Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3198
Introduced by AKBAYAN Representatives Percival Cendaña, Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” 
Diokno, and Dadah Kiram Ismula and Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao 
One in every 100 Filipinos are affected by autism. 
Data from the Autism Society of the Philippines indicates that lifelong developmental issues 
challenging almost 1.2 million Filipinos need to be addressed by governmental programs.   
Parents with autistic children experience greater levels of physiological stress (Costa et al., 2017). 
Previous studies reveal that mothers of children with autism reported being overloaded with 
emotional and physical burdens, experiencing helplessness and even depression (Aguilar & Ponde, 
2019; Hall, 2011; McStay et al., 2014). Meanwhile, Dunn et al. (2001) provided a comprehensive 
source of stress associated with the condition, which includes financial strain, limited support from 
family and friends, difficulties in accessing services for their child, and challenges related to their 
child’s behavior and communication. In addition, the quality of life of children with autism and 
their parents is found to be affected by the experience of stigma and poor understanding of their 
children’s condition (Carr & Lord, 2016).1  
Given these challenges, this proposed legislation aims to: establish institutional and social 
mechanisms to support children and adult persons on the autism spectrum and their families; 
develop a clear and consistent pathway to early detection and diagnosis; provide easy access to 
quality health care, education, and employment opportunities such that persons on the autism 
spectrum may live independently within the community, to minimize or completely eradicate 
discrimination; and to enable the private sector to extend relevant services that will complement 
the government’s programs.  
1 Benedict F. Reyes, Peachy G. Domingo. 2024. “A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experience Families of Children with 
Autism in the Philippines” HCMCOUJS-Social Sciences, 15(1), 137-151. 
August 6, 2025
11:46 am


Upon enactment, the “National Autism Care Plan Act” will ultimately promote an environment 
conducive to developing persons on the autism spectrum to become independent, self-reliant, and 
productive members of society, realizing their full potential and upholding their dignity. 
The passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Rep. Percival Cendaña 
Rep. Kaka Bag-ao 
 
AKBAYAN Party-list 
Lone District of Dinagat Islands 
Rep. Jose Manuel Tadeo “Chel” Diokno 
Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula 
AKBAYAN Party-list 
AKBAYAN Party-list  


