By Eman D. Pangcatan
MSU Intern
CAGAYAN de Oro City’s Persons with Disability (PWD) online registration system is functioning as intended, offering a digital alternative for individuals seeking to apply for or renew their PWD identification.
However, despite its efficiency, many residents remain unaware of its existence.
The PWD online registration portal, accessible via the official Cagayan de Oro City Hall website, allows users to complete application forms, upload required documents, and track their registration status digitally.
Officials state the platform aims to expedite the process and reduce in-person queuing at the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Despite this advancement in accessibility and convenience, the platform’s visibility appears to be lacking.
After Gold Star Daily published an article assessing the city’s digital PWD services, resident Maria L. Jakosalem commented on Facebook, “Unsa'y purpose ani para maka ID ang PWD?” This highlights a broader issue: many residents are still unclear about the portal’s function.
PWD advocates have noted that while digitization is a step forward, more must be done to inform citizens, especially those in marginalized communities, about how to access and benefit from the service.
“There’s no point in having an online system if people don’t know how or where to use it. Awareness and outreach must go hand in hand with technology,” said a local disability rights volunteer who requested anonymity.
City officials have not yet released updated data on how many PWDs have successfully used the online system since its implementation.
As of this writing, there is also no official campaign actively promoting the portal on social media or in barangay centers.
For now, the portal remains a working tool with significant potential but limited reach.
