• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod passed a resolution Feb. 14 endorsing to the Office of Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez for consideration the letter of the Bacolod Integrated Federation of PWD Association (BIFPA) on the deadline to secure new PWD IDs with QR code by Feb. 29.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said during the regular SP session this afternoon that, as per a caucus with the mayor, it was learned that there are more than 12,000 persons with disabilities in the city, but the mall-based Bacolod express services centers, specifically at SM City Bacolod and the Ayala Malls Capitol Central could only each process 50 PWD ID renewals a day, hence the request to extend the deadline.
BIFPA president Napoleon Saron has asked the SP to intervene on their behalf regarding the memorandum of Benitez Feb. 5 on the recall of all PWD IDs following reports on the indiscriminate issuance and use of the IDs.
“The recall is essential to ensure data security, complying with updated regulations, addressing other relevant concerns regarding the PWD cards, including the indiscriminate issuance of PWD IDs, which has come to my knowledge,” the mayor stressed in Memorandum No. 030 addressed to Alma Gustilo, officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Services and Development.
The recall is also part of the city’s ongoing campaign to secure and streamline the processing of the IDs. The processing and distribution of PWD IDs with QR code started Feb. 12 until the end of this month.
The city Public Information Office also posted this evening that new ID applicants are required to go to the City Health Office for interview and certification.
“For PWD ID renewals, please proceed to GSE (Government Service Express at the third floor northwing of SM City Bacolod) and the BESO (Bacolod Express Services Office at the fourth floor of the Ayala Malls,” it added.
Businesses mandated to give discounts and other services to PWDs, meanwhile, are encouraged to call the DSSD hotline at 468-6269 for validation if unsure of the bearer of a PWD ID, while the transition to the QR-coded cards is ongoing. | CGC