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3198 
Introduced by AKBAYAN Representatives Percival Cendaña, Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” 
Diokno, and Dadah Kiram Ismula and Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL AUTISM CARE PLAN, ESTABLISHING A 
SUB-COMMITTEE ON AUTISM UNDER THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON 
DISABILITY AFFAIRS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "National Autism Care Plan Act". 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to 
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health of the people to full, healthy, and holistic development. To this end, the State shall promote 
4 
an environment conducive to developing persons on the autism spectrum to become independent, 
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self-reliant, and productive members of society, realizing their full potential. 
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The State commits itself to the establishment of institutional and social mechanisms to support 
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children and adult persons on the autism spectrum and their families, develop a clear and consistent 
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pathway to early detection and diagnosis, provide easy access to quality health care, education, 
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and employment opportunities such that persons on the autism spectrum may live independently 
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within the community, to minimize or completely eradicate discrimination, and to enable the 
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private sector to extend relevant services that will complement the government’s programs. The 
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State recognizes and respects the preferences and differences of community members, including 
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the use of identity-first or person-first language. 
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In the implementation of this policy, the State guarantees its commitment to the Universal 
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Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Persons with 
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Disabilities, United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child, and other relevant 
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international human rights obligations. 
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
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a. Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition 
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characterized by challenges with communication, social skills, restrictive and repetitive behaviors, 
4 
as well as by unique strengths, as defined in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical 
5 
Manual of Mental Disorders; 
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b. Diagnosis refers to necessary assessments, including, but not limited to, neuropsychological and 
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neurodevelopmental evaluations, genetic testing, neuroimaging, neurophysiological examination, 
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hearing tests, and psychometric tests to diagnose autism/and or developmental disabilities in 
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individuals; 
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c. Disability refers to 1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more 
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psychological, physiological, or anatomical function of an individual or activities of such 
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individual; 2) a record of such an impairment; or 3) regarded as having such an impairment; 
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d. Epidemiology refers to the study and analysis of the distribution and determinants of health 
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conditions in defined populations; 
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e. Habilitation refers to an integrated approach to physical, psychological, cultural, spiritual, 
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educational, or vocational measures that create conditions for individuals to attain the highest 
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possible level of functional ability and quality of life; 
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f. Inclusive Education refers to the process of addressing and responding to the diversity of needs 
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of all learners by moving towards the end-goal of full participation, presence, and achievement in 
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learning cultures and communities, which involves accommodating, modifying, adapting, and 
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individualizing content, approaches, structures, and strategies. It involves equitable opportunities 
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for learners with disabilities to receive educational services, and the needed support and related 
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services with their age-appropriate peer groups and, as far as practicable, in such schools or 
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Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) nearest their homes or residences, to prepare them 
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to live as fully functional members of society; 
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g. Intervention refers to the actions taken to help improve the prognosis of autism. Intervention in 
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autism may take the form of medical, pharmacological, therapeutic, educational, and non-
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traditional habilitative care, and all other support services; 
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h. Reasonable accommodation means the necessary and appropriate modification and 
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adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular 
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case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with 
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others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; Reasonable Accommodation includes (1) 
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improvement of existing facilities used by employees in order to render these readily accessible to 
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and usable by disabled persons; and (2) modification of work schedules, reassignment to a vacant 
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position, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustments or 
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modifications of examinations, training materials or company policies, rules and regulations, the 
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provisions of auxiliary aids and services, and other similar accommodations; 
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i. Rehabilitation is a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in 
1 
individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment; and 
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j. Service providers – any person or entity that provides a service to the public. This can include 
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businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. 
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SEC. 4. Inter-Agency and Multi-Sectoral Mechanism. – A Sub-Committee on Autism, herein 
7 
referred to as the Sub-Committee, is hereby created, under the National Council on Disability 
8 
Affairs (NCDA), which shall serve as an inter-agency and multi-sectoral policy-making and 
9 
coordinative mechanism to develop and implement a sustainable National Autism Care Plan 
10 
(NACP). 
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SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Sub-Committee. - The Sub-Committee shall have the 
13 
following powers and functions: 
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(a) Develop the NACP, a roadmap in addressing the holistic needs of Filipinos on the autism 
16 
spectrum and their families, such as health, education, employment, among others, for the 
17 
guidance of stakeholders in the private and public sectors, calibrated to meet the changing 
18 
needs of society and developments in technology; 
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(b) Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of the NACP and the protection of 
20 
rights of persons on the autism spectrum, with the concerned government and non-
21 
governmental agencies; 
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(c) Design campaigns that promote public awareness, acceptance, accommodation, and 
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appreciation of persons on the autism spectrum; 
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(d) Undertake research in collaboration with private and public entities regarding autism in the 
25 
Philippines; 
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(e) Enhance the programs and capabilities of the government to provide nationally available 
27 
services that support persons on the autism spectrum and their families, in areas including, 
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but not limited to, screening, diagnosis, early intervention, education, training, 
29 
employment, and livelihood; 
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(f) Assist the private and public sectors in the design and delivery of support programs for 
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persons on the autism spectrum and their families; 
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(g) Develop capacity-building programs, incentives, and awards for persons on the autism 
33 
spectrum to enhance their potential as independent, self-reliant, and productive members 
34 
of society; 
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(h) Establish networks with other organizations, institutions, and professionals working for the 
36 
promotion of public policy and programs for persons on the autism spectrum, and support 
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groups for families of persons on the autism spectrum; 
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(i) Receive donations and grants from international donor institutions, foundations, and 
39 
multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies, involved in the direct services for persons 
40 
on the autism spectrum; 
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(j) Enter into memoranda of agreement with government and non-governmental entities for 
42 
the implementation of various programs for persons on the autism spectrum;  
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(k) Submit an annual report to Congress and the Commission on Human Rights comprising an 
44 
evaluation of the implementation of the NACP, as well as the compliance of relevant 
45 
government agencies to this Act; 
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(l) Perform other acts as may be necessary, proper, or incidental to the attainment of the 
1 
purposes and objectives of this Act. 
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SEC. 6. Composition of the Sub-Committee on Autism. – The Sub-Committee shall be composed 
4 
of the heads of office of the following agencies: 
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a. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) as Chairperson; 
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b. The DOH as Vice Chairperson; 
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c. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); 
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d. The Department of Education (DepEd); 
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e. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); 
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f. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); 
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g. The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health and Research 
13 
 
