A PWD ID for people with Bipolar Disorder and other mental illness? Here’s how to get

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Dear Folks,        
                I remember It was one of those manic days of my teen years when I suddenly thought, “What If I apply for a PWD ID?” Later, I started researching about it, if I or rather we are indeed qualified.  I actually got the idea when I was working as a cashier at a certain fast food. I learned there that not only senior citizens get discounts but PWDs too. I encountered one with an ID indicating Mental Illness. That’s when I got curious. But, hey! I didn’t want to have one only to have some discount in restaurants.

As a person with mental health issues here in the Philippines, we all know that we lack not only support and understanding but enough mental health facilities and services. That’s why the majority of us choose to stay silent about their suffering, to not get the help they need. The cost of psychotherapies, checkups on psychiatric clinics, medicines and more things we need aren’t cheap and free. But don’t ever think that help is only for the rich. We’re all suffering. We all need help. We can all get the help we need.

I think to have an ID like this is a really big help for us. Medications, services and/or any resources is easier for us because of the twenty percent (20%) discount. Check the list below for other benefits.

Who are qualified to apply for a PWD ID?

                This was the first question I had in my mind when I first thought about it. It’s important of course to know who are the PWDs before stepping into the office to apply. I asked myself a lot of questions and what ifs like, “Do I really belong in this?” It’s hard enough to accept the diagnosis, what more to consider yourself as a person with disability?  But what else can you do than to embrace all of who you are, right?

                Here are the seven categories which are qualified, according to Department of Health: Visual disability, Orthopedic (Musculoskeletal) disability, Psychosocial disability, learning disability, Hearing disability, Speech Impairment and Mental disability where we fit. The last category includes Bipolar Mood Disorder, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia and other long-term and recurring mental or behavioral issues.

                When I first thought about applying for this ID, aside from some information I read, I had no real idea how to get one. So, I went directly at our city’s PWD Office. I was told to write some information such as name, address, contact number on a record book. After that I told them I wanted to apply for a PWD ID. They gave me an application form with a list of requirements.\

Here are the requirements:
  • Application Form(here) or you can get from PWD Office  https://pwd.doh.gov.ph/additional/files/pdf.pdf
  • Medical Certificate/ Clinical Abstract from a licensed either private or government medical professional
  • Two 1x1 picture
  •   Barangay Certificate of Residency
  •  Voter’s ID, voter’s Certification, or any government-issued ID


About the Medical Certificate, it should be from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist indicating that you have a mental illness. In my case, the paper I showed to them indicated that I have bipolar disorder but the attendant told me that it should be one of the categories I mentioned above. I don’t know if he didn’t just believe in me or whatever his reasons were. But of course, the one in your place is different. Either ask your doctor to indicate it or just tell the attendant in the office.

One more thing, if you’re still not a registered voter, do not worry you can still apply. They told me that I can just bring one of my parent’s voter’s id/certification.

Here’s how to Apply:

                The process is easy, I went there two times with a different person in charge at my second visit. They both told me this after giving the form:
  • Fill up the application form and attach your 1x1 photo.
  • Bring all the requirements I have mentioned above.
  • Submit your form and requirements to the office. They will then guide you through verification to issuance.

Here’s where to Apply

                Though I only tried going to PWD Affairs Office of the city hall, these are other offices where you can inquire and apply.
  •  City/ Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/ MWSDO)
  • PWD Affairs Office of your City Hall
  • City/ Municipal Health Office
  •  Office of the Mayor
  • Office of the Barangay Captain


Why should you apply for a PWD ID? Here’s why:

These are some of the benefits of having a PWD ID according to Republic Act No. 9442 An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7277 Known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, and for other purposes” 

(a) At least twenty percent (20%) discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of all services in hotels and similar lodging establishments; restaurants and recreation centers for the exclusive use or enjoyment of persons with disability;
(b) A minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement for the exclusive use of enjoyment of persons with disability;
(c) At least twenty percent (20%) discount for the purchase of medicines in all drugstores for the exclusive use or enjoyment of persons with disability;

Here is the complete list from Department of Health.
Source: https://pwd.doh.gov.ph/republicact9442list.php

As I’ve been saying, this is a great help for us. The only sad part I experienced with this application was the time I told the assistant that I have bipolar disorder, and he asked me which this illness falls in the classification. I told him it’s a mental illness, but he seemed unconvinced, even tried to point me to a different category.

It’s sad that most in the society see people with mental illness as the one who cannot think properly and decide for themselves, one who cannot stand straight and face the world with courage and intelligence, or one who cannot speak the rights and truths. That’s the stigma we should break.
Please think that you may be classified as a person with disability, but do not ever think that that will disable you from reaching all your dreams.

Help is for everyone. So, why not try to apply for this one?
Write us a letter below about your experience with the application of PWD ID or anything related. Thank you!


                                                                                                                                                    Love,
                                                                                                                                                       Lily

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