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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representatives Alfelito “Alfel” M. Bascug, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora and 
Laarni Lavin Roque 
“AN ACT 
DECLARING FEBRUARY 6 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL DAY OF 
AWARENESS FOR PERSONS WITH DOWN SYNDROME” 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This proposed measure is anchored on the principles of equality, inclusivity, and respect 
for human dignity as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Magna Carta for 
Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act No. 7277, as amended), and the United Nations 
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which the Philippines is 
a State Party. 
Persons with Down Syndrome are among the most underrepresented and often 
misunderstood sectors of the disability community. Despite their unique gifts and contributions, 
they continue to face various forms of discrimination, exclusion, and stereotyping. This bill 
seeks to correct this by declaring February 6 of every year as the National Day of Awareness 
for Persons with Down Syndrome. 
This observance serves not merely as a symbolic commemoration, but as a necessary 
intervention to promote social inclusion, educate the public, and inspire legislative and 
institutional reforms that uplift persons with Down Syndrome and their families. The date 
February 6 was chosen with intent and historical relevance—it marks the founding anniversary 
of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), a pioneering institution 
that, since its inception, has served as the foremost advocate for persons with Down Syndrome 
in the country. 
August 13, 2025
1:16 pm
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In 2002, Proclamation No. 157, issued by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 
declared February as “National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.” Globally, March 21 
is recognized as World Down Syndrome Day, signifying the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st 
chromosome that causes the condition. While both observances remain significant, the 
declaration of February 6 as a National Day of Awareness will complement these efforts by 
providing a focused, nationally recognized day for advocacy, public education, and celebration 
of the Down Syndrome community within the Philippine context. 
This legislative measure endeavors to: 
1. Institutionalize February 6 as an annual National Day of Awareness for Persons with
Down Syndrome;
2. Promote public understanding of Down Syndrome and dispel harmful myths and
stereotypes;
3. Encourage national and local governments, schools, health institutions, civil society
organizations, and the media to conduct relevant programs and activities that empower
persons with Down Syndrome and recognize their rights and contributions; and
4. Highlight the crucial role of advocacy groups such as DSAPI in championing disability
rights and inclusive development.
In declaring this special day, the Philippines affirms its moral and social responsibility
to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Awareness is the first step to 
genuine inclusion—and inclusion is the cornerstone of a truly humane and just society. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill 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 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representatives Alfelito “Alfel” M. Bascug, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora and 
Laarni Lavin Roque 
“AN ACT 
DECLARING FEBRUARY 6 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL DAY OF 
AWARENESS FOR PERSONS WITH DOWN SYNDROME” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to prioritize the welfare of the underprivileged, 
the sick, the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and children, as enshrined in Article 
XIII, Section 11 of the Philippine Constitution. Additionally, the Republic of the Philippines 
reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of 
the Child, which recognizes the right of children with disabilities to special care, education, 
and training to help them achieve dignified and self-reliant lives while fostering their social 
integration. 
The State acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about Down syndrome to 
eliminate societal barriers, promote inclusivity, and foster a supportive environment for 
individuals with Down syndrome. To this end, the State shall take appropriate measures to 
uphold their rights to equal opportunities and protection from discrimination, harassment, and 
violence. 
SEC. 2. February 6 of every year is hereby declared as the “National Day of 
Awareness for Persons with Down Syndrome”. This annual observance aims to: 
1. Enhance public understanding of Down syndrome, including its causes,
challenges, and the potential of individuals with the condition;
2. Promote the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with Down syndrome;
and
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3. Encourage inclusivity and respect for diversity within communities, schools, 
workplaces, and other sectors of society. 
SEC. 3. The Department of Health shall, in collaboration with the Department of 
Education, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development, and other relevant government agencies and non-governmental organizations, 
lead the implementation of programs and activities in observance of the “National Day of 
Awareness for Persons with Down Syndrome”. 
SEC. 4. All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and regulations, 
ordinances, other issuances or parts thereof, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,