Development (DOST-PCHRD); 
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h. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED); 
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i. The Commission on Civil Service (CSC); 
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j. The Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA); 
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k. The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); 
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l.  Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH); 
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m. The National Institutes for Health (NIH); 
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n. The National Authority for Child Care; 
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o. Commission on Human Rights (CHR); 
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p. Three (3) representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with active 
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service programs for Filipinos on the autism spectrum; 
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q. Three (2) representatives from NGOs composed of autism self-advocates, with active 
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service programs for Filipinos on the autism spectrum. 
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The chairperson of the subcommittee shall appoint the members, except those from 
28 
 
government agencies. 
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The heads of office of government agencies may designate official permanent 
31 
representatives to the Sub-Committee, whose rank shall not be lower than an Assistant 
32 
Secretary or its equivalent: Provided, that the designated representative has no vote, unless 
33 
 
authorized in writing. 
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The NGOs designated to the subcommittee must be duly registered with the Securities and 
36 
 
Exchange Commission, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the local government in which 
37 
they operate. They must also provide the subcommittee with copies of their annual 
38 
requirements submitted to these government units, reflecting their organizational capacity 
39 
and commitment to good governance. 
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The members of the Subcommittee shall be appointed not later than thirty (30) days after 
42 
the enactment of this Act. Members representing non-government agencies shall serve for 
43 
three (3) years, renewable upon the Subcommittee's recommendation and the President's 
44 
approval for a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. In case of vacancy, the successor 
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5 
appointed to fill the same shall serve only the unexpired portion of the member's term to 
1 
whom he/she succeeds. 
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All members of the Sub-Committee shall receive a per diem of a reasonable amount as 
4 
determined by the Sub-Committee, in accordance with the existing budget and accounting 
5 
rules and regulations. 
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The Subcommittee shall meet at least quarterly or as often as necessary. A quorum is 
8 
 
formed when a majority of the members are present. 
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The Subcommittee shall have a Secretariat consisting of personnel with the necessary 
11 
technical expertise and capacity that shall be conferred permanent appointments, subject to 
12 
Civil Service rules and regulations. The Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Director 
13 
who shall be under the direct supervision of the Chairperson of the Subcommittee. The 
14 
Secretariat shall coordinate the functions and organize the programs, plans, and activities 
15 
under this Act.  
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The NCDA shall determine the necessary staffing requirements of the Subcommittee, subject 
18 
to evaluation and approval by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and in 
19 
compliance with civil service and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. 
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SEC. 7. The National Autism Care Plan. The Subcommittee on Autism shall spearhead and 
22 
coordinate with government agencies and other stakeholders to implement the NACP. The 
23 
programs and services under the NACP shall include, among others, the following: 
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(a) Information campaigns - The DOH, DepEd, NCDA, DSWD, CHED, TESDA, and 
26 
 
PCMH shall, following their respective mandates, conduct various forms of information 
27 
 
campaigns, such as, but not limited to: 
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1. Printed and digital publications such as manuals, infographics, and easily readable 
30 
instruction materials on early detection, management, intervention, habilitation, 
31 
rehabilitation, care of autism, best practices, resources, and research on autism -- with 
32 
 
translations to local languages; 
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2. A central database of professionals and childcare institutions concerned with the care 
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and development of persons on the autism spectrum; 
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3. Collaborative information campaigns and activities as necessary. 
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(b) Health - 
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1. The DOH shall implement epidemiological surveillance programs to establish a databank 
42 
and information and monitoring system (IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic, and 
43 
total incidence and prevalence of persons on the autism spectrum in the country; 
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2. The DOH, PCMH, PCHRD, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) 
45 
Council, and DepEd’s ILRCs shall, in coordination with other concerned agencies: 
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6 
 
