specialty hospitals to be eligible for accreditation.

Also read: Netizens praise CDO restaurant Romantic Baboy for hiring PWD employee

How to get a PWD ID in the Philippines?

A PWD ID is a legal ID card given to people with disabilities. This card is used as identification for claiming PWD benefits and privileges.

A PWD ID is free and valid for three years. After that, a renewal is required using the same papers as registration. However, the specifications should be current and up-to-date.

For the issuing of a Persons with Disability ID, there are 2 ways:

1. A walk-in application
2. An online application.

For in-person applications, you may visit the local Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office and submit the Persons with Disability ID application requirements.

How to Apply for a PWD ID Online?

For online applications, the necessary steps would require extra steps that are not included with in-person approaches. Here’s the process for applying for PWD ID online:

Step 1. Visit pwd.doh.gov.ph, the official website of the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability (PPWDRS). Then click the Online ID Application link on the menu.

Step 2. Click “Add” after completing the online application form

Step 3. Review the information on your application.

Step 4. If you need to change your application, click the “Edit” button. If the data has already been entered accurately, click the “Confirm” button to submit the form. The system will show a message. 

Step 5. Visit the Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office closest to your home and submit all required documentation

Persons with Disability ID Application Requirements

Please bring the following essential requirements to the nearest Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Office:

1. Two (2) “1×1” current ID pictures with owner’s names, signatures, or thumbprints on the back.
2. A valid government identification card or barangay clearance or certification.
3. Medical certification, a certificate of disability, or a school assessment.

PWD ID Registration FAQs

Here is a list of frequent questions applicants ask regarding the PWD list of disabilities and the application process:

Is it good if, following my online application, I no longer meet with any Municipal/City Social Welfare Development Officers?

No. A successful online application does not guarantee the issuing of an ID. The Persons with Disability ID must be formally issued with all appropriate documents at the nearest Municipal or City Social Welfare Development Office.

How to check the status of my ID card for persons with disabilities?

Click the ID Verification link under Menu of pwd.doh.gov.ph. Then, input in the given box your ID number to check the status of your Persons with Disability ID. 

What happens if the person with a disability is bedridden and unable to physically present to provide the necessary documentation?

The person should present a consent document and other requirements to a PWD’s guardian. 

Final Thoughts

If you or anyone you know suffers from the disabilities listed above, you may apply for a PWD ID today and receive the benefits provided by the government. While a disability may be a topic rarely covered, it is anything but a mood downer. By knowing the list and the application process, your loved ones can experience an improved and enjoyable lifestyle ahead of them. For more information about PWD Benefits, visit pwd.doh.gov.ph. –WhatALife!/Brix

Source: (1), (2)

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Also read: How to apply for Solo Parent ID in Quezon City?