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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Reps.  Alfelito “Alfel” M. Bascug, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora and Laarni 
Lavin Roque 
“AN ACT 
DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE “NATIONAL 
PERSONS WITH DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH” AND OCTOBER 25 AS THE 
“NATIONAL PERSONS WITH DWARFISM AWARENESS DAY” 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
International Dwarfism Awareness Month, observed every October, is a global initiative 
to raise awareness about the experiences, contributions, and rights of persons with dwarfism. 
It serves as a vital platform to highlight that the issue is not merely about height but about 
confronting and dismantling social, physical, and attitudinal barriers that persons with 
dwarfism face every day. These barriers often include exclusion, stereotyping, discrimination, 
and lack of accessibility to fundamental rights and opportunities. 
In recognition of this, the proposed measure seeks to declare October of every year as 
the "National Persons with Dwarfism Awareness Month" and October 25 as "National Persons 
with Dwarfism Awareness Day" in the Philippines. This legislation aligns with global calls to 
promote the full inclusion, participation, and empowerment of all persons, particularly those 
who have historically faced marginalization and systemic discrimination. 
Consistent with Section 11, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states 
that “the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human 
rights,” this bill underscores the policy of the State to ensure that persons with dwarfism are 
able to enjoy their rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others. 
It further affirms the principles laid down by the United Nations Convention on the 
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly Article 8, which emphasizes 
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raising awareness to foster respect for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and 
Article 27, which protects their right to work in an environment that is open, inclusive, and 
accessible. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also champion the principle of 
“Leaving No One Behind,” which recognizes the urgent need to create opportunities for groups 
most at risk of exclusion. 
Despite existing laws in the Philippines that protect the rights of persons with 
disabilities, specific challenges persist for persons with dwarfism, including limited public 
understanding of their condition, lack of appropriate medical expertise, inadequate anti-
bullying measures in educational settings, and insufficient workplace accommodations. These 
factors significantly hinder their access to services, employment, education, and full 
participation in society. 
This bill is part of a broader effort to correct these systemic gaps through sustained 
public education and inclusive policy. Declaring a month and a day of national awareness will 
amplify visibility, promote understanding, and encourage a collective commitment among all 
sectors—government, civil society, the private sector, and the general public—to advance the 
dignity and rights of persons with dwarfism. 
The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, adopted in 2019, serves as a critical 
reference point. It commits to embedding the rights of persons with disabilities, including those 
with dwarfism, into both external programming and internal workplace environments. The 
United Nations in the Philippines, through its partnership with the Philippine National 
Disability Forum and civil society, actively supports these inclusion efforts and encourages the 
active participation of all communities in national development. 
Through this measure, the Philippines takes another step forward toward an inclusive, 
rights-based society where equality, non-discrimination, and diversity are not just aspirations 
but lived realities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that persons with dwarfism are 
respected, included, and empowered—not only during one month or one day, but throughout 
the year and in all aspects of life. 
Approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. ALFELITO “ALFEL” M. BASCUG 
REP. YSABEL MARIA J. ZAMORA 
      Agusan Del Sur, First (1st) District 
         San Juan City, Lone District 
REP. LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE 
Bukidnon, Fourth (4th) District 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Reps.  Alfelito “Alfel” M. Bascug, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora and Laarni 
Lavin Roque 
“AN ACT 
DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE “NATIONAL 
PERSONS WITH DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH” AND OCTOBER 25 AS THE 
“NATIONAL PERSONS WITH DWARFISM AWARENESS DAY” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full 
respect for human rights.  It is the policy of the State to take appropriate measures to ensure 
that persons with dwarfism are able to fully enjoy their rights and fundamental freedom on 
equal basis with others, including protection from discrimination, stigma, harassment and 
violence. 
The State further recognizes the importance of promoting positive awareness, 
understanding, and acceptance of persons with dwarfism to eliminate social, physical, and 
attitudinal barriers and to foster their full inclusion, participation, and empowerment in all 
aspects of public life. 
SEC. 2. The month of October of every year is hereby declared as the “National 
Persons with Dwarfism Awareness Month” to promote public education and understanding on 
the conditions, rights, and contributions of persons with dwarfism in Philippine society. 
SEC. 3. The 25th day of October of every year is hereby declared as the “National 
Persons with Dwarfism Awareness Day” to commemorate the contributions of persons with 
dwarfism, highlight the importance of inclusion and accessibility, and reaffirm the collective 
commitment of individuals, institutions, and the State to uphold their dignity, rights, and well-
being. 
SEC. 4. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Commission on 
Human Rights, in coordination with the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher 
Education, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the 
National Council on Disability Affairs, and the Presidential Communications Office, in 
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consultation with recognized organizations and other advocacy groups representing persons 
with dwarfism, shall formulate and issue the necessary rules and regulations to effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 5. If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the 
remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SEC.  6. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish, impair, or repeal rights and 
benefits granted to any marginalized, vulnerable, or disadvantaged sector under existing laws, 
international conventions, or administrative issuances. 
 
SEC. 7. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly. 
 
 
SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in 
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,