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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                     1
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HoUSEBILLNo.10496
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Introduced  by:  Hon.  Keith  Micah  "Atty.  Mike"  D.L.  Tan
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING  HEALTH  PROMOTION  IN THE PHILIPPINES BY
ESTABLISHING A  PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR HEALTH  PROIVIOTION,  PROVIDING
FOR A HEALTH PROMOTION FUND AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Non-Communicable  Diseases  (NCDs)  affect  people from  all  walks  of life,  and  in
all  parts  of the  world.  The  epidemic  of NCDs  poses  devastating  health  consequences
for individuals,  families  and  communities.  Prevention  and  control  of these diseases are
a  major  development  imperative  for  the  21st  century.   NCDs  continue  to  cause  the
highest disease burden worldwide.
The  impact of NCDs grew from  causing 61 % of global deaths  in  2000 to causing
74°/o  in  2019.  Four  major  NCDs  collectively  killed  about  33.3  million  people  in  2019,  a
280/o  increase compared to 2000.  These  major NCDs are cardiovascular disease  (17.9
million)  cancer  (9.3  million)  chronic  respiratory  disease  (4.1   million)  and  diabetes  (2.0
million).1
NCDs  are  the  result  of  a  combination  of  genetic,  physiological,  environmental
and  behavioral factors.  Modifiable behavioral risk factors include harmful  use of alcohol,
tobacco  use,   physical  inactivity  and  an  unhealthy  diet.   Metabolic  risk  factors  include
raised   blood   pressure,   overweight  and   obesity,   hyperglycemia   (high   blood   glucose
levels),  and  hyperlipidemia (high  levels of fat in the blood),2
The alarming  increase in the incidence of degenerative and  lifestyle diseases is a
pressing  concern  of the  population.  In the  Philippines,  the top three  causes  of death  in
the  country  from  January  to  May  of 2023  were  ischaemic  heart diseases,  neoplasms,
and cerebrovascular diseases.  From January to May of 2023,  ischaemic heart diseases
were the leading cause of death with 44,770 cases or 19.3 percent of the total deaths in
the country.  On the other hand,  Neoplasms came in second with 24,066 deaths (10.4%
share).  Cerebrovascular  diseases  were  the  third  leading  cause  which  accounted  for
23,951   recorded   cases   (10.3%   share)  from   January  to   May  2023.   Deaths  due  to
diabetes  mellitus  recorded   14,416  cases  or  6.2  percent  share,   making   it  the  fourth
leading  cause  of death,  while  deaths  due  to  Pneumonia,  which  ranked  fifth,  recorded
13,462 cases or 5.8 percent share.3
The  Philippine  Constitution  enshrines  the  right to  health  of every  Filipino.  Article
11,  Section  15  specifically  provided,  that,  "The  State  shall  protect and  promote the  right
to health of the people and  instill health consciousness among them."
I  World Health Statistics 2023: Monitoring health for the SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals
2  Ibid
3 2023 Causes of Death in the Philippines, Philippine Statistics Authority


Traditionally,  funds  for  health  care  have  been  spent  more  on  treating  the  sick
than  on   keeping  the  population   healthy.   However,   promoting   health  and   preventing
diseases  is  as  important as  curative treatment.  As the famous  Benjamin  Franklin  said:
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure''.
This  measure  is  in  line with  the  Healthy  Pilipinas campaign  of the  Department of
Health   which   encompasses   a   vast   range   of  positive   health   impacts   to   holistically
promote and shift the behavior of Filipinos in practicing  preventive measures advocating
healthy  lifestyle.  To  better  assist  the  government  in  this  effort,  the  people  must  be
empowered  and  enabled  to  take  action  to  improve  their  health.  Health  promotion  and
disease prevention would entail and  require the creation  of supportive environments as
well as the strengthening of community actions.
The  concept  of  health  promotion  has  been  tried  and  tested  in  many  countries,
including   but  not  limited  to  Australia,   Korea,   New  Zealand,   Malaysia,   and  Thailand.
Notably,   since  the  creation  of  ThaiHealth   in  2001,  the   implementation  of  its  health
promotion activities  has made significant impacts on  major risk factors such as smoking
and  alcohol  consumption.  Indeed,  it has greatly contributed  to the  improved  health  and
wellness of the Thai people. This too is envisioned for the  Filipino population.
