BACOLOD City – The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in this city will no longer accept replacements of the old versions of identification (ID) cards of persons with disability (PWD) after the April 30 deadline.
In February, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez ordered the recall of around 12,000 PWD ID cards previously issued by the DSSD to replace them with ones equipped with data security features, including a quick response (QR) code. This, according to the mayor, was also after he learned of the indiscriminate issuance of PWD IDs.
DSSD head Alma Gustilo said card holders were given enough time, and as such, there will be no more extensions after the April 30 deadline.
Gustilo said the DSSD is accepting applications for the new IDs from Monday to Sunday at the Bacolod Express Service Office in Ayala Malls Capitol Central and at Government Service Express in SM City Bacolod.
The DSSD head is yet to release the initial number of the new PWD IDs the office has already issued.
The new PWD IDs are made of PVC material and will have the same five-year expiration as the previous IDs.
“It is essential to ensure data security, comply with updated regulations, and address other relevant concerns regarding PWD cards,” Benitez earlier explained.
He also cited the strict compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 10754, or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, and the Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2013-0005-A./PN
