NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2936
25 1I\N 22 P2-31
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROMOTING MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE BY PROVIDING FREE 
MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS TO INDIGENT WOMEN AND TO GIRLS ENROLLED 
IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Empowering women is not just an act of justice; it is a cornerstone of national 
development. Women play a pivotal role in shaping families, communities, and the 
nation. As the bearers of life and nurturers of future generations, their well-being is 
central to the country's progress. With a population of nearly 120 million—comprising 
over 34 million adolescent girls and women of reproductive age—the State has a 
responsibility to protect their rights and ensure access to essential resources, 
particularly in healthcare.
Menstruation, a natural and vital biological process, is a defining aspect of 
womanhood and human development. However, for countless women and girls in the 
Philippines, menstruation comes with unnecessary challenges due to Period 
Poverty—the lack of access to affordable menstrual hygiene products and services. 
A 2023 survey conducted by the Humanist Alliance Philippines (HAPI) revealed that 
74% of women aged 14 to 30 have missed school or work because they lacked 
access to feminine hygiene products or felt ashamed to leave their homes without 
them.


This issue goes beyond inconvenience. Period Poverty exposes women and giris 
to serious health risks, including reproductive and urinary tract infections, and 
exacerbates inequality by limiting their ability to fully participate in education, work, 
and social life. It undermines their dignity, confidence, and opportunities, perpetuating 
systemic barriers to gender equality.
This measure seeks to eradicate Period Poverty by providing free menstrual 
health and hygiene products to indigent women nationwide and to girls enrolled 
in public schools. Access to these essential products will enable millions of women and 
girls to lead healthier lives, attend school, and work without interruptions caused by 
lack of proper menstrual supplies. By addressing this basic yet critical need, the State 
empowers women to thrive, free from the stigma and hardships associated with 
menstruation.
Furthermore, the measure supports the local economy by mandating the 
promotion and use of Philippine-made menstrual hygiene products. This 
provision fosters the growth of domestic industries, creates jobs, and strengthens the 
economy while ensuring a steady supply of affordable sanitary goods. It reinforces the 
idea that addressing women's needs can drive both social and economic development. 
Menstrual hygiene products are not luxuries—they are necessities. This measure aligns 
with the State's commitment to gender equality, social dignity, and sustainable 
development. By ensuring access to these essential items, we break down barriers 
that hinder women's progress and reaffirm their equal place in society.
This initiative is more than just a solution to a public health issue—it is a 
statement that the country values its women and recognizes their critical contributions 
to nation-building. By tackling Period Poverty, we pave the way for a more inclusive 
and equitable society, where no woman or girl is held back due to a lack of access to 
basic necessities. Together, we can create a future where every woman has the 
opportunity to reach her full potential, benefiting not only herself but the nation as a 
whole.


In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IGGtQY EJERCITO ESTRADA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
SENATE
s. no2936
25 ,IAN 22 ? 2 30
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROMOTING MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE BY PROVIDING FREE 
MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS TO INDIGENT WOMEN AND TO GIRLS ENROLLED 
IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Menstrua! Products Act'.
2 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and promote
3 
the right to health of all Filipinos, regardless of their sex and gender, and instill health
4 
consciousness among them, to provide equal access to education and work. It is also
5 
the policy of the State to promote gender equality by ensuring girls and women have
6 
access to proper menstrual health and hygiene.
7 
Sec. 3. Distribution of Free Menstrua! Products in Public Schools. -The
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Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of Education
9 
(DepEd), shall provide free menstrual products to female students enrolled in all public
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primary and secondary schools nationwide.
11 
Sec. 4. Distribution of Free Menstrua! Products in Public Health Centers. - The
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DOH, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
13 
and Local Government Units (LGUs), shall distribute menstrual products to indigent
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women, as identified and verified by the DSWD or by the local social welfare and
15 
development officer of the LGU, through its Barangay Health Centers nationwide.


16 
Sec. 5. Promotion of Locally-Made Menstrua! Hygiene Products. -In coordination
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with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Tatak Pinoy Council, the
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DOH shall ensure that locally-made menstrual hygiene products are included in the
19 
distribution of free menstrual hygiene products depending on availability and in
20 
accordance with the provisions of relevant procurement laws.
21 
Guidelines shall be formulated by the DTI and the Tatak Pinoy Council to promote
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and to develop the domestic menstrual hygiene product industry in line with Republic
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Act No. 11981.
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Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in consultation and
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coordination with the DepEd, the DSWD, the DTI shall promulgate the Implementing
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Rules and Regulations within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.
27 
Sec. 7. Appropriation. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
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shall be included In the budget of the DOH under the General Appropriations Act 15
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(GAA).
30 
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is
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declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected
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thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
33 
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or
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inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended
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accordingly.
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Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,