The Department of Social Welfare and Development is a national agency that is mandated to protect the rights and welfare of every Filipino. These include persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Recently, the DSWD shared on social media about the rights and privileges of PWDs. What exactly are these rights and privileges? Keep on reading… so that you, too, can be aware!
The Rights and Privileges of PWDs
In a Facebook post last February 17, 2024, the DSWD cited Section 6 of Republic Act 10754 or “An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.”
“Persons with disability shall be entitled to the grant of 20% discount and VAT-exemption on the purchase of certain goods and services from all establishments under RA 9442 for their exclusive use, enjoyment or availment,” the Act stated. “Provided, however, that the purchase of such goods and services from sellers that are not subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) shall be subject to the applicable percentage tax.”
Here is a list of places where PWDs can avail of discounts and other privileges:
1. Lodging and Establishments
These include room accommodations and other amenities offered by the establishment, such as food, massage parlor, sauna bath, etc.
2. Restaurants
These include foods, drinks, dessert, and other consumable items. The discount is limited to the food and beverage of the PWD only.
3. Recreation Centers
These include admission fees in cinemas, theaters, concert halls, carnivals, and other leisure and cultural places. Rental facilities, equipment, accessories, and gadgets are also included.
4. Medicines and Foods for Special Medical Purposes
These include prescribed generic and branded medicines and food for special medical purposes — in all drugstores.
5. Medical and Dental Services
These include medical and dental services such as diagnostic and laboratory fees, professional fees in government as well as private hospitals and medical facilities.
6. Domestic Air and Sea Travel
These include discounts on actual fare for domestic air and sea travel. “Double” discounts do not apply for promotional fares.
7. Land Transportation Travel
These include land transportation but not limited to public utility buses, jeepneys, taxis, AUVs, shuttles, Grab, Uber, etc.
8. Educational Assistance
This shall be given to the PWD from primary, secondary, tertiary, post-tertiary, and vocational/technical education in public and private schools. The assistance can come in the form of scholarships, grants, or financial aid.
9. Funeral and Burial Services
The beneficiary or any person who will shoulder the funeral and burial expenses of the deceased PWD shall claim the discount.
National Council on Disability Affairs
Notably, the agency responsible for promoting, implementing, and monitoring programs and projects for PWDs is the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). The NCDA was created by virtue of Executive Order 709 under the Office of the President and by virtue of Executive Order 33 attached to the DSWD.
Contact Information: NCDA
If you have any questions, complaints, and other concerns regarding programs for PWDs, you can get in touch with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) under your Local Government Unit (LGU). You can also contact the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) through the following:
Email: council@ncda.gov.ph
Telephone: +63 2 8932 6422
Website: https://ncda.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nationalcouncilondisabilityaffairs
Final Thoughts
Indeed, just like everyone else, persons with disabilities (PWDs) should be entitled to certain benefits and privileges, especially when it comes to basic needs and services such as food, medicine, education, and transportation. Thanks to the DSWD and NCDA, PWDs can look forward to enjoying these benefits!
Meanwhile, for indigent senior citizens who are frail, sickly, and without a regular source of income, the DSWD has a specific program. Check out this article to learn more about the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) Program.