Towards this end,  there  is a  need to create a  central  agency with  adequate and
sustainable   financing,   as   well   as   some   degree   of  financial   independence,   to  fully
undertake  health  promotion  activities  such  as  health  education,  social  mobilization  and
advocacy.  This  bill,  therefore,  proposes the creation  of the  Philippine  Center for Health
Promotion    to    undertake    the    implementation    of    programs    geared    towards    the
improvement of the health of Filipinos.
In  view  of the  foregoing,  the  immediate  passage  of  this  measure  is  earnestly
sought.
EEEi-
Keith Micah "Atty. Mike" D.L. Tan
4th  District,  Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HoUSEBILLNo.1G496
Introduced  by:  Hon.  Keith  Micah  "Atty.  Mike"  D.L.  Tan
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING  HEALTH  PROMOTION  IN THE PHILIPPINES BY
ESTABLISHING A PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR HEALTH PROMOTION,  PROVIDING
FOR A HEALTH PROMOTION FUND AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
ARTICLE  I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
SECTION  1.  Short Ttt/e. -This Act shall be known as the "Healthy Pilipinas Act".
SEC  2.  Dec/arafr.on  of Po/t.cy.  -  lt  is  hereby  declared  the  policy  of the  State  to
protect  and  promote  the  right  to  health  of the  people  and  instill  health  consciousness
among  them.  It shall  ensure that  people  are  empowered  to  increase  control  over their
health  for  purposes  of  improved  health  in  general.  Toward  this  end,  the  State  shall
endeavor  to  provide  adequate  health  information  and  promotion  that  will  help  people
improve their health.
Towards  this  end,  the  State  shall   provide  a  comprehensive  and   coordinated
approach  to  health  promotion  specifica[[y  by  building  healthy  public  policies,  creating
supportive  environments,  strengthening  community  actions;  developing  personal  skills;
and  reorienting  health services.
Recognizing  the  health  inequities that exist,  it shall  be the  policy  of the  State to
be sensitive to the needs of the youth, women,  poor, elderly, disabled, and marginalized
sectors.   In  view  thereof,  the  State  shall  ensure  coherence  and  coordination  among
government   agencies   in   the   development   and   implementation   of  health   promotion
policies,  plans,  and programs.
It shall  also  be the  policy  of the  State to  systematically  integrate the  concept of
health  promotion  in  various  phases  of  policy  formulation,  development  plans,  poverty
reduction  strategies,  and  other development tools  and  techniques  by  all  agencies  and
instrumentalities of the government.
Further,  it shall be the policy of the state to enjoin the participation of national and
local  governments,   civil  society  organizations,   academe,   local  communities,  and  the
private sector, to achieve health promotion goals.
SEC.  3. Purpose. -This Act aims to:
a)   Establish   a   Philippine   Center   for   Health    Promotion   to   develop   a   national
framework for health promotion;
b)   Establish a  Health  Promotion  Fund;


c)   Increase  awareness  of  healthy  lifestyle  choices  to  reduce  the  incidence  and
impact of chronic diseases;
d)   Enhance  early  detection  and  management  of  common  and  preventable  health
conditions;
e)   Improve access to quality healthcare services and resources;
f)    Foster a community environment that supports health and wellness;
g)   Mainstream  health  through  population-based  approaches  in  public  policy,  plans,
and programs of government agencies and various sectors.
SEC. 4.  Defr.nt.fr.on of Terms. -As used in this Act,
a)   Council -refers to the Philippine Health  Promotion Council which shall  be the
governing body of the Center;
b)   Center -refer to the Philippine Center for Health  Promotion established  under
this Act;
c)   Conflict  of  Interest  -  refers  to  any  circumstance  under  which  a  person  by
virtue of financial or other personal  interest,  past,  present or potential,  directly
or  indirectly,  may  be  influenced  or appear to  be  influenced  by  any  motive  or
desire for personal advantage other than the interests of public health;
d)   Health  Promotion  -  refers  to  any  act  that  is  aimed  at  fostering  a  person's
physical  behaviors,  social  conditions and  environments conducive to physical
strength,  a firm  mental condition,  a long  life and a good quality of life.
e)   Mainstreaming   -   refers  to  the   integration   of  policies   and   measures  that
address  health  into development  planning  and  sectoral  decision-making.  It is
a strategy for making  health and wellness an integral dimension of the design,
implementation,   monitoring,   and  evaluation  of  policies  and   programs  in  all
political,  economic,  environmental  and  societal  spheres  so  that  the  right  to
health  is protected.  It is the process of assessing the implications for health of
any  planned  action,   including  legislation,   policies,   or  programs  in  all  areas
and  at all  levels.
f)    Population-based  approach/intervention - refers to assessing the health care
needs  of  a   specific  population  and   making   health   care  decisions  for  the
population  as  a  whole  rather  than  for  individuals.   It  focuses  on  the  entire
population,   is  grounded  in  an  assessment  of  community  health,  considers
broad  health determinants, emphasizes health promotion and prevention, and
intervenes at multiple levels.
