Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS “NICK” C. ENCISO VIII 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The state of oral health in the country is alarmingly concerning. The Department of Health 
(DOH) cited in a news report (2022) that tooth decay and gum diseases are still prevalent in 
87% of Filipinos across age groups. A factor to this might be how Filipinos may not consider 
dental health as a priority.1 Accordingly, the Philippine Prosthodontic Society estimated in 
2016 that around seven million Filipinos have not been to a dentist.2 Education on bad oral 
hygiene and how it can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases and lead to more serious 
conditions such as heart disease may be lacking. Awareness on the problem and access to 
facilities is imperative for Filipinos to practice better oral care3. 
DOH’s Oral Health Program declares that it should be the mission of the State to ensure 
“quality, affordable, accessible and available oral health care delivery.” Further, Republic Act 
No. 9484, or “The Philippine Dental Act of 2007,” provides for the promotion and development 
of continuing dental education and research in the country. 
In line with the administration’s goal for a universal health coverage and investing in its people, 
this bill proposes to create a dental unit in each of the Rural Health Units listed under the DOH. 
This allows for more accessible dental health care facilities and personnel, and ensures that 
dentists and dental services are available, especially in areas where facilities are not easily 
reachable. 
The approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
 MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
NICOLAS “NICK” C. ENCISO VIII 
1 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167016 
2 https://mb.com.ph/2019/10/24/angara-pushes-for-dental-clinics-in-rural-areas/ 
3 http://www.manilatimes.net/oral-health-matters/312367/ 
August 23, 2022
2:00 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS “NICK” C. ENCISO VIII 
AN ACT  
CREATING A DENTAL UNIT IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH UNIT UNDER THE 
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AS PART OF THE PRIMARY APPROACH IN THE 
DELIVERY OF HEALTH SERVICES AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State: 
a) To pursue the Primary Health Care Approach in the delivery of health services
and to undertake the appropriate health human resource development for this
policy; and
b) To promote preventive dental healthcare in the rural areas as part of the
Primary Health Care strategy.
SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. – 
a) “Rural Health Unit” – also known as Main Health Center. It is composed of a
doctor, a nurse and a midwife. Its function is to carry out the public health
functions of the Department of Health which includes both preventive and
curative health care;
b) “Dental Unit” – composed of a public health dentist and a trained Barangay
Health Worker as a dental aide;
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SECTION 3. Creation of Dental Unit. – As part of the Primary Health Care Approach, 
there is hereby created a dental unit in every health unit under the supervision of the 
Department of Health. 
 
SECTION 4. Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Health shall issue rules 
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 5. Funding. – The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this 
Act shall be funded from the current fiscal year’s appropriation for the Department of 
Health. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the implementation of this 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,