CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No, _ 1259

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MARK A. VILLAR,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Vitamin A is essential in maintaining one’s overall health, particularly in
maintaining one’s healthy vision proper bone growth, and normal cell division and
differentiation. It is likewise considered a fighter vitamin for it aids in strengthening
one’s-immune system against infections. A deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to a
number of health problems, the most common of which is blindness. And the most
vulnerable to Vitamin A deficiency are the children, especially those in developing
countries like the Philippines where a considerable number of children from poor
families do not get the proper nutrition.

This legislation mandates that all Filipino infants and children below the age of
seven must be provided and given free Vitamin A supplementation to save them
from the health problems brought about by Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). This bill
likewise seeks to strengthen the existing commitment of the Department of Health to
virtually eliminate VAD through its massive Vitamin A supplementation nationwide.

Thus, | recommend the approval of this bill.

: _

Representative
Lone District of Las Pifias City



CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1259

House Bill No.

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MARK A. VILLAR

AN ACT MANDATING THE FREE ADMINISTRATION OF VITAMIN A
SUPPLEMENTATION AMONG INFANTS AND FILIPINO CHILDREN BELOW THE
AGE OF SEVEN (SEVEN), PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Mandatory Vitamin A Supplementation. To eliminate
malnutrition and the rising statistics on the occurrence of childhood blindness,
Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) shall be administered mandatorily for infants and
Filipino children, free of charge.

The Department of Health (DOH), in cooperation and consultation with
relevant groups of pediatrics, parents and civil society, academe, shall issue the
necessary implementing rules and regulations taking into consideration the following
areas of concerns:

(a) Recommended best time, age, administration and dosage for infants
and children;

(b) Vaccination and/or supplementation safety:

(c) Allowed exemptions and treatment of high-risk children;


(d) Accessible and registered health practitioners and institutions allowed
to administer Vitamin A supplementation;

(e) Partnering with private organizations on the full implementation of this
Act

SEC. 2 Appropriations. - The sum of Fifty Million Pesos (Php
50,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any funds in the
National Treasury not otherwise appropriated to carry out the free Vitamin A
Supplementation mandated under this Act. Thereafter, the sum needed to continue
the program of supplementation shall be included in the annual budget of the
Department of Health.

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days after
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health shall issue the necessary mrules
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. Submission of Report. - The Department shall submit to Congress
an annual report which shall include, among other things, policy recommendations
which require legislative action towards the total eradication of malnutrition and
childhood blindness.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act or any part thereof
be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions, as far as they are
separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivty. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation,

Approved,