ARTICLE  11
CREATION OF THE PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR HEALTH PROMOTION
SE.C.  5.  Creation  of the  Philippine  Center for Health  Promotion  -The PNIipp`ine
Center for Health  Promotion,  hereinafter referred to as the Center,  is hereby created as
an agency attached to the Department of Health for policy and program coordination.
The  Center shall  oversee  an  integrated  and  comprehensive  approach  to  health
promotion   in  the  Philippines.   It  shall  be  the  leading   body,  which  shall  be  tasked  to
coordinate,  monitor and  evaluate  the  programs  and  action  plans  of the  government  in
order  to  ensure  the   mainstreaming   of  health   into  the   national,   sectoral,   and   local
development plans and programs pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
It shall also serve as the research and administrative arm of the Philippine Health


Promotion Council created  under Section 9 of this Act .
SEC. 6. -Funcf/.ons and Du£/.es of the Center-The Center shall have the following
functions and duties:
a)   To  develop  a  comprehensive  and  integrated  research  program  that  will
provide the  research  materials and  studies  required  for the formulation  of
health promotion development plans and policies.
b)   To  serve  as  the  common  link  between  the  government  and  the  existing
research   institutions   and   to   provide   a   forum   wherein   various   health
research studies are discussed and evaluated;
c)   To conduct and  undertake  health  research  requested  by the Council,  and
other government agencies  and  to arrange for  research  to  be  conducted
by other research institutions and  individuals,  locally and abroad;
d)   To establish  a  repository of health  information  research  and  other related
activities
e)   To   increase   public  awareness  of  health   policies,   programs  and   plans
through  educational  activities,  advertisements,  conventions,  and seminars
to promote healthy living;
f)    To   create   an   enabling   environment  that  shall   promote   broader   multi-
stakeholder    participation    in    promoting    health,    prevention    and    early
detection    of    illness,    encouraging    healthy    lifestyles    and    supporting
community-based activities;
g)   To  promote  and  provide  technical  and  financial  support to  local  research
and  development  programs  and  projects  about  promoting  good  health,
safety or prevention of diseases and accidents;
h)   To monitor and assess the implementation of laws and  policies on  health,
including the implementation of international conventions;
i)    To   coordinate   the   activities   of,   and   strengthen   working   relationships
between   government   and   non-government   agencies   involved   in   the
implementation of health  promotion programs;
j)    To  provide  mechanisms  of  assistance  to  ensure  the  mainstreaming  of
health    and    the    development    of    institutional    capabilities    for    health
mainstreaming  in  government  agencies,  including  the  development  of  a
comprehensive long-term funding strategy for health promotions;
k)   To  convene  panels  of  advisers  and  technical  experts  as  necessary  to
ensure   representation   of   all   sectors   in   the   development   of   policies,
programs,  and plans;
I)    To perform  such other functions and  duties as may be  necessary to carry
out the provisions of this Act.
SEC.  7.  Execuft.ve  Dt.rector and Other Off/.cers.  -The  Center shall  be  headed  by
an  Executive  Director with  the  rank of an  Undersecretary who shall  be  a  citizen  of the
Philippines,  of good  moral  character,  of  unquestionable  integrity,  with  at  least five  (5)
years   of   administrative   experience    in    undertaking    or   leading    health    promotions
activities.
The  Executive  Director  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Council  from  a  list  of at  least
three  (3)  nominees  prepared  by  a  Selection  Committee  created  by  the  Council  and
chaired by any of its members.
The Executive Director shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years, which must
be covered  by a  Performance Contract between the Center and the  Executive  Director.
Said   contract   may   be   pre-terminated   by   the   Council   for  failure   or   unsatisfactory
performance of his or her responsibilities.  The  Executive  Director may also be  removed
from  office  due  to  serious  misconduct,  gross  and  habitual  neglect  of  duties,  fraud  or
willful  breach  of trust,  commission of a crime or offense and other causes analogous to


the  foregoing,  as  provided  under the  Administrative  Code  of  1987,  the  Revised  Penal
Code and other special laws,  rules and  regulations.
