DATE.

TUNE,
Republic of the Philippines 2, BY.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES o
Quezon City, Metro Manila
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
FOURTH REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No. 9172

INTRODUCED BY: Rep. GREG G. GASATAYA.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is an elementary principle in law that it is the inherent power and authority of the State
to act as the parent of any citizen who is in need of its safeguard and protection. It is the
responsibility of the State to look after the well-being of its people especially those who are unable
to fully defend and take good care of themselves. Hence, the State serves as the supreme guardian
of the welfare of those who are physically disadvantaged brought about by their disabilities.

As the State gives priority to education, among others, to foster patriotism and nationalism,
accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development, it shall render
utmost considerations to the educational needs of all the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and
their children. The State must provide them equal access to free and accessible education in the
form of scholarship grants to help them obtain a college degree. In this way, PWDs and their
children will be equipped with necessary educational competencies to enable them to cope up with
the socio-economic challenges that confront them. It worth emphasizing time and again that those
who have less in life should have more in law.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this Bill is earnestly sought.

REP. GREG G. GASATAYA
Lone District, Bacolod City


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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
FOURTH REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No. 9172

INTRODUCED BY Rep. GREG G. GASATAYA

AN ACT
GRANTING SCHOLARSHIPS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs) AND
THEIR CHILDREN AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND OTHER
PURPOSES

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 “Comprehensive PWD
Scholarship Act of 2019.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall ensure that Persons with Disabilities
and their children are provided with adequate access to quality education and ample opportunities
to develop their skills. It shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to them

SECTION 3. Scholarship Grants to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their
children. — There shall hereby be provided, under the supervision of the Department of Education
and the Commission on Higher Education in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare
and Development, Scholarship Grants to all PWDs and their children.

SECTION 4. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the effective implementation
of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations for the Department of Education and the
Commission on Higher Education under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such
amount as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause — If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.


SECTION 6. Effectivity.— 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,