THIS refers to the letter of Reynaldo A. Cunanan titled “Disabled Filipinos still ignored despite RA 7277.” (Inquirer, 9/25/09) He said that “In my experience as a disabled person, I have not enjoyed any of the benefits I am entitled to under the law, especially the 20-percent discount in drugstores, restaurants and public transport utilities (jeepneys, FXs and buses), even after I had shown them my PWD ID card from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.”

We wish to clarify that the DSWD does not issue IDs for persons with disabilities (PWDs). These IDs are issued by the city/municipal mayor of the place where the PWD resides pursuant to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which amended RA 7277, the law providing additional privileges and incentives for PWDs.

Cunanan may file his complaints and other concerns with the Program and Management Division, National Council on Disability Affairs located at Isidora Street, Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City or call telephone number 952-2809. He may also send an e-mail to www.council@ncda.gov. ph.
—ALICIA R. BALA,
undersecretary,
Policy and Programs Group,
Department of Social Welfare
and Development