The   Executive   Director  shall   be   assisted   by  such   Assistant   Director(s)   and
program   managers/coordinators   as   the   Council   may   determine   to   carry   out   the
purposes and objectives of this Act.
SE.C;. 8. Powers, Functions, and Duties of the Executive Director -The Executive
Director shall have the following  powers, functions,  and duties:
a) To  exercise  overall  supervision  and  direction  over  the  implementation  of  all
programs of the Center, and to supervise and direct the management, operation
and administration of the Center;
b) To  execute  contracts,  including  deeds  that  may  incur  obligations,  acquire  and
dispose  of  assets  and  deliver  documents  on  behalf  of the  Center,  within  the
limits of authority delegated to him by the Council;
c)  To   implement  and  enforce  policies,   decisions,   orders,   rules  and   regulations
adopted by the Council;
d) To submit to the Council an annual report of the Center;
e) To  submit to  the  Council  an  annual  budget  and  such  supplemental  budget  as
may be necessary for its consideration and approval;
f)   To  submit  for  consideration  of  the  Council  the  policies  and  measures  which
he/she believes to be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this
Act;
g)  Submit quarterly  reports  to the  Council  on  personnel  selection,  placement  and
training;  and
h) To exercise such  other powers and functions and  perform  such  other duties as
may be authorized or assigned by the Council.
SEC.  9.   Establishment  of  the   Philippine   Health   Promotion   Council.  -  For   a
focused   and   harmonized   implementation   of  the   National   Strategic   Framework  and
Program  on  Health  Promotion  and  the  provisions  of this Act,  and  to  catalyze,  provide
leadership,  and  proactively  engage  stakeholders  in  health  promotion,  there  is  hereby
created  a  Philippine  Health  Promotion  Council,  otherwise  known  as  the  Council.  The
Council,  which  shall  be  constituted  within  sixty  (60)  days  from  the  approval  of this Act
shall  have the following composition:
a)   Secretary of Health -ex-officio Chairperson;
b)   Permanent Representatives of the following offices as ex-officio members;
1.   Department of Finance
2.   Department of Education
3.   Commission on  Higher Education
4.   Department of science and Technology
5.   Department of Interior and  Local Government
6.   Department of Labor and Employment
7.   National Economic and  Development Authority
8.   Department of Social Welfare and  Development
9.     Department of Environment and Natural Resources
10. Department of Agriculture
11. Philippine  Information Agency
12. National  Nutrition  Council
13. Philippine Sports Commission
14. League of Provinces
c)   Nine (9) expert representatives representing various fields and sectors, to
wit:
1.   Academe


2.    Health  Promotion  (NGO)
3.   Mass communication/Media
4.   Sports
5.    Dentistry
6.    Mental  Health
7.    Medicine
8.   Alternative Medicine
9.    Environment
Provided, that the expert representatives shall elect among themselves who shall
act as Vice-Chairperson of the Council.
The expert representatives  must be  Filipino citizens,  residents of the  Philippines,
at  least thirty-five  (35)  years  of age  at the  time  of appointment,  with  at  least ten  (10)
years  experience  in  their  respective  field  of  expertise,   and   of  proven   honesty  and
integrity.
The expert representatives shall be appointed  by the President of the Philippines
from  a  list of three (3)  nominees submitted  by their respective groups.  They shall serve
for a  term  of three  (3)  years without  reappointment.  Appointment to  any vacancy shall
only be for the unexpired term of the predecessor.
Ex-officio members of the Council may designate their respective alternates who
shall  at  least  be  an  Assistant  Secretary  in  rank  and  their acts  shall  be  considered  the
acts of their principal.
SEC.  10.  Funcf/.ons ant/ Duf/.es of the Counc/./.  -The Philippine Health  Promotion
Council shall perform the following functions:
a)   To  develop   and   update  the   national   health   promotion   policy  framework  and
action    plan,    through    the    adoption    of    population-based    approaches    and
employment   of   key   strategies   such   as   policy   advocacy   and   research,   law
enforcement,   information,   education,   mass   communication/social   media   and
social  mobilization,  and  monitoring their implementation;
b)   To define and  approve the programs,  plans,  policies,  procedures and  guidelines
for the Center in  accordance with  its  purposes and  objectives,  and to control the
management, operation and administration of the Center;
c)   To  approve the  Center's organizational  structure,  staffing  pattern,  operating  and
capital   expenditure,   and   financial   budgets   prepared   in   accordance   with   the
corporate plan of the Center;
d)   To  approve  and  fix  the  compensation,  benefits,  privileges,  bonuses  and  other
terms and conditions of service for all officers and employees of the Center,  upon
recommendation of the Executive Director;
e)   To   appoint,   transfer,   promote,   suspend,   remove   or  otherwise   discipline   any
subordinate  officer  or  employee  of  the  Center,   upon   recommendation  of  the
Executive Director;
f)    To  create such  committee or committees and  appoint members thereof,  as  may
be necessary or proper for the management of the Center or for the attainment of
its purposes and objectives;
g)   To  determine  the  priorities  of  the  Center  consistent  with  the  framework  of  its
purposes  and  objectives  and  in  coordination  with  other  government  agencies;
and
h)   To exercise such  other powers and functions as may be  necessary to carry out
the purposes and objectives of the Center.
