SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., will be conducting the 5th Emergency Preparedness Forum, in its continuing thrust to make persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens more resilient and better prepared in times of disasters. From what was an annual event held in a single venue, SM Cares now brings the forum across five SM malls nationwide from June 21 to July 12, 2019, in observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month.
Participating malls include:
SM City Clark (June 21)
SM City Marikina (July 2)
SM City Dasmariñas (July 5)
SM City Batangas (July 9)
SM Center Muntinlupa (July 12)
all happening from 10 AM to 12 Noon.
Facilitating the forum are DOST Undersecretary, PHIVOLCS director, and leading expert in geology and seismology, Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., joined by Dr. Ted Esguerra, who is an active member of numerous emergency preparedness and disaster response units around the globe. Both highly-regarded experts will impart knowledge about natural disasters and how to properly respond to them.
Bien Mateo, SM SVP for Operations
“We believe that there is a strong need to reach out to the communities that include persons with disabilities. They may either be out of reach from proper information, or they may have misconceptions on how to react to emergencies. And we are very fortunate to have Dr. Solidum and Dr. Esguerra, to help us understand and develop a more disaster-resilient way of living for PWDs,” said Bien Mateo, SM Cares program director for persons with disabilities.
“For our elderly, we have our undeniable limitations such as mobility and sensory capacities. They may know that there is an emergency but are unable to act upon it. We want to enlighten them that there are responses that they can do that best fits their situation. This is one way we want to strengthen the communities of our senior citizens,” added Danilo Chavez, SM Cares program director for senior citizens.
The project is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Goal No. 11: to make cities and human settlements sustainable. It is projected that by 2050, 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities, making sustainability a critical priority. SM, together with national government agencies and community members, are collectively engaged in pursuing objectives to make cities safer, resource-efficient, resilient and inclusive.
SM continues to promote a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment to ensure that SM becomes a place for all, and where everyone is cared for. More than these sectors of the community, this series of events also encourages everyone to make emergency preparedness more than just a vital piece of knowledge, but a way of life.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Environment Sustainability, Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy).
In celebration of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), in partnership with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., will hold the annual Happy Walk for Down syndrome on February 24, 2019 at Halls 1 & 2 of the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
The theme of this year’s event is “Living with Down, This Is My Story,” and will feature performances from children with Down syndrome, talks from honorary guests, and interactive booths.
Elmer Lapeña, DSAPI Chairman
“This is a time to tell our stories, the stories of our children. As each person goes through life, there are countless experiences that touch our lives. Some experiences can be so powerful that they have a long-lasting and life-changing impact on our lives,” DSAPI Chairman, Elmer Lapeña shares.
On its 17th year, Happy Walk continues to promote awareness and inclusivity for Persons with Down Syndrome and is expected to gather thousands of families, friends, and advocates, as well as private and public sectors supporting the advocacy.
Bien Mateo, SM SVP for Operations
“SM has been and will always be for inclusiveness. Everyone should be able to enjoy the good things SM can offer, regardless of varying conditions. We are very grateful for the partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, who work endlessly to reach and help more people, and most importantly, provide access and care to the ones who need it most,” said Bien Mateo, SM SVP for Operations and Director for SM Cares Program on PWDs.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome
Registration starts at 7:00 AM and the program begins at 8:30 AM. The event will be immediately followed by a parade around the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Simultaneously, SM City Bacolod will also join the celebration and have their walk as well.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome has come a long way since it started in 2002, with only a handful of participants. It is also one of the many strong advocacies of SM Cares that champions the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“SM Cares enables us to expand all over the Philippines, increasing the impact and benefits to more and more families, helping persons with Down syndrome to live more normal lives,” Lapeña added.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Environment Sustainability, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy).
More than 400 passionate volunteers from Citi Philippines led by country Chief Executive Officer Aftab Ahmed turned up in full force during the recently held Freedom Walk 2018, with the local government of Pasig as this year’s host city.
With the theme “Every Rightful Step, All Barriers We Break”, the Freedom Walk is co-chaired by non-governmental organizations, Alyansa ng May Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-Pinoy) and Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) as an expression of the desire of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to be free from discrimination and inequality.
Shown in photo receiving Citi’s plaque of appreciation is Aftab Ahmed together with PFRD’s president Manuel V. Agcaoili.
PWD or Person With Disability is a term used to refer to a person who faces challenges in everyday life that most people take for granted. In inclusive educational institutions, these people are referred to as “differently-abled”. In the Philippines, a “Person With Disability” can enjoy many of the privileges our senior citizens enjoy as well … so long as you have a PWD ID (which you can only get from City Hall in the city where you reside.
The universal symbol for a Person With Disability (PWD) is the man in a wheelchair. But the reality is, there are many types of disabilities and most of them have nothing to do with the ability to walk. A severe orthopedic disability is the most obvious, which is probably why they chose this symbol.
In most cases, though, people only see physical disabilities as a qualification for PWD. Below are the different types of disabilities that could qualify you or your family member for a PWD ID.
Types of disabilities:
To apply for a PWD ID you need to manifest any of the following disabilities:
psychosocial disability – includes people with ADHD, Bi-polar disorder, long-term recurring depression, nervous breakdown, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and other long-term recurring mental or behavioral problems
mental disability
hearing disability – partial to full deafness
visual disability – partial to full blindness
learning disability
speech impairment
orthopedic (musculoskeletal) disability – you will need to be specific about the ailment
Don’t make up a disability that you don’t have just to be able to avail of the benefits. You wouldn’t pretend to be a senior citizen so why would you pretend to be a PWD?
