The Valenzuela City government has begun issuing improved identification cards for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, incorporating hologram technology to ensure authenticity and prevent fraud.

The new IDs will feature a more neutral design with the cardholder’s photo, name, disability type (for PWDs), and ID number. A unique holographic seal will also be embedded, carrying a distinct set of numbers tied to each individual’s personal data.

The city government noted that the added feature makes the card harder to tamper with or replicate, reinforcing the city’s commitment to protecting legitimate beneficiaries.

Dorothy Evangelista, Chief of Staff for Social Welfare Operations, clarified that the new PWD IDs will be issued only to new registrants and those whose current IDs are about to expire. For senior citizens, only newly registered individuals will receive the updated version.

“For PWD ID holders whose cards are about to expire and who have difficulty walking, a family member may visit City Hall on their behalf. Our personnel from the CSWDO will then personally visit the individual at their residence,” Evangelista said.

Each PWD ID will have a five-year validity. A ₱100 fee will be charged for replacements of lost or damaged cards, and an affidavit of loss will be required.

To verify the authenticity of an ID, businesses and establishments in Valenzuela can use the city’s official ID validation portal at valid.valenzuela.gov.ph.

The city has recently intensified its efforts to crack down on fake IDs. On 14 May, a woman selling counterfeit identification cards via Facebook Marketplace was arrested during an entrapment operation by the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Northern Police District. Fifteen other individuals remain at large for alleged use of fake PWD IDs, including one identified as a city hall employee.

As of April, Valenzuela City has over 16,500 registered PWDs and 72,400 senior citizens.