The Unified PWD ID System Is Rolling Out In 35 Locations Starting This July

It'll cover 200,000 individuals in the LGUs.

Published on Jun 25, 2025

PHOTO: Canva Pro/Robert Kneschke

With the growing use of fake PWD IDs, restaurants and establishments have become stricter, some even refusing valid IDs out of suspicion. But change is (hopefully) coming.

The government is set to pilot test the Unified PWD ID System this July—a major step toward ensuring more secure and reliable access to benefits for the PWD sector.

The new system aims to crack down on the misuse of fake IDs and guarantee that these benefits reach their rightful recipients. At its core, the system will create a centralized national database and streamline the issuance of PWD IDs under a single design and authority.

"Ang layunin po ng Unified PWD System is para po tayo magkaroon ng iisang design lamang," National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Glenda Relova announced.

"Iisa lang din po ang issuing authority para po once po na ang ating mga persons with disability ay dala-dala po itong ID na ito ay wala na pong question or hindi na kinakailangan i-verify pa kung hindi talagang ang ID mismo ang nagsasabi na sila ay totoo pong persons with disability," she added.

ICYDK, the Unified PWD ID System was originally announced at the start of 2025, with plans to conduct its testing phase from January to June.

However, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on February in an interview with DZBB Super Radyo that the government is, instead, eyeing to implement it by the end of the year.

The latest update from the NCDA confirmed that pilot testing will officially begin this July 2025 in 35 local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

Where is the Unified PWD ID System being pilot tested?

Here are the areas included for pilot run:

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Parang, Maguindanao

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

Region II Cagayan Valley: Solano, Nueva Vizcaya

Region III 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

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

Region V Bicol Region: Daet, Camarines Norte

Region VI Western Visayas: Kalibo, Aklan

Region VII Central Visayas: Candijay, Bohol

Region X Northern Mindanao: Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN: Koronadal City and Surallah, South Cotabato

National Capital Region: Pasay City and Muntinlupa City

"The initiative will initially cover 200,000 individuals in 35 local government units (LGUs) across the country," NCDA said in a statement.

According to the NCDA, the Unified PWD ID will be available in two formats: a physical PVC card and a digital ID equipped with a QR Code. It will be accessible via a mobile app or web portal. There will also be a secure verification.

Applicants must register by submitting valid documentation that confirms their disability. For individuals who may not be adept with technology, they can seek assistance at Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) desks located in their respective LGUs.

For more updates and announcements, make sure to visit NCDA’s Official Facebook page.

Unified PWD ID System: What You Need To Know

Pilot testing is set to begin in January 2025.

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