What Constrains PWDs to Participate in Discount Privileges? The Case of Bus Fare and Medical Care Discounts in the Philippines

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The Philippines is at par with developed economies in terms of creating and passing laws that protect and uphold the rights of, and mainstream persons with disability (PWDs) into the society. However, pioneering surveys on the condition of PWDs reveal that they rarely take advantage of the privileges provided for by the law because of various constraints they face, and the lack of implementation and enforcement of these laws, among others. An empirical analysis of the participation of PWDs in discount privileges shows that lack of awareness is a major problem and that many PWDs have not been issued proof of identification for them to be eligible to avail of these privileges. These aspects are more problematic in relatively poorer localities than in more affluent ones. Moreover, despite awareness and possession of identification, many PWDs are not able to participate given their special circumstances; many of them have low self-esteem, are unemployed and immobile.