SEC.  11.  Meet;.ngs,.  Quomm. -The Council shall  meet at least once every quarter
for the conduct of its business,  or as often as may be deemed  necessary,  upon the call


of the  Chairperson.  The  presence  of at  least thirteen  (13)  members  shall  constitute  a
quorum,  and the majority vote of the members present,  there  being  a quorum,  shall  be
necessary for the adoption of any resolution, decision or any other act of the Council.
The  Chairperson  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of the  Council,  provided,  That  in
the  event  the   Chairperson   cannot  preside  the   meeting,   the  Vice-Chairperson   shall
undertake such function.
The     Center    shall     maintain     and     preserve    a    complete     record     of    the
proceedings/minutes of the Council which can be made available to the public.
SEC.      12.     Remunerafr.on     and    A//owances.     -     The     government     sector
representatives  in  the  Council  shall  not be entitled  to compensation  in the discharge of
their functions  but they shall  be entitled  to  reimbursement of any reasonable expenses
incurred  in  the  performance  of their functions.  Private  sector  representatives  shall  be
entitled  to  honoraria  or  allowances  for the  expenses  incurred  in  the  discharge  of their
functions as members of the Council.
SEC.13.  Remova/ from  Offr.ce.  -The  following  are  grounds for  removal  of any
member of the Council:
a)   The  member suffers from  physical  or mental  incapacity that  renders  him  or  her
incapable  of properly  discharging  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of membership
in the Council and such  incapacity has lasted for more than six (6) months;
b)   The  member has committed  acts or operations that are shown  prima facie to be
fraudulent  or  illegal   or  manifestly  opposed   to  the  aims   and   interests   of  the
Center;
c)   The member no longer possesses the qualifications specified  in this Act;  or
d)   The member is subsequently disqualified  under the provisions of existing  laws.
SEC.   14.   Conf//.cf  of  /nferesf.   -  The  members  of  the  Council,  the  Executive
Director,  other officers and  employees should  not have any conflict of interest that may
compromise his/her participation in the activities or the decision of the Center.
A   member  of  the   Council  who   is   in   any  way,   whether  directly  or  indirectly,
interested   in   a   contract  or   proposed   contract  with   the   Council,   must   as   soon   as
practicable after the  relevant facts  have come to  his or her knowledge,  declare the fact
and  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  interest,   in  writing  to  the  Chairperson,   before  the
meeting  of  the  of  the  Council  and  inhibit  himself  during  the  deliberations  when  such
matter  is  taken  up.  The  decision  taken  on  the  matter  shall  be  made  public  and  the
minutes   of  the   meeting   shall   reflect  the  disclosure   made  and   the   inhibition   of  the
member concerned.
No  Council  member,   Executive  Director,  other  officers  and  employees  of  the
Center  should  have  any  direct  or  indirect  engagement  with  the  tobacco,  e-cigarettes,
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) and alcohol industry,  in accordance with existing laws
and  regulations.
SEC.  15.  National  Strategic  Framework  and  Program  on  Health  Promotion.  -
The  Center,   shall,  within  six  (6)  months  from  the  effectivity  of  this  Act,  formulate  a
National  Strategic  Framework on  Health  Promotion  in  consultation with the  Department
of  Health.   The   Framework  shall   serve  as  the   basis  for  health   promotion   planning,
research  and  development,  monitoring  of  activities,  and  financing,  to  promote  health
behavior and shall be aligned with the framework of the Department of Health.
The  National  Strategic  Framework  and  Program  shall  include  but  not  limited  to
the following major components:


a)          DRIVE -includes physical activity and fitness, sports activities,
b)           DIET -includes nutrition and  healthy eating
c)          DETER  -  includes  prevention