Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Queson City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 167

Introduced by Hon. Kenneth T. Gatchalian

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Children with learning and developmental disabilities—such as dyslexia,
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing disorders—often face
unique challenges in navigating public environments. ‘These challenges are
frequently invisible yet deeply impactful, affecting their ability to engage with their
surroundings and access essential services.

While Republic Act No. 7277, or the “Magna Carta for Persons with
Disabilities,” has laid the foundation for the protection and inclusion of persons with
disabilities, there remains a critical gap in infrastructure and support systems
tailored to the needs of children with learning and developmental disabilities. These
children may not require physical accommodations, but they often benefit greatly
from calm, controlled environments that help reduce sensory overload.

International best practices reinforce this direction. In the United Kingdom,
statutory guidance under the Children and Families Act 2014 for students with
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requires schools to make
"reasonable adjustments.” This often includes the provision of “chill-out” or quiet
rooms with reduced sensory input, calming visuals, and comfortable seating to help
children self-regulate and participate fully in learning.

In Canada, provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia? have encouraged
and funded the creation of sensory rooms in public schools and libraries as part of
inclusive education initiatives. Meanwhile, major Canadian airports’, like Vancouver
International Airport, have established calm zones to assist neurodivergent travelers,
particularly children on the autism spectrum.

“https://assets. publishing service gov uk/media/SaTdcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of Practice_January
2015.pdf

Fattps://www.obre.on.ca/en/book/exporvhtmnl/2470

® https://autismalliance.ca/cals/cals/cals2025/accessible-travel/


In the United States, although not mandated at the federal level, many school
districts provide sensory rooms as part of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In addition, several
major US. airports, such as Pittsburgh International Airport! and Minneapolis-St.
Paul International Airport’, have introduced sensory-friendly rooms in terminals to
support children with sensory processing issues.

These global examples highlight a growing recognition of the importance of
sensory-friendly infrastructure in both educational and public service settings.

Hence, this bill seeks to amend the Magna Carta for PWDs by mandating the
establishment of sensory rooms and inclusive spaces in public facilities across the
country. Sensory rooms provide a safe and supportive environment where children
can regulate their emotions, reduce overstimulation, and develop coping, skills.
‘These facilities have been widely recognized in both educational and clinical settings
as effective tools for inclusive care and early intervention.

By expanding the scope of Republic Act No. 7277, this amendment affirms the
government's commitment to inclusive public spaces and ensures that no child is left
behind due to a lack of understanding or accommodation of their developmental
needs.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

INNETH T. GATCHALIAN
Representative
4 District, Valenzuela City

4https://flypittsburgh.com/pittsburgh-international-airport/accessibility/sensory-room/
Shttps://metroairports.org/news/msp-airport-create-passenger-sensory-friendly-rooms


wy Awe

10
i

Republic of the Bhilippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._167

Introduced by Hon. Kenneth T. Gatchalian

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7277, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“MAGNA CARTA FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES,” TO MANDATE
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SENSORY ROOMS IN PUBLIC FACILITIES
FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. A new Section 25-A is hereby inserted, amending Republic
Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities,

as amended, to read as follows:

“Section 25-A. Establishment of Sensory Rooms and Inclusive Spaces. All
local government units (LGUs), public recreational facilities, public hospitals,
transportation terminals, government service centers, and other major public
institutions are hereby mandated to establish sensory rooms or inclusive safe
spaces designed to support the needs of children with learning and developmental
disabilities.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in
coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Public


Works and Highways (DPWH), shall issue the implementing guidelines on the

design, location, and operation of these sensory rooms.”

SEC. 2. Section 46 of Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, is hereby
amended to read as follows:

“Any public or private institution that fails to comply with the requirement

under Section 25-A within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act

shall be subject to administrative sanctions, as may be determined by the
implementing agencies.”

SEC. 3. Implementation. - The DSWD in coordination with DOH, and
DPWH shall issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
purpose of this Act.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall
remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential
decrees or issuances, letter of instruction, administrative orders, rules, and
regulations as well as local ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,