PWD I.D. for cancer patients, survivors sought

February 6, 2021 Metro BLISTT

The city council in a resolution has urged the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to include cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer survivors in the issuance of Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards in the city.
According to the resolution, people diagnosed with cancer are classified by law as PWDs. The legislators asserted they should be issued PWD ID cards provided they present a medical certificate from a medical practitioner.
Section 25 of the National Integration Control Act (Republic Act No. 11215) states that these individuals are considered as PWDs. Section 26 of the same Act mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure that these individuals also receive social welfare and benefits for PWDs.
Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the same Act, the City Social Welfare and Development Office is tasked to issue PWD ID cards to cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer survivors. This function, however, was transferred to the PDAO.
The PDAO was created in the City of Baguio in compliance with RA 10070, or the Act establishing an institutional mechanism to ensure implementation of programs and services for PWDs in the country. The PWD card serves as a valid proof for availing of the benefits and privileges for PWDs.
Under RA 9442, an Act amending the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), PWDs are given a 20% discount in hotels and other similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers; in theaters, concert halls, and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement; for the purchase of medicines; on medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees and professional fees of attending doctors; on fare for domestic air and sea travel; and public railways, skyways, and bus fare.
Also, under RA 9442, PWDs shall be accorded educational assistance through scholarships or financial aids in both public and private schools. A 5% discount is likewise given to PWDs for the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities pursuant to Joint DTI-DA-DOE Administrative Order JAO No. 17-01, Series of 2017 which is an amendment to JAO No. 02, Series of 2018 (Granting Discounts to PWDs on the Purchase of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities Pursuant to R.A. No. 9442 or the Magna Carta for PWDs).
Basic necessities are rice, corn, all kinds of bread, pork, beed, poultry meat, eggs, bottled water, fruits and vegetables, among others. Prime commodities are flour, dairy products, onions and garlic, toilet/bath soap, fertilizers, among others.
Jordan G. Habbiling/ABN