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 
As mentioned in Section 11, Article 13 of the 1987 Constitution, the State shall adopt an 
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to 
make essential goods, health, and other social services available to all the people at an 
affordable cost. There shall be a priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, 
disabled, women, and children. 
In April 2018, the National Nutrition Council announced that the prevalence of psoriasis 
in the country is estimated at 1.5 to 2.0% of the population.1 With no clear cause or 
known cure, it is a chronic, painful, and disfiguring non-communicable disease.  
In the Philippines, there is a severe lack of awareness and understanding about the 
nature of psoriasis. As found in a 2020 survey conducted by the Psoriasis Philippines 
(PsorPhil), Filipinos with moderate-to-severe psoriasis are found to have 
experienced a significant negative impact on their quality of life, psychological and 
emotional wellbeing, and productivity.2 
Aside from this, people suffering from psoriasis also acquire several comorbidities such 
as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and other chronic 
inflammatory conditions. Moreover, as psoriasis causes great emotional and social 
burden, there is a significant cost to the mental health of psoriasis patients. Due to the 
social exclusion, discrimination, and stigma, the psychological impact of living with 
psoriasis can be devastating. Recognizing this concern, all members of the United 
Nations have unanimously approved in 2014 the World Health Assembly Resolution 
1 https://www.psoriasiscouncil.org/docs/gpa-annual-report-april-2018.pdf 
2 https://www.novartis.com/ph-en/news/media-releases/survey-reveals-heavy-disease-burden-psoriasis-among-
filipinos 
August 23, 2022
2:00 pm
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67.9 which manifested their commitment to improve the lives of people living with 
psoriatic disease. 3 
 
Towards this end, this bill seeks to address the needs and improve the quality of life of 
Filipinos living with Psoriatic disease through the following, among others: (1) equitable, 
timely, affordable, and accessible psoriatic disease care, especially for underprivileged 
Filipinos; (2) better screening and prompt, accurate diagnosis; (3) control exacerbations 
that may lead to more serious physical illness and deterioration of the mental health of 
patients; and (4) support the recovery and Integration to society of Filipinos living with 
psoriasis.  
 
This bill also seeks to establish a National Psoriasis Care and Control Program (NPCCP) 
which shall serve as the framework for all psoriasis-related activities of the government. 
A National Psoriasis Care and Control Council (NPCCC) shall also be created which 
shall act as the policy-making, planning, and coordinating body on psoriasis control, 
attached to the Department of Health (DOH). In addition, this bill also proposes to 
strengthen the capability of public health systems and facilities to provide treatment 
services to psoriasis patients under the supervision of NPCCC, in coordination with the 
DOH, local government units (LGUs), and other government agencies concerned.  
 
Furthermore, this bill aims to designate Psoriasis Care Centers across the country and 
intensify the awareness of psoriasis nationwide. A Psoriasis Assistance Fund shall also 
be established to support the psoriasis medicine and treatment assistance program, 
while the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation will be mandated to expand its benefit 
packages for all types and severity of psoriasis. Aside from these, this bill intends to 
develop an appropriate and easily accessible modules certifying patient coaches and 
volunteers in providing psychosocial support for psoriasis patients, their families, and 
carers. A strengthened social protection system and establishment of a registry and 
monitoring system for psoriasis patients are also proposed.  
 
In view of this State principle, the immediate passage 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 
 
 
 
                                                 
3 https://ncdalliance.org/news-events/blog/uniting-for-action-against-psoriatic-
disease#:~:text=For%20World%20Psoriasis%20Day%202021,people%20living%20with%20psoriatic%20disease. 


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 
INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL PSIORIASIS CARE PROGRAM AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "National Psoriasis Care 
Program Act." 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – Recognizing that psoriasis is a chronic, painful, 
disfiguring and disabling non-communicable disease (NCD) for which there is no known 
cure, the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health 
development which includes the strengthening of integrative, multidisciplinary, patient 
and family centered policies, programs, systems, interventions and services at all levels 
of the existing health care delivery system for people with Psoriasis. 
Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to improve the quality of lives of 
patients with psoriasis by scaling up essential programs and increasing investments for 
robust management of psoriasis, better screening, prompt and accurate diagnosis, 
timely and optimal treatment, responsive palliative care and pain management, effective 
4001


