Leslie Dulfo
- You are Beautiful! - April 24, 2025
- Fake PWD ID cards - March 27, 2025
- Mental Health and Addiction - March 20, 2025
There’s a buzz for LGUs, or even nationals, debating on the issue of fake PWD IDs. But as Sir Sam Aquino of PDAO Baguio says, “Why are you saying that only PWD IDs are being faked? There are senior citizens’ IDs, driver’s licenses and other IDs that get faked. So why look only at Fake PWD IDs?”
The PWD ID card is the most powerful card. It used to be seen as a discount card – discount card for buying medicines and eating at restaurants. Also, it prioritizes getting PWDs in front amidst queues waiting for taxis. Some people also use it for grocery for the discount rates too.
Although there may be fake ones, I firmly believe that mine is true. FAKE IDs are a Recto spur. In the same way, a lot of people suffering from invisible disabilities or mental conditions are not registering for the PWD ID because of stigma. But when “ayuda” comes, you immediately show your IDs. Such irony, don’t you think?
When I go to pharmacies, especially at the Central Business District, I get a queue number for waiting. I see that the priority lane is full of seniors and PWDs. So I get into the regular queue. Why? It takes longer to line up in the priority lane than in the regular lane now. Do you observe this too?
PWD IDs are not forced. Getting one implies acceptance of who you are – both as an identity and as a right. It’s more than discount perks. It is a way to realize that despite imperfections or disabilities, you are still the discerning factor or the master of your life. It is also an ID to reach out for help from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) for various programs and networking activities.
As it is – hug a tree, do a butterfly hug or hug that someone special. Make those good chemicals work for you. In this world where too much negativity influences us, take a moment to breathe and empathize – especially for those true recipients of the PWD IDs.