 
 
1 
 
 
a. Strengthen research focus on autism; 
2 
b. Promote, create, develop, and adopt strategic plans that will continue to determine 
3 
and establish evidence-based practices for interventions, care, and integration into 
4 
society of persons on the autism spectrum; 
5 
 
 
c. Expand research into the link between environmental factors and autism; and 
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d. Continue investigations into causation, diagnosis, early detection, and interventions 
7 
for autism spectrum disorders. 
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Such factors that will be studied shall include, among others, infection and immune 
10 
 
function, hormonal and reproductive factors, genetic factors, gastro-intestinal factors, 
11 
 
and sociodemographic factors; and 
12 
 
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3. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct collaborative health programs, plans, 
14 
 
and activities as necessary. 
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(c) Education – The DOH, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DSWD, and shall, following their 
17 
respective mandates, conduct various forms of education programs, plans, and activities 
18 
 
in cooperation with other concerned agencies, as follows: 
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1. 
Continuing education and training on autism for public service providers to sensitize 
21 
and empower them as effective front liners in the delivery of services to persons on the 
22 
autism spectrum and their families; 
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2. 
Continuing education and training of families, teachers, therapists, and caregivers of 
25 
persons on the autism spectrum through seminars, conventions, and other forms of 
26 
educational tools; 
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3. 
Continuing education and training of professional teachers and trainers through 
29 
seminars, conventions, and other forms of educational tools to ensure nationwide 
30 
implementation; 
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4. 
Formulation of guidelines, policies, protocols, and individualized programs on inclusive 
33 
education for school children, young students, and other learners on the autism 
34 
spectrum, in matters including, but not limited to, discrimination, acceptance to 
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academic or training programs, instructional support, and behavior management; and 
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5. 
The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct collaborative education programs, plans, 
38 
and activities as necessary. 
39 
 
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(d) Employment and livelihood - The DOLE and CSC shall formulate policies and initiate 
42 
and implement programs to ensure that persons on the autism spectrum are provided 
43 
opportunities for gainful employment and apprenticeship, both in the private and public 
44 
sectors. 
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(e) Other Support Programs – 
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1. The DILG and the Department of National Defense shall provide lifesaving support 
3 
to persons on the autism spectrum with behavioral and communication challenges, in times 
4 
of disasters, calamities, armed conflict, and other emergencies, and ensure their 
5 
 
inclusion on the list of priority sectors; 
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2. The DSWD shall develop a program to provide support for parents, guardians, or care 
8 
givers who are providing full time care to their dependent on the autism spectrum in the form 
9 
of care work compensation or allowances. 
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3. The Department of Transportation shall formulate policies and protocols to ensure 
12 
that persons on the autism spectrum with behavioral and communication challenges and their 
13 
families are given reasonable accommodation in accessing all forms of transportation by 
14 
land, sea, and air; 
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4. The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall formulate policies and protocols to ensure that 
17 
criminal justice agencies and professionals provide the accommodations and protections to 
18 
persons on the autism spectrum with behavioral and communication challenges, who may 
19 
be accused of, are victims of, or are witnesses to crimes; 
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5. The DOJ and the Commission on Human Rights shall promulgate guidelines and standards 
22 
to ensure that interventions and programs for Filipinos on the autism spectrum do not violate 
23 
their fundamental human rights, particularly their right to make their own decisions. They 
24 
shall likewise establish a mechanism for reporting discrimination, violation of rights, denial 
25 
or lack of access to services, and other forms of abuses against persons on the autism 
26 
spectrum. The aforementioned mechanism shall require disaggregated data collection and 
27 
monitoring to track and properly address discrimination and other violations of rights or 
28 
persons on the autism spectrum. 
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6. All other concerned agencies shall, following their respective mandates, conduct 
31 
orientation and counselling services for families of persons newly diagnosed on the autism 
32 
spectrum and establish family support networks and sibling programs; 
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7. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct other collaborative support programs, 
35 
 