 
 
psoriasis care and late effects management and patient integration to society. It shall 
likewise make psoriasis treatment and care more equitable and affordable for all, 
especially for the underprivileged, poor and marginalized Filipinos. 
 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
a) Allied health care professionals refer to trained non-psoriasis health professionals 
such as physicians, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, recreational 
therapists, dietitians, among others; 
b) Carer refers to anyone who provides care for psoriasis patients and family members; 
c) Complementary care and treatment refer to an approach that improves the quality of 
life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with Chronic illness, 
through an extra layer of support based on the needs of patients, not on the 
prognosis. 
d) Comprehensive Psoriasis Care Center refers to a care center that is 
multidisciplinary and integrates clinical care, education and research to accelerate 
the care, control and prevention of psoriasis; 
e) Early Psoriasis diagnosis refers to the prompt evaluation and confirmation of 
psoriasis that can prevent the further exacerbation of the disease; 
f) 
Multidisciplinary patient care refers to an integrated approach to psoriasis care in 
which medical and allied health care professionals consider all relevant treatment 
options and develop collaboratively an individual treatment plan for each patient; 
g) National Psoriasis Care Program refers to the program of the national government 
for the comprehensive and integrated care and control of psoriasis in the 
Philippines; 
h) Optimal treatment and care refer to a quality treatment care that adheres to the 
standards of treatment and care based on evidence-based guidelines; 
i) 
Patient care pathway refers to the route that a patient shall take from their first 
contact with the health worker, through referral, to the completion of their treatment. 
It also covers the period from entry into a hospital or a health care facility, until the 
patient leaves; 
j) 
Patient navigation refers to individualized assistance, through all the phases of 


 
 
psoriasis experience, offered to patients, families, and carers to help overcome 
health care system barriers and facilitate timely access to quality medical and 
psychosocial care beginning from pre- diagnosis and extending throughout the 
continuum of care; 
k) PsorCoach Program for Psoriasis refers to properly trained Patient Coaches and 
volunteers in providing Psychosocial support for psoriasis patients, people living 
with psoriasis, their families, and carers. It aims to navigate the patients in the 
healthcare system and encourage the people living with psoriasis to undergo the 
necessary care and treatment; 
l) 
Psoriasis refers to a non-communicable disease (NCD), is a chronic, painful, 
disfiguring and disabling inflammatory, immune-mediated disease for which there 
is no cure. Patients with psoriasis have elevated risk of having other chronic 
inflammatory disease such as cardiovascular diseases. Inflammatory Bowel 
diseases, diabetes, and other serious chronic NCDs; 
m) Psoriasis care refers to the strategies to reduce the incidence, morbidity, and 
mortality and improve the quality of life of psoriasis patients in a defined population, 
through the systematic implementation of evidence-based interventions for 
prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment; 
n) Psoriasis registry refers to a database that contains information about people 
diagnosed with various types of Psoriasis. The registry shall require systematic 
collection, storage, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data on subjects with 
Psoriasis. There are two (2) main types of Psoriasis registry: 
1. Population-based Psoriasis registry, which refers to the collection of data on all 
new cases of psoriasis occurring in a well-defined population, including 
mortality and co-morbidities of patients with other disease; and 
2. Hospital-based psoriasis registry, which refers to the recording of information on 
the psoriasis patients diagnosed and treated in a particular hospital. 
o) Psoriasis rehabilitation refers to a program that helps people with psoriasis maintain 
and restore physical and emotional well-being. Psoriasis rehabilitation is available 
upon diagnosis, and during psoriasis treatment; 
p) Psoriasis screening refers to the detection of psoriasis as soon as symptoms start to 


 
 
appear. This may involve a skin biopsy and other related laboratory tests; 
q) Psoriasis treatment refers to the series of Interventions that are aimed at managing 
the disease and improve the patient's quality of life, such as psychological and 
nutritional support, and drug therapy, which includes topical and systemic 
treatments, UV Phototherapy and biologic drugs; and 
r) 
Psychosocial Support Program refers to the assistance on nonmedical costs such 
as financial assistance, transient housing, transportation, food and nutrition and 
the like; 
 
