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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No, 2021

INTRODUCED BY Rep. ZIAUR-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects
communication, behavior, and social interaction. The World Health Organization estimates
that 1 in 100 children globally is diagnosed with autism. In the Philippines, while awareness
of autism has improved, access to timely diagnosis, therapy, and support services remains
heavily concentrated in urban centers, leaving thousands of individuals in the provinces
without appropriate care or intervention.

This bill seeks to address the glaring disparity by mandating the establishment of a Center
for Autism in every province of the country. These Centers will serve as local hubs for early
diagnosis, therapeutic services, educational support, family counseling, vocational training,
and community-based advocacy.

The proposed Centers will function not only as clinical facilities but as community resource
institutions that aim to equip families, educators, health workers, and local governments with
the knowledge and tools to provide care, acceptance, and opportunity to every individual on
the autism spectrum.

Each provincial Center shall operate under whole be established the guidance of the
Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Local
Government (DILG). A National Autism Board, under the Office of the President,which will
ensure policy coherence, standardization of services, and overall program direction.

The establishment of these Centers will also help identify and reach indigent individuals
with autism who are often neglected due to geographic and financial barriers. By ensuring the
presence of at least one Center per province, we create a foundation for a more inclusive and
compassionate society—one that values the potential of every Filipino, regardless of ability.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnéstly sought.

REP. ZIAUZ-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG
1* District, Lanao Del Sur


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
2021

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY Rep. ZIAUR-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE
PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy.

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote and protect the rights
of all individuals, including those with autism and other developmental disabilities, to
live a full, healthy, and dignified life. The State shall ensure access to appropriate
health care, education, therapy, and support services for persons with autism and
shall take proactive measures to eliminate barriers to inclusion and participation.

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms.
As used in this Act:

a. Autism refers to a developmental disability that typically appears
within the first three years of life, resulting from a neurological
disorder that affects brain function.

b. Disability means a physical, sensory, or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life activities.

¢. Disabled Gifted are individuals who exhibit high performance in
intellectual, artistic, or leadership capabilities despite having a
disability.


d. Disabled Worker refers to a worker whose capacity to earn is
reduced due to physical, sensory, or mental impairment.

e. Handicap means a disadvantage arising from an impairment or
disability that limits an individual's ability to perform age-appropriate
activities.

f. Impairment is any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological,
or anatomical structure or function.

g. Indigent Patient refers to a person with disability whose income falls
below the government-defined poverty threshold.

h. Rehabilitation is an integrated approach involving medical,
psychological, social, educational, and vocational measures to enable
persons with disabilities to attain maximum independence.

i. Special Education (SPED) is a customized form of education

designed for learners with special needs who cannot benefit fully from
regular education programs.

SECTION 3. Establishment of a Center for Autism in Every Province.

There shall be established, under the supervision of the Department of Health
(DOH), a Center for Autism in every province of the Philippines. Each provincial
Center shall be tasked to:

a. Formulate and implement localized autism response plans consistent with

national standards;

b. Operate diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation clinics;

c. Provide vocational training for autistic individuals, especially adults;

d. Offer free diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation services to indigent
individuals with autism;

e. Conduct regular training programs for teachers, therapists, medical
professionals, and caregivers;

f. Provide counseling, family support, orientation, and referral services; and

g. Promote awareness and advocacy programs about autism and inclusive
development.

SECTION 4. Governing Structure.

Each provincial Center shall be managed by a Provincial Autism Coordinating
Committee (PACC) composed of:


|. The Provincial Health Officer as Chairperson;

. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer as Vice

Chairperson;

. A representative from the Provincial Schools Division Office of the

Department of Education (DepEd);

|. A representative from Department of Local Government (DILG)

. One (1) parent-representative of a person with autism; and

One (1) representative from the provincial medical or therapeutic
association.

There shall also be established a National Autism Board (NAB) which shall
provide the national-level oversight and policy direction which shall be attached to
the Office of the President. The National Autism Board (NAB) shall be composed of
the following:

a.

One (1) representative from the Department of Health, as
Chairperson;

. One (1) representative from the Department of Education, as Vice-

Chairperson;

. One (1) representative from the Department of Social Welfare and

Development;

. One (1) representative from the Department of Local Government
. Two (2) representatives from the National Council on Disability Affairs;
. Two (2) representatives from the Autism Society Philippines;

. Two (2) representatives from parents of children and adults with

autism.

SECTION 5. Appropriations.

The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be
charged against the current year’s appropriations of the concerned agencies.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation of the
Centers shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations.

‘The Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Education,
Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the National Council for
Disability Affairs shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within
ninety (90) days from its effectivity.


SECTION 7. Separability Clause.

If any part or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the
remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause.

All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two
(2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,