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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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NOV 14 P 4 :18 
SENATE 
S.No. 
1925 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15, provides that: 
The State shall protect and promote the" right to health of the people and 
instill health consciousness among them. 
The increase in the elderly population has implicfltions to the country's response to the 
special needs of the aged; specifically, the adequacy· of geriatric health facilities, trained 
personnel, and welfare programs for those who cannot afford private healthcare. Despite the 
traditional high regard for older persons in Filipino society, they are the most vulnerable to 
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neglect as the family tries to face the pressures of survival. 
Osteoporosis is one of the major concerns for our elderly population. It may be 
debilitating, but it can be prevented, or at least minimized, through proper nutrition and exercise 
before bone loss. And even those affected by severe bone loss can take preventive measures to 
minimize the risk of disabilities. To address these issues, early detection, prevention, and 
maintenance are the best weapons. 
This bill seeks to address the need to be informed about osteoporosis, its effects, and its 
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preventIOn. 
~'~"'~ 
p!IY ~IRIAM DEF'-SO'RSA"NTlAYO' 
• This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 1925 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN 
FOR OSTEOPOROSIS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION 
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110V 14 ? 4 :1 8 
!H~nT;LO ill')'f'I 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the Housr of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION I. Short Title. - This Act may be cited as the "Osteoporosis Education and 
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Prevention Act." 
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SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. -For purposes of this Act, the term: 
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(A) 
"DOl-I" shall refer to the D~partment of Health; 
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(8) 
"Secretary" shall refer to the Secretary of Health; 
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(C) 
"Congress" shall refer to both the Senate and the House of Representatives; and 
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(D) 
"Osteoporosis" shall refer to a disorder common to elderly women in which 
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calcium and bone protein are depleted, causing bones to become less dense, more brittle, and 
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fracture easily. 
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SECTION 3. National Public Awareness Campaign. - The DOH shall create a national 
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campaign to increase awareness and knowledge with respect to· osteoporosis. As part of such 
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campaign, the Secretary shall provide public service announ~ements, in accordance with 
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applicable law and regulations, by developing and placing in telecommunications media 
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announcements intended to encourage at-risk populations to discuss their risks of osteoporosis 
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with their physicians, and to call attention to early warning signs and risks factors based on the 
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best available medical information. 
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SECTION 4, Osteoporosis Pr'evention Demonstration Program. -
(A) 
The Secretmy shall carry out an osteoporosis prevention demonstration progrmn 
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for purposes of -
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(I) 
(2) 
determining the best practices for providing information and outreach 
services (including programs and information, such as fora, seminars, and 
large-print, easy-to understand; multilingual literature) relating to 
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis; and 
measuring the effectiveness of such program over a three-year period, as 
shown by an increase in the percentages of individuals who have 
demonstrated expanded awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis 
(including knowledge of personal risk factors). 
(B) 
In carrying out such program, the Secretary shall ,collaborate with the leading 
nongovernmental health organizations, academic institutions, local health officer, as well as 
other health entities, with a mission both to promote lifelong bone health nationwide and to 
provide outreach to local governments and communities, for the purpose of determining the best 
practices for providing bone-health information and outreach services to at-risk populations. 
SECTION 5. Osteoporosis Research and Reports. - Not later than eighteen (18) months 
after the enactment of this Act, the DOH shall conduct a study on the prevalence of osteoporosis 
among the country's population. The study shall also contain.an evaluation. of the national public. 
awareness campaigns conducted by the DOH, as well as recommendations on measures that 
could be undertaken to strengthen osteoporosis education and prevention programs. A report of 
this study shall be submitted to Congress not later than two (2) years after the date of the 
enactment ofthis Act. 
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part thereof is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting accordingly. 
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SECTION 7. 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 inconsistent 
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with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended 
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SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general ~irculation. 
Approved, 
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