ARTICLE II 
THE NATIONAL PSORIASIS CARE AND CONTROL PROGRAM 
Sec. 4. National Psoriasis Care and Control Program. – There is hereby established 
a National Psoriasis Care and Control Program (NPCCP) which shall serve as the 
framework for all psoriasis-related activities of the government. The NPCCP shall have 
the following objectives: 
a) Improve the quality of life and lessen the impact of psoriasis to patients; 
b) Prevent and control exacerbations of Psoriasis in patients that leads to more serious 
illness and deterioration of the emotional and mental health of patients. 
c) Provide timely access to optimal psoriasis treatment and care for all psoriasis 
patients; 
d) Make quality psoriasis treatment and care more affordable and accessible; 
e) Improve the experience of psoriasis treatment and care of patients and families; 
f) 
Support the recovery and reintegration to society of the psoriasis patients; and 
g) Eliminate various forms of burden on patients, people living with psoriasis, their 
carers, and their families. 
 
Sec. 5. National Psoriasis Care and Control Council. – There is hereby created a 
National Psoriasis Care and Control Council (NPCCC), hereinafter referred to as the 
Council, which shall act as the policy making, planning and coordinating body on 
psoriasis control, attached to the Department of Health (DOH). The Council shall 
provide technical guidance and support and oversee the implementation of this Act, 


 
 
ensuring judicious and best use of available resources for the benefit of all psoriasis 
patients, especially the most vulnerable sectors of the society, the elderly, women and 
children, the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged. 
 
Sec. 6. Composition of the Council. – The Council shall be composed of the following: 
a) The Secretary of Health, or a designated representative with a rank not lower than 
assistant secretary, shall be the chairperson in an ex officio capacity; 
b) The Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the non ex officio members, from among 
themselves, and who shall serve for a term of three (3) years; 
c) Ex officio members shall consist of the following: 
1. 
Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, or a designated 
representative; 
2. 
Secretary of Labor and Employment, or a designated representative; 
3. 
Secretary of the Interior and Local Governance, or a designated 
representative; 
4. 
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (PhilHealth) or a designated representative; 
5. 
Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or a 
designated representative; 
6. 
Two (2) medical doctors, preferably from the Philippine Dermatological 
Society (PDS) and Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), who must 
be citizens and residents of the Philippines, of good moral character, of 
recognized probity and independence, have distinguished themselves 
professionally in public, private, civic or academic service in the field of 
dermatology and rheumatology, and must have been in the active practice 
of their professions for at least ten (10) years, chosen from at least five (5) 
persons recommended by the Secretary of Health, to be appointed by the 
President for a term of three (3) years; and 
7. 
Three (3) representatives from the Psoriasis Philippines to be appointed by 
the council for a term of three (3) years. 
 


 
 
The Council shall utilize the services and facilities of the "Disease Prevention and 
Control Bureau" and/or the "Non-Communicable Disease Office" underthe DOH as the 
Secretariat of the Council. 
 
The non ex officio members may receive honoraria in accordance with existing laws, 
rules and regulations. 
 
Sec. 7. Roles and Functions. – The Council shall formulate polices, programs and 
reforms that enhance the synergy among stakeholders and ensure a well-coordinated, 
effective and sustainable implementation of the provisions of this Act. It shall, as 
necessary, create experts' groups or technical working groups to undertake any of the 
following key tasks: 
a) Develop integrated and responsive psoriasis care and control policies and programs 
tailored to the socioeconomic context and epidemiological profiles of the 
Philippines which aim to make psoriasis care more accessible and affordable, 
expand psoriasis care to include and promote integrated multidisciplinary, 
developmentally appropriate patient and family-centered care, and enhance the 
well-being and quality of life of psoriasis patients and their families; 
b) Develop the National Psoriasis Care and Control Roadmap with annual targets, 
priorities and performance benchmarks for the effective institutionalization of 
strategies, policies, programs and services in the national and local health care 
system; 
c) Develop, update and promote, evidence-based treatment standards and guidelines 
for all adult and childhood psoriasis, of all stages, including the management of its 
other comorbidities; 
d) Develop innovative and cost-effective psoriasis care service models for effectively 
delivering integrated psoriasis care in the most appropriate settings and improve 
patient care flow from primary to tertiary care; 
e) Develop clearly defined patient care pathways and evidence-based standards of 
care for the network of psoriasis centers; 
f) 
Set quality and accreditation standards, focused health service facilities, ethical 


