RECEIVED
DATE: JUL 20:5

Tie:
BY:

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives
. Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
1 Regular Session

1572

HOUSE BILL NO.

RPESTRATION UNIT
BILLS AND iNDEX SERVICE

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 2007 to 2013, the Philippines was reported to have the second highest female
adult mortality rate in the Southeast Asian region, at 144 persons per 1,000 population.
The country also lists the fourth highest incidence of child and infant mortality at 30 deaths
out of 1,000 live births.

Several studies have shown the direct link between one’s health and the
environment. In women, chemicals and other substances in the environment can cause
serious health problems, such as cancer, lung disease, or complications in the reproductive
system. In children, environmental factors affect their immune system and organ

development.

It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of every
Filipino. As such, it is imperative that we come up with ways to address the hazardous
effects of the environment to women and children.

This bill directs the Secretary of Health to submit to Congress a report on the effects
that environmental factors have on the health of women and children. With such a report,
we are on our way to take the initial steps in protecting the health and welfare of the

Filipinos.

Thus, this Representation seeks the immediate passage of this bill

“ALFREDO D. VARGAS III



REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
1s Regular Session

1572

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

ANACT
REQUIRING A REPORT REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS HAVE ON
WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Women and Children’s
Health Environmental Factors Act.”

Sec. 2. Report on Effects of Environmental Factors on Women and Children’s
Health. - The Secretary of Health shall submit to Congress a report in accordance with the
following:

(1). The report shall summarize the body of scientific knowledge on the effect that
environmental factors have on women and children’s health. The report shall include
description of the known effects of environmental factors on cancer, on immune
dysfunction, organ development, and the like.

(2). The report shall specify an agenda for the conduct and support of research on
the effects that environmental factors have on women and children’s health. The agenda
shall specify the categories of research that should receive priority. In the development of
the agenda, the summary prepared under paragraph (1) shall be considered, including
consideration of areas identified by the summary as having received insufficient study.

Sec. 3. Date for Submission of Report. - The report under Section 2 shall be
submitted to Congress not later than one (1) year after the date of the enactment of this
Act.

Sec. 4. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall thereby remain in force and effect.


Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders and other administrative
issuances and parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, is hereby
amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette and in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approved,