plans, and activities as necessary. 
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SEC. 8. Panel of Technical Experts. – The Sub-Committee shall constitute a national panel of 
38 
technical experts consisting of practitioners related to autism, such as, but not limited to: 
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a. One (1) representative from the national association of speech-language pathologists, duly 
41 
recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; 
42 
b. One (1) representative from the national association of developmental and behavioral 
43 
physicians, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; 
44 
c. One (1) representative from the national association of occupational therapists, duly 
45 
recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; 
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d. One (1) representative from the national organization of psychologists, duly recognized 
1 
by the Professional Regulation Commission; 
2 
e. One (1) representative from the national association of social workers, duly recognized by 
3 
the Professional Regulation Commission; 
4 
f. One (1) representative from the national association of inclusive education specialists, duly 
5 
recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; and 
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7 
The Panel shall provide the Subcommittee with professional and technical advice on science, 
8 
technologies, and best practices for autism. The Subcommittee shall set the qualifications and per 
9 
diems for the technical experts and, through the collaborative programs and plans of its member 
10 
agencies and organizations, provide resources for the Panel's operations and activities. 
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SEC. 9. Local Government Support. Local government units (LGUs) shall implement and 
13 
promote the NACP in their respective jurisdictions. LGUs may enter into joint ventures or 
14 
partnerships with national agencies, organizations, or associations that offer programs and 
15 
advocacy for persons on the autism spectrum to explore livelihood opportunities and other 
16 
undertakings that promotes the health, physical fitness, and economic and social well-being of 
17 
persons on the autism spectrum. The Sub-Committee and the DILG shall provide the necessary 
18 
support and technical assistance to LGUs to ensure the mainstreaming of the NACP. 
19 
 
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SEC. 10. Consultation with Stakeholders. The Subcommittee shall conduct broad consultations, 
21 
in collaboration with government and non-governmental stakeholders, on various programs and 
22 
campaigns involving individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and professionals through 
23 
legally established NGOs. 
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SEC. 11. PhilHealth Coverage. – The Subcommittee shall facilitate the necessary Philippine 
26 
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) coverage for persons on the autism spectrum 
27 
immediately after this Act becomes effective. 
28 
 
29 
SEC.12. Persons With Disability. –The Subcommittee shall issue guidelines to facilitate the 
30 
access of persons on the autism spectrum to benefits and services under Republic Act No. 7277, 
31 
or the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability,” as amended.  
32 
 
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SEC. 13. Protection Against Discrimination in Insurance and Other Financial 
34 
Instruments. – The Department of Finance shall, within 180 days from the effectivity of this Act, 
35 
formulate policies and protocols to ensure that all financial service providers, such as banks, 
36 
insurance companies, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), shall provide persons on the 
37 
autism spectrum with equitable access to their services and products. 
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SEC. 14. Enforcement and Penalties. -  Any person, institution, or entity found to be in violation 
40 
of the provisions of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), or any guidelines issued 
41 
pursuant thereto, shall be subject to administrative sanctions, fines, or other penalties as may be 
42 
prescribed by the IRR. 
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44 
The NCDA, in coordination with the Sub-Committee on Autism, shall recommend appropriate 
45 
penalties and enforcement mechanisms, subject to applicable laws and due process. 
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SEC. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Sub-Committee shall, in consultation and 
1 
coordination with appropriate national government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, 
2 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act, no 
3 
later than 180 days upon the effectivity of this Act. 
4 
 
5 
SEC. 16. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for implementing this Act shall be included in 
6 
the annual General Appropriations Act. 
7 
 
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SEC. 17. Separability Clause. – If any section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or 
9 
invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and 
10 
effect. 
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SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, presidential 
13 
proclamations, letters of instruction, rules and regulations, or parts inconsistent with this Act's 
14 
provisions are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
15 
 
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SEC. 19. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the 
17 
Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. 
18 
 
 
Approved,