 
 
psoriasis research, health care providers, medical professionals and allied health 
care professionals; 
g) Monitor and assess the implementation of prioritized packages of psoriasis services 
for all ages and all stages of psoriasis, ensuring that they are provided in an 
equitable, affordable and sustainable manner, at all levels of care; 
h) Recommend responsive and proactive medicine and treatment access programs, 
including improvements of core systems and processes related to; 
1.  
Availability and affordability of quality, safe, and effective medicines; 
2.  
Increased access to cost effective vaccinations to prevent infections 
associated with psoriasis; 
3. 
Diagnostics for psoriasis; 
4.  
Innovative medicines and technologies; and 
5. 
Compassionate use of protocols, as necessary; 
i) 
Establish mechanisms and platforms for multisectoral and multistakeholder 
collaborations, coordination, and cooperation, especially in health promotion, 
disease prevention, capacity development, education, training and learning 
information and communication, social mobilization and resource mobilization; 
j) 
Establish mechanisms and platforms for patient, family and community engagement, 
especially on protection and promotion of the rights of patients, carers, and their 
families and their active involvement in multidisciplinary patient care, patient 
navigation and follow-up care; 
k) Strengthen linkages with local and international organizations for possible 
partnerships in treatment and management of challenging and rare cases, 
education, training and learning, advocacy, research, resource mobilization and 
funding assistance; 
l) 
Establish a system for program review, monitoring and evaluation, inclusive of 
financial aspects, and submit an annual report and recommendation to the council 
on the progress, accomplishments and implementation challenges encountered; 
and 
m) Secure from government agencies and other stakeholders, recommendations, and 
plans pertinent to the respective mandates of the agencies and other stakeholders 


 
 
for the implementation of the provisions of this Act; and 
n) A Division Chief for Psoriasis Control Program shall be designated to provide 
operational, leadership, undertake coordination with program stakeholders and 
ensure effective and sustainable implementation of the National Psoriasis Care 
and Control Program (NPCCP). The Secretary of Health, in coordination with the 
Secretary of Budget and Management (DBM) shall create the additional plantilla 
positions for health personnel required of the NPCCP. 
 
ARTICLE III 
QUALITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS 
Sec. 8. Psoriasis Care Infrastructure. – The Council, in coordination with the DOH, 
local government units (LGUs), and other government agencies concerned, shall 
strengthen the capability of public health systems and facilities to provide treatment 
services to psoriasis patients, through the following key activities: 
a) Allocate adequate resources for investments in health facility renovation or upgrade, 
inclusive of technologies and equipment for use in psoriasis treatment and care 
from psoriasis diagnosis to psoriasis treatment; 
b) Develop robust and effective patient referral pathways across levels of health 
service delivery; 
c) Provide reliable supply of psoriasis drugs and psoriasis related treatment and 
medicines to patients by ensuring that health facilities and local health centers 
have sufficient supply of essential and other medicines; 
d) Enhance the psychosocial related competencies of health providers in all levels of 
care and the capacity to collaborate and work effectively in an integrated, 
multidisciplinary settings; 
e) Institute workplace retention programs for priority psoriatic treatment disciplines 
where shortages exist, and in underserved areas where there are no psoriasis 
treatment-related practitioners; 
f) 
Establish clear standards and guidelines for patient care and psychosocial support, 
and psoriasis focused patient navigation for individuals and communities and to 
clearly provide individualized support during the psoriasis journey, facilitating 


 
 
access to information and resources as needed, throughout the psoriasis 
continuum of care; 
g) Establish and strengthen community level of care for psoriasis patients of all 
genders and ages; 
h) Ensure the proper recording, reporting and monitoring of psoriasis cases of all 
genders and ages; 
i) 
Network and link-up with comprehensive psoriasis care centers, regional psoriasis 
centers, privately managed psoriasis centers and relevant health facilities and 
international institutions, for knowledge and resource sharing; and 
j) 
All other activities and initiatives as may be identified by the Council. 
 
