Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No. $75

INTRODUCED BY Rep. ZIAUR-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition that
profoundly affects social interaction, communication, behavior, and sensory experiences. In
the Philippines, the rising incidence of autism illuminates a stark and urgent need for
comprehensive, compassionate support systems—needs that remain largely unmet due to a
scarcity of specialized resources.

The envisioned Center for Autism seeks to rise to this challenge, offering a sanctuary of
hope and empowerment for individuals on the spectrum and their families. The center will
provide an array of critical services, from early intervention and precise diagnostic
evaluations to personalized treatment and transformative therapies. Beyond direct care, it
will extend a lifeline to families through counseling, hands-on training, and accessible
education about ASD, fostering resilience and understanding in those who love and support
individuals with autism.

More than a facility, the center aspires to become a beacon of advocacy and discovery—
dedicated to advancing research on autism and igniting greater societal awareness. By
championing inclusivity and dismantling misconceptions, it will strive to cultivate a more
accepting and informed community.

Forging alliances with both local and international partners, the center will strive to bring
the world’s best practices and cutting-edge evidence-based approaches to the Philippines. It
will nurture a dynamic environment for collaboration and professional growth, equipping
teachers, therapists, doctors, and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to offer the
highest standard of care.

At its heart, this proposed legislation envisions the establishment of an autism center as a
Powerful response to the pressing gaps in services and support. It endeavors to spark
meaningful change: expanding access to vital resources, inspiring nationwide compassion
and awareness, and creating a hub of research and innovation—so that every Filipino with
autism, and their families, can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.

As such, the approval of this BillJis earnestly sought.

REP. ZIAYR-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG
Lanao Del Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No, $79 _

INTRODUCED BY Rep. ZIAUR-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY. It is hereby declared the policy of the
state to promote and protect the right of all individuals to live a full, healthy, holistic
and quality life. This includes individuals who are suffering from autism or any kind of
developmental disability. Therefore, the state shall promote and protect the rights of
autistic individuals by providing them adequate support through easy access to health
care, educational and other services.

Section 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS - For purposes of this Act, the terms below
shall be constructed to mean, except where explicitly indicated or where the text clearly
indicates otherwise as follows:

a. Autism-is a developmental disability that appears during the first three years of
life; the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain;

b. Disability - shall mean 1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an
individual or activities of such individual; 2) a record of such an impairment; or 3)
regarded as having such an impairment;

c. Disabled Gifted - persons who demonstrate superior performance capabilities in
intellectual, creative, specific academic areas, leadership, or in the arts in spite
of physical, sensory or psychological disabilities;

d. Disabled Worker- means a worker whose earning capacity is impaired by mental,
physical, or sensory deficiency or injury;

e. Handicap - refers to disadvantage for given individual, resulting from an
impairment of disability that limits or prevents the function of activity, that is
considered normal given the age and sex of the individual;

f. Impairment - is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological,
or anatomical structure of function;

g. Indigent patient- a disabled person whose level of income falls below poverty
threshold;

h. Rehabilitation - an integrated approach to physical, psychological, cultural,
spiritual, educational, or vocational, measures that create conditions for
individual to attain the highest possible level of functional ability; and,


Special Education (SPED) - type of education specifically designed for learners
with special needs who cannot profit maximally from regular education such that
they require trained personnel modifications in the curricula, teaching methods,
instructional materials and adaptations in facilities equipment

Section 3. CREATION FOR A CENTER FOR AUTISM - There is hereby
created a Center for Autism which shall be tasked to perform the following
functions:

a. Formulate and implement an integrated and comprehensive master plan;
b. Create a diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation clinic;

. Provide vocational training programs for autistic adults;

d. Provide free diagnosis and rehabilitation services to indigent autistic;

. Provide continuing training programs for teachers, therapists, and other
medical professionals;

Provide other services such as counseling, orientation and referral; and
Increase public awareness and concern on autism by spear heading
advocacy programs.

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Section 4. GOVERNING BOARD COMPOSITION, TERM, AND FUNCTIONS —

There is hereby created a National Autism Board, hereby referred to as the Board,
which shall be under the Office of the President. The Board shall govern the Center for
Autism and shall be composed of the following:

a.

b.

One (1) representative from the Department of Health, who shall sit as
Chairperson;

One (1) representative from the Department of Education who shall sit as the
Vice-Chairperson;

One (1) representative from the Department of Social Welfare and
Developmental as Member;

|. Two (2) representatives from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled

Persons as Members;

.. Two (2) representatives from the Autism Society of the Philippines as Members;

and,
Two (2) representatives from the Parents of Children and Adults with
Autism as Members.

Section 5. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE . - If any provision or part hereof is held

invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

Section 6. REPEALING CLAUSE . - The provision of , is hereby amended.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, all other laws, decrees, executive
orders, proclamations and administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent
herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 7. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

‘Approved,