Getting a PWD ID in Makati City has many benefits especially if one has expensive maintenance meds to buy regularly. But navigating local government processes adds to the burdens as PWDs. If you live in Makati and need to apply for a Person With Disability (PWD) card, this guide covers things you need to know — including details from an actual home visit experience from the Makati Action Center (MAC).
I’ll do my best to share exact step-by-step processes, the updated requirements, and a handy tool to help you calculate your discounts once your PWD ID arrives. Note: my source got theirs from Bangkal’s Makati Action Center.
📋 Requirements for a Makati PWD ID
- Six (6) copies 1×1 ID Picture
- Latest COMELEC Certification (for minors, Voter’s Certificate of parent/guardian is required)
- Barangay Certification
- Duly accomplished PWD Profile Sheet
- Medical Certificate with classification of disability and duration of the validity of the ID (recent) or Certification on Disability signed by the Brgy. Health Center Doctor with duration/validity of the ID.
🚶♂️ Step-by-Step Application Process
- Obtain the Application Form and PWD Profile Sheet from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO);
- Fill out the Application Form and PWD Profile Sheet accurately and completely;
- Affix one (1) ID picture on the accomplished Application Form and staple the other ID pictures with the PWD Registration Form (PWD-RF);
- Attach a copy of the required documents to confirm the medical/disability condition/s of the applicant;
- Submit the accomplished PWD-RF and all the requirements to the MSWDPDAO;
- Claim PWD ID, Purchase Booklet and Movie Booklet after three (3) working days from the date of submission.
The MAC Home Visit and Delivery (Renato’s Experience)
Unlike many other cities, Makati requires a home visit as part of the requirements to acquire a PWD ID.
According to Renato, a Makati resident who applied for PWD ID in the year 2022, the home visit was like this (Pasting their write-up that they were supposed to share in their own blog, but never got to, which they attribute to their ADHD. lol. )
“Today, Kuya Jun from Makati City Hall / Makati Action Center visited my home as part of the process to apply for a PWD ID.
It was an anxiety-inducing wait since it’s a “surprise visit” that may happen any time within 2 weeks after PWD ID application. This was to verify that I am really a resident of the address I provided during my application. My disability’s symptom is mostly executive dysfunction from ADHD, which requires that I plan every single activity in my day, otherwise I won’t be able to accomplish most of my responsibilities.
It was a good timing that Kuya Jun arrived before my day started so I don’t have to stop what I’m doing.
He asked me to fill out a form. I wonder why they make me fill out so many forms. I already filled out a similar form during my application on July 1, 2022.
PWD ID will be delivered in 1-2 weeks from now. It’s a bit frustrating because at Makati Action Center, I was told that I should receive my PWD ID 2 weeks after application. This week is already the second week after application, and now I have to wait another week or two?
I told Kuya Jun about my concern and he asked if I already need the PWD ID ASAP. I said yes, because I need it to buy medications in discounted price. He put my mind at ease by telling me that the 1-2 weeks estimate has a buffer, and it’s possible to get the PWD ID in less than 1 week. He also said that he’ll try to expedite the processing of my application with Makati City Hall so that I receive my PWD ID soon.
Some things don’t sink in fully in my mind unless I hold an object that proves that something happened. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive-Type decades after suffering from its symptoms in the dark, and it’s a life-changing event. So all the struggles I go through while doing simple things that other people seem to accomplish without much effort, were caused by a mental, congenital disability? Owning a PWD ID, as well as the new experiences (like weird looks I may get from other customers as I’m not on a wheelchair) that I’ll gain while using it in establishments, will help everything sink in. Once everything fully sinks in, I’ll be more able to plan what I want to do in life around my disability.”
– Renato (a Makati resident), 2022
📱 Maximize Your New ID: Free PWD / Senior Citizen Discount Calculator (for Android devices)
Being a member of a family with several senior citizens, I regularly transact with establishments using senior citizen discount IDs. So, a few years ago, I developed a free Android app that calculates the expected discount for transactions that used a Senior Citizen ID or a PWD ID card for availing discounts.
Once your Makati PWD ID arrives, calculating your 20% discount and VAT exemption at restaurants and pharmacies can be confusing.
Make your life a little easier as/with a PWD or Senior Citizen. Download my free app on Google Play:
Senior/PWD Discount Calculator (For Android)
Why it’s helpful:
- Instant Math: Computes your exact payable amount instantly, factoring in VAT exemption.
- No arguments: Shows you the exact math so you know you are billed correctly at fast-food chains and drugstores.
- Free: No money need be shelled out here. Life’s already expensive for PWDs and senior citizens.
- Tried and tested: Me and my family have personally tried and got accurate discount computations from this app.
[Download the PWD Discount Calculator here]
I can almost hear complaints for IPhone users as they read the “for android” bit. Hehe. Maybe one of these days I could try to make at least a web-based version, if not an IOS app one? We’ll see.
💡 Final Tips for getting a PWD ID for Makati Residents
Applying for a PWD ID locally through your Barangay MAC can save you a trip to Makati City Hall. Make sure your contact details on the form are accurate so the MAC personnel can easily find your home for the home visit! Best of luck to you or to your loved ones who wish to apply for a PWD ID in Makati~ Remember, only real PWDs should apply for PWD IDs. Fake PWDs, scram!!