Sec. 9. Psoriasis Care Center. – The Council, shall develop standards to classify, 
accredit and designate comprehensive psoriasis care centers, specialty psoriasis 
centers, stand-alone specialty psoriasis centers, regional psoriasis centers and psoriasis 
satellites or stand-alone clinics. In accordance with Section 31 of this Act, the DOH, in 
the implementing rules and regulations of this Act, shall provide for the minimum 
required diagnostic, therapeutic, research capacities and facilities, technical, operational 
and personnel standards of these centers, as well as the appropriate licensing and 
accreditation requirements, and procedure for licensing in a timely manner. The use of 
Public Private Partnership shall be allowed on the procurement of psoriasis care 
infrastructure and delivery of services to improve access to and services to hasten 
delivery of essential treatment services and promote efficiency in fiscal utilization for 
psoriasis program and projects. Private institutions may also be accredited as 
comprehensive psoriasis care centers, specialty psoriasis centers, stand- alone 
specialty psoriasis care centers, regional psoriasis centers and psoriasis satellites or 
stand-alone clinics, provided they comply with the requirements for such accreditation. 
The PCC shall have the following purposes and objectives: 
a) To ensure strategic alignment with the national psoriasis care and control plans 
and programs; 
b) To provide for accommodation, facilities and medical treatment of patients 
suffering from psoriasis, subject to the rules and regulations of the PCC; 


 
 
c) To promote, encourage and engage in scientific research on psoriasis and the 
care and treatment of psoriasis patients and related activities; 
d) To stimulate and underwrite scientific research on the biological, demographic, 
social, economic, psychological, physiological aspects of psoriasis, including 
its comorbidities that makes it as risk factor for other serious inflammatory 
disease; and gather, compile, and publish the findings of such researches for 
public dissemination; 
e) To encourage and undertake the training of physicians, pathologists, 
psychologists, nurses, medical and laboratory technicians, health officers and 
social workers on the practical and scientific conduct and implementation of 
psoriasis health care services, and related activities; and 
f) To assist universities, hospitals and research institutions in their studies of 
psoriasis, to encourage advanced training on matters of, or affecting the 
psoriatic patients, and related fields and to support educational programs of 
value to general health. 
 
Sec. 10. Regional/Provincial/Municipal Psoriasis Care Centers. – The objectives 
and functions of a Regional/Provincial/Municipal psoriasis center are as follows: 
a) Provide timely, developmentally appropriate, and high-quality medical services such 
as screening, diagnosis, optimal treatment and care, supportive care management 
including follow-up care, and reintegration and rehabilitation, to psoriasis patients 
of all genders and ages; 
b) Establish, as necessary, networks with both public and private facilities to improve 
access, expand range of services, reduce costs and bring services closer to 
patients; 
c) Provide and promote patient navigation, and other measures to improve the well-
being and quality of life of people living with psoriasis, their families and carers; 
d) Design and implement high-impact, innovative, and relevant local communications 
campaigns that are context and culture-sensitive, and aligned with national 
programs; 
e) Undertake and support the training of physicians, psychologists, nurses, medical 


 
 
technicians, pharmacists, health officers, and social workers on evidence-based 
and good practice models for the delivery of responsive, multidisciplinary, 
integrated psoriasis care and services; 
f) 
Address the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of psoriasis patients, their carers, 
and families; 
g) Adopt and promote evidence-based innovations, good practice models, equitable, 
sustainable strategies; 
h) Engage and collaborate with LGUs, private sector, philanthropic institutions, 
psoriasis focused patient support, advocacy organizations and civil society 
organizations to make available programs and services and practical assistance to 
psoriasis patients, their carers, and their families; and 
i) 
Promote and assist in ethical scientific research on matters related to psoriasis. 
 
Sec. 11. Capacity Development. – The DOH, in collaboration with professional medical 
societies actively treating psoriasis patients, LGUs leagues, and LGU-based health 
associations, academic institutions, human resources units of psoriasis care centers, 
civil society organizations, and the private sector, shall formulate, implement and update 
capacity development program for all health care workers providing psoriasis care 
service and support at all levels of the health care delivery system. 
 
Sec. 12. Psoriasis-Related Academic Curriculum. – The Commission on Higher 
Education (CHED), in collaboration with the DOH, higher education institutions (HEIs), 
psoriasis focused professional societies, accrediting institutions and patient support 
organizations, shall undertake an assessment of current psoriasis- related academic 
curriculum and ensure that the curriculum meets local needs and global practice 
standards. The CHED shall encourage HEIs to offer degree programs for high priority 
psoriasis-related specializations and continuing education programs related to psoriasis 
treatment and care. 
The DOH, in collaboration with academic institutions, shall provide subsidies and 
scholarships for training 
of medical professionals, 
such as 
dermatologists, 
rheumatologists, and other specialized medical professionals related with the treatment 


 
 
and care of psoriasis. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
PSORIASIS AWARENESS 
Sec. 13. Psoriasis Awareness Campaign. – The DOH shall intensify its psoriasis 
awareness campaign and provide the latest and evidence-based information for the 
prevention and treatment of psoriasis including practical advice, support and referral for 
psoriasis patients, their families, and carers. The DOH, in collaboration with the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology, shall make full use of the 
latest technology to disseminate information to reach every Filipino. 
The awareness campaign must increase psoriasis literacy and understanding of 
risk factors associated with psoriasis, dispel myths and misconceptions about psoriasis, 
and reduce the anxiety, fear, distress and uncertainty related to psoriasis. 
 
Sec. 14. National Psoriasis Awareness Month. – The month of October of every year 
shall be known as the "National psoriasis Awareness Month" throughout the Philippines. 
The DOH, in collaboration with LCDs, psoriasis focused professional societies, 
academic institutions, shall lead the observance of National Psoriasis Awareness Month. 
 
Sec. 15. Health Education and Promotion in Schools, Colleges, and Universities. – 
The CHED and the Department of Education, in coordination with the DOH, shall 
develop policies and provide technical guidance to academic institutions and 
administrators to: 
a) Promote and facilitate integration of age appropriate and gender sensitive key 
messages on psoriasis risk factors, early warning signs and symptoms of psoriasis 
including lifestyles and healthy diets in their curriculum, health and wellness 
programs, and co-curricular activities; 
b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support 
programs for people living with psoriasis, and their family members, especially 
those who act as carers for psoriasis patients; and 
c) Adopt initiatives that minimize or eliminate stigma and discrimination in schools, 


 
 
colleges, and universities that are experienced by people with psoriasis, psoriasis 
survivors and their families. 
 
Sec. 16. Health Education and Promotion in the Workplace. – The Department of 
Labor and Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission, and Technical Education 
and Skills Development Authority, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop policies 
and provide technical guidance to employers, employees associations, and unions to: 
a) Promote and facilitate integration of gender sensitive key messages on psoriasis 
risk factors, signs and symptoms of psoriasis, prevention and control of 
exacerbation, adoption of healthy lifestyles and healthy diets, in their 
communication initiatives, health and wellness programs, and employee 
development programs; 
b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support 
programs for people living with psoriasis, their carers, and family members; 
c) Integrate appropriate psoriasis treatment services in their health services and clinics; 
and 
d) Develop programs, initiatives or mechanisms that shall minimize or eliminate stigma 
and discrimination in the workplace that is experienced by people living with 
psoriasis. 
 
Sec. 17. Health Education and Promotion in Communities. – The Department of the 
Interior and Local Government (DILG) and LGUs, in collaboration with the DOH central 
and regional offices, local psoriasis focused patient support organizations and psoriasis 
focused professional societies, shall lead the health education and promotion campaign 
in local communities, including out-of-school youth. The DILG, in coordination with the 
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall conduct and promote 
age appropriate and gender sensitive psoriasis-focused health education. 
 
ARTICLE V 
ACCESS TO QUALITY PSORIASIS CARE AND TREATMENT 
Sec. 18. Establishment of Psoriasis Assistance Fund. – There is hereby established 


 
 
a psoriasis Assistance Fund to support the psoriasis medicine and treatment assistance 
program. The DOH shall manage the Fund in accordance with existing budgeting, 
accounting, and auditing rules and regulations and shall make a quarterly report to the 
Office of the President and Congress on the disbursement of the Fund. 
The DOH may solicit and receive donations which shall form part of the Fund and 
such donations shall be exempt from income and or donor's tax and all other taxes, fees 
and charges imposed by the government. Likewise, fund raising activities may be 
conducted by the Council and the proceeds of which shall accrue to the Fund and shall 
be exempt from any and all taxes. 
Receipts from donations, whether in cash or in kind, shall be accounted for in the 
books of the done government agency in accordance with accounting and auditing rules 
and regulations. The receipts from cash donations and proceeds from sale of donated 
commodities shall be deposited with the National Treasury and recorded as a special 
account in the General Fund and shall be available to the implementing agency 
concerned through a special budget pursuant to Section 35, Chapter 5, Book VI of 
Executive Order No. 292. The cash value of the donations shall be deemed 
automatically appropriated for the purpose specified by the donor. Donations with a term 
not exceeding one (1) year shall be treated as trust receipts. 
The donee-agency concerned shall submit the quarterly reports of all donations 
received, whether in cash or in kind, and expenditures or disbursements thereon with 
electronic signature to the DBM, through the Unified Reporting System, and to the 
Speaker of the House of the Representatives, the President of the Senate of the 
Philippines, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Finance 
and the Commission on Audit, by posting such reports on the donee-agency concerned 
websites for a period of three (3) years. The head of the donee-agency concerned shall 
send written notice to the said offices when said reports have been posted on its 
website which shall be considered the date of submission. 
 
Sec. 19. PhilHealth Benefits for Psoriasis. – The Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation shall expand its benefit packages to include primary care screening, 
detection, diagnosis, treatment assistance, supportive care, management and follow-up 


 
 
care for all types and severity of psoriasis, in both adults and children. It shall also 
develop innovative benefits such as support for community-based models of care to 
improve psoriasis treatment journey and reduce costs of care, including stand-alone 
photo-therapy and biologic centers, ambulatory care, and community-based care and 
support facility. The development or expansion of any PhilHealth benefit shall go 
through a proper, transparent, and standardized prioritization setting process, such as 
the Health Technology Assessment and actuarial feasibility study, to avoid inequitable 
allocation of funds for health care services. 
The Psoriasis Assistance Fund and PhilHealth benefits shall be made available in 
public and private DOH- licensed psoriasis centers, DOH and PhilHealth shall prescribe, 
in consultation with stakeholders, the coverage rates and applicable rules on options to 
charge co-payment for services rendered. Processes to avail of such funding shall be 
streamlined to ensure timely provision of psoriasis care. 
 
Sec. 20. PsorCoach Program for Psoriasis. – The Council, in collaboration with 
Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil), DSWD, PhilHealth and LGUs shall develop appropriate 
and easily accessible modules certifying Patient Coaches and volunteers in providing 
Psychosocial support for psoriasis patients, their families, and carers. It shall aim to 
navigate the patients in the healthcare system and encourage the people living with 
psoriasis to undergo the necessary care and treatment. 
Certified PsorCoaches will be considered as professional carers of people living 
with psoriasis and their services can be paid through PhilHealth, DOH, DSWD and 
LGUs budget for social services. 
 
Sec. 21. Social Protection Mechanisms. – The DOH, in collaboration with the Social 
Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine 
Charity Sweepstakes Office, DOLE, DSWD, PhilHealth and LGUs shall develop 
appropriate and easily accessible social protection mechanisms for psoriasis patients, 
their families, and carers. It shall aim to encourage the underprivileged and marginalized 
people living with psoriasis to undergo the necessary treatment and care. 
 


 
 
The Insurance Commission shall mandate the Health Maintenance Organizations 
(HMOs) to cover counseling and testing, psoriasis screening, diagnostics and care as 
well as certain therapeutics of all member employees. 
The psoriasis-related absences from work of member employees as well as 
voluntary members shall be covered and compensated by the Sickness Benefits of the 
SSS and Disability Benefits of the GSIS. The employees in the informal sector shall be 
prioritized in the psoriasis control packages of PhilHealth while the employees in the 
formal sector shall be offered cost-sharing PhilHealth benefit packages. 
Children with Psoriasis shall be given free access to education or scholarship 
program by the government through the Department of Education (DepEd) and 
Commission of Higher Education (CHED) until such time that he/she finishes college 
education. 
 
ARTICLE VI 
ESSENTIAL MEDICINES 
Sec. 22. Psoriasis and Related Supportive Care Medicines. – The DOH, and other 
concerned government agencies shall implement reforms supporting early access to 
essential medicines, innovative medicines and health technologies, to ensure highest 
possible quality of life among people with psoriasis. The reforms include facilitating 
quick access to drugs for compassionate use and developing a more responsive system 
for effectively addressing emergency cases. 
The FDA shall create a dedicated and streamlined process, not exceeding one (1) 
year, for the licensing of innovator and generic psoriasis medication, subject to 
appropriate quality checks and compliance with minimum standards, such as, but not 
limited to, being approved and used for psoriasis treatment in other countries. 
 
Sec. 23. Support Management Care. – The DOH shall ensure sufficient supply of 
medicines for psoriasis- related care and management that are available at affordable 
prices. Further, the DOH shall formulate a monitoring system to check that psoriasis 
medications are safe and administered in correct dosages. 
 


 
 
ARTICLE VII 
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR PERSONS WITH PSORIASIS 
Sec. 24. Persons with Disabilities. – Persons living with psoriasis, shall be considered 
as persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accordance with Republic Act No. 7277, as 
amended, otherwise known as the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons". 
 
Sec. 25. Rights and Privileges. – Persons living with psoriasis shall be accorded the 
same rights and privileges as PWDs and the DSWD shall ensure that their social 
welfare and benefits provided under Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, are granted to 
them. Further, the DOLE shall adopt programs which promote work and employment 
opportunities for able persons with psoriasis. 
 
Sec. 26. Nondiscrimination. – The appropriate government agencies shall ensure that 
people living with psoriasis are free from any form of discrimination in school, workplace 
and community. 
 
ARTICLE VIII 
PSORIASIS REGISTRY AND MONITORING SYSTEM 
Sec. 27. National Psoriasis Registry and Monitoring System. – The DOH, in 
collaboration with the Council and other stakeholders, shall establish a national 
psoriasis registry and monitoring system. The registry must cover all forms of psoriasis 
among adults and children and serve as guide in the policy development of the Council. 
The national psoriasis registry shall be a population-based psoriasis registry seeking to 
collect data on all new cases of psoriasis by geographical region to provide framework 
for assessing and controlling the impact of psoriasis on the community, psoriasis 
registries shall form part of the Electronic Medical Reports requirement of the DOH, and 
that it shall be in accordance with the National Health Data Standards and Republic Act 
No. 10173, otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012". 
 
Sec. 28. Hospital-Based Psoriasis Registry. – Every hospital, including clinics, shall 
have its own psoriasis registry. The registry must record the personnel identification of 


 
 
psoriasis patients, psoriasis type, treatment received and its results and other data that 
the DOH may prescribe. The regional offices of the DOH shall ensure that all hospitals 
within their respective jurisdiction have psoriasis registry. The information shall be 
treated with utmost confidentiality and shall not be released to third parties, in 
accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the "Data Privacy Act of 2012". Submission 
of the psoriasis registry data to the DOH shall be a requirement for the renewal of a 
license to operate of a hospital. 
 
Sec. 29. Recording and Reporting of Psoriasis Cases. – Adult and childhood 
psoriasis are considered as a notifiable disease in all levels of the health care system. 
Any hospital or clinic which diagnosed a patient with psoriasis shall report the same to 
the DOH. The DOH shall provide the form and manner of reporting of psoriasis cases. 
 
ARTICLE IX 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
Sec. 30. Annual Report. – The Secretary of Health shall submit to the Committees on 
Health of the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the 
progress of the implementation of this Act. 
 
Sec. 31. Appropriations. – The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act, 
including maintenance and other operating expenses of the National Integrated 
Psoriasis Control Program shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of 
die DOH. For the succeeding years, the amount allocated for the National Psoriasis 
Care and Control Program in the DOH budget shall be based on strategic plan 
formulated and to be submitted by the Council, in consultation with other stakeholders. 
The amount should be in the National Expenditures Program (NEP) as basis for the 
General Appropriations Act. 
 
Sec. 32. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days from the 
approval of this Act, the Secretary of Health, in consultation with the Philippines 
Dermatological Society, Philippine Rheumatology Association, Psoriasis Philippines and 


 
 
other concerned stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for 
the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
Sec. 33. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, 
the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force 
and effect. 
 
Sec. 34. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive 
orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulations inconsistent with 
the provision of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
Sec. 35. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,