Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Davao City can register for the Dabawenyo Unified Citizen Identification Card (DCitizen ID) starting September this year. City councilor Bonz Andre Militar, chair of the committee on information, communications, and technology, announced that the first phase will prioritize around 20,000 PWDs and 160,000 senior citizens, who are recipients of city government subsidies. A budget for the initiative will be allocated in the next supplemental budget, expected to be approved before the 20th city council ends on June 30. The ID, provided free of charge to all residents, including temporary ones like students, aims to simplify transactions with public and private institutions, serve as valid proof of identity, and provide the city with an accurate database for efficient social service delivery. The DCitizen Caravan will expedite registration and issuance, completing the process in 15 to 20 minutes. Residents who have lived in the city for at least six months can register at barangay caravans, City Hall, or online. The ID’s validity varies by category: electronic cards for ages 0-15 (5 years), physical cards for 15-17 (5 years), 18 and above (10 years), transients (1 year), PWDs (5 years), and senior citizens (lifetime validity). (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)
