The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its support for the provision of discounts for the online transactions of senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

As part of the vulnerable sectors, senior citizens and PWDs are entitled to receive discounts as part of their benefits under Republic Act (RA) No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and RA No. 10754 or the “Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.”

Moreover, the online discounts will be beneficial and convenient for the said sectors considering that their mobility are restricted due to their inclusion in the vulnerable groups who are high risk for COVID-19 infections.

As of press time, the DSWD said that it will meet on March 12 with the Department of Trade and Industry  and other concerned agencies to discuss the draft guidelines on online purchases for seniors and PWDs prepared by the latter.

The Department vowed to continue to uphold the interest and welfare of senior citizens and PWDs especially amid the ongoing health crisis. ###