The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has stepped up its campaign against the distribution and illegal usage of fake persons with disability identification cards by expanding the Unified Persons with Disabilities Identification System (UPWDIS).
“The DSWD and its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), continue to strengthen the rollout of the UPWDIS across the country. This system was initiated by Secretary Rex Gatchalian to prevent the use of fake persons with disabilities identification cards in availing the benefits and privileges accorded to the sector,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said on Thursday.
The UPWDIS aggregates databases and standardizes verification procedures for persons with disabilities to preserve data accuracy, enhance transparency, and protect the sector. The mechanism also works to counter fraudulent cards that harm commercial enterprises, including small restaurants and local businesses.
Established under NCDA Administrative Order No. 001, s. 2026, the UPWDIS creates a single national portal designed to verify the identities of persons with disabilities and prevent unauthorized card use.
“When unscrupulous individuals exploit discounts and privileges intended for persons with disabilities, they take away the services and support from those who genuinely need them, further crippling a vulnerable community,” Dumlao pointed out.
As of September, the NCDA has completed 80 percent of the system rollout, covering approximately 1,100 local government units (LGUs).
The DSWD indicated it remains on schedule to complete full nationwide implementation within the year as onboarding expands to remaining areas.
Dumlao also issued a warning to individuals involved in the unauthorized distribution or sale of fake identification cards.
“One again, we urge the public to report anyone collecting, selling, or using fraudulent persons with disability IDs. Offenders will face heavy criminal charges under the Revised Penal Code and anti-fraud laws, including estafa and falsification of public documents,” Dumlao also said.
Members of the public can report cases involving fraudulent persons with disability IDs directly to the NCDA through email at council@ncda.gov.ph or via its official social media channels.