ILOILO City – The recent implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 157 by Mayor Jerry Treñas, mandating the attachment of security labels on Persons With Disability (PWD) identification cards issued in Iloilo City, has sparked difficulties for PWDs residing in the province of Iloilo.
Reports have emerged that various city establishments are rejecting the provincial government-issued PWD IDs, citing the absence of the newly required security labels.
EO 157 aims to curb the misuse of fraudulent PWD IDs by introducing a security feature exclusive to cards issued within the city.
A public advisory from the city government stated: “Starting March 1, 2024, discounts will be denied to PWDs whose IDs, issued by the Iloilo City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), lack the designated security label/stickers.”
Ann Rapunzel “Rara” Ganzon, a key official at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Iloilo, has noted a surge in complaints from provincial PWDs. These individuals reported that their discounts were being refused by city merchants due to the non-recognition of their IDs.
Ganzon lamented the misunderstanding by some city establishments regarding the EO’s applicability, which strictly pertains to city residents, and not affecting those from the province.
“It is disheartening that some city establishments fail to realize the executive order’s scope, which is limited to city residents,” said Ganzon.
She highlighted the frequent necessity for provincial PWDs to visit the city for various needs, including medical, retail, and general transactions, due to the comparative affordability and availability in the city. The refusal to honor their IDs based on the absence of a security label complicates these visits.
To address this concern, Ganzon has initiated efforts to distribute copies of the EO to 43 towns, including Passi City, and to directly communicate with city establishments, educating them about the EO’s limitations.
Ganzon emphasized the lack of such issues within the province itself, negating the need for similar measures on their part.
She said the situation in Iloilo City calls for enhanced informational campaigns to ensure a clear understanding of the EO among all relevant parties. The provincial request underscores the necessity for continued access to the benefits and privileges afforded by PWD IDs, such as a 20 percent discount and VAT exemption, along with a 5% discount on essential goods, which significantly aid the PWD community./PN