If you have a non-apparent disability get a medical certificate or abstract from your physician. Make sure to remind your doctor to include his PRC License No. below his signature and name. I’ve been told many doctors actually forget to do that which is funny since they know they are supposed to include it all the time.
Get a barangay clearance from the barangay you reside at. They will require you to show a government ID displaying your address to verify that you do live in their barangay.
Bring 2 pcs. 2×2 ID picture and 1 pc. 1X1 ID picture. The 2X2 ID pictures are for the application form and the 1X1 is for the movie booklet.
You will be required to sign a piece of paper using a marker on the spot. This signature will be later scanned and used for your ID.
If you cannot apply in person, you can send someone to process in your place but make sure to give them an authorization letter.
Are there laws that discuss the rights and privileges of PWD?
Republic Act No. 7277 is an act providing for the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society and for other purposes
Republic Act No. 9442 also known as the Magna Carta for disabled persons and other purposes, amends RA 7277
Yes, when I was there I saw some people get rejected, usually from those who declare non-apparent disabilities. Others were told to come back if their documents were found to be incomplete. Most often the issue was with the medical certificate or abstract.
I heard some people who were applying say that they applied because their workmate told them that they should apply but they did not seem sure about why they were applying.
One woman was applying (and was told to come back at a later date) because she supposedly had a psychosocial disability but her medical certificate was not issued by a psychiatrist/psychologist. Keep in mind that your medical certificate or abstract should come from a doctor that specializes in your supposed disability. So, if she really has a psychosocial disability, she would visit the appropriate doctor, get tested, and be certified.
Now, if you have the proper documentation or have an apparent disability, you have nothing to worry about.
How did I get approved?
If you have a non-apparent disability such as I do you might be hesitant to apply. I, for one, took my sweet time (5 years!) applying because I thought I would get rejected if I did.
PWD ID of Quezon City with sensitive information hidden
Several years later (2018) I was finally able to apply. The most challenging thing was actually getting my medical certificate from my doctor since he is based in Cebu (which is also where I had my operation years ago).
As you can see in the ID I have an orthopedic (musculoskeletal) disability. Because of L5-S1 degenerative spondylolisthesis, I had to go through a procedure called transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) which means I have permanent titanium implants (rods) on my spine for stability.
Since the surgery in 2013, I am no longer experiencing intermittent loss of sensation in my legs. In exchange, I now have limited flexibility and movement and I am unable to stay in one position for long (sitting, standing, etc.) but yes, I am mobile.
The medical certificate my doctor issued included the following, make sure that your doctor will include the same:
if affiliated with a hospital it is a good idea to use the hospital’s letterhead
indicate the name of the patient and the diagnosis
describe the condition
indicate the type of disability you are applying for
the signature, full name, and PRC License number
This applies to all non-apparent disabilities. FYI, it is better if you go there yourself than if you send a representative unless you are bedridden, immobile, or a minor.
What are the benefits attached to a PWD ID?
Free movies on selected days and timeslots – this depends on what city you reside in. In Quezon City, it is every Monday and Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm, depending on the theater. You need to get the free movie booklet at the start of every year
5% discount on selected grocery items (meat, rice, coffee, vegetables, etc.), refer to the back of the PWD purchase booklet. This translates to 65 pesos total discount per week
Exemption from 12% VAT on food, services, and prescribed medicines
20% discount on food, services, and prescribed medicines
20% discount on hotel and local flight bookings
Priority parking – special parking slots are allotted near the elevators and entrances
Priority lane when lining up for anything
Discounted parking
Do all venues offer discounted parking?
Sadly, not all places offer this. Here are the ones I’ve confirmed that do (less 12% VAT, less 20%). I will indicate otherwise if there is any difference in the rate given.
Manila City
Robinson’s Manila
U.N. Square on UN Avenue
Makati
Park Square
Quezon City
Cyberpark Parking, Cubao
Gateway Mall, Cubao
Robinson’s Magnolia – flat rate of P50 for everyone
Trinoma Mindanao Parking – first 4 hours free. I had to specify Mindanao parking because when I was parked at the North parking the girl at the booth said there were no discounts for PWD.
So far, parking facilities that were managed by Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC) gave a discount but I think it would be premature to make a blanket statement and say all of them so I will just add more places as I discover them.
To everyone out there who is PWD but hesitated to apply, I hope this article will help you move things along. 🙂
For those who are envious of the benefits that PWD receives, don’t be. Trust me, we who are legitimately PWD wish we weren’t.
Addendum:
The PWD ID is valid for 3 years only. Before it expires, make sure to renew it. You will need to get a new medical abstract/certificate and new two 2X2 ID pictures.
The universal symbol for a Person With Disability (PWD) is the man in a wheelchair. But the reality is, there are many types of disabilities and most of them have nothing to do with the ability to walk. A severe orthopedic disability is the most obvious, which is probably why they chose this symbol.
As a matter of fact, there are a few we should all be aware of and the full documents can be viewed on the 
Yes, when I was there I saw some people get rejected, 
As you can see in the ID I have an orthopedic (musculoskeletal) disability. Because of L5-S1 degenerative spondylolisthesis, I had to go through a procedure called transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) which means I have permanent titanium implants (rods) on my spine for stability.
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