Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

293

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY Rep. GREG G. GASATAYA.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is an elementary principle in law that is the inherent power and authority of the State to act as
the parent of any citizen who is in need of its safeguard and protection. It is the responsibility of the State
to look after the well-being of its people especially those who are unable to fully defend and take good
care of themselves. Hence, the State serves as the supreme guardian of the welfare of those who are
physically disadvantaged brought about by their disabilities.

As the State gives priority to education, among others, to foster patriotism and nationalism,
accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development, it shall render utmost
considerations to the educational needs of all Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their children. The
State must provide them equal access to free and accessible education in the form of scholarship grants to
help them obtain a college degree. In this way, PWDs and their children will be equipped with necessary
‘educational competencies to enable them to cope with the socio-economic challenges that confront them,
It is worth emphasizing time and again that those who have less in life must have more in law.

In view of the foregoing. passage of this Bill is earnestly sought.

AAP

REP. GREG G. GASATAYA
Lone District of Bacolod City



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

298

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY Rep. GREG G. GASATAYA

AN ACT
GRANTING SCHOLARSHIP TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs) AND THEIR
CHILDREN AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 “Comprehensive PWD Scholarship Act of
2019."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall ensure that Persons with Disabilities and their
children are provided adequate access to quality education and ample opportunities to develop their skills.
It shall ‘ake appropriate steps to make such education accessible to them.

SECTION 3. Scholarship Grants to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their children. — There shall
hereby be provided, under the supervision of the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher
Education in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Scholarship Grants
to PWDs and children of PWDs.

SECTION 4. Appropriations. ~The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall
be charged against the appropriations for the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher
Education under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary
for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Act is held invalid or
id effect

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of thi
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full fore

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of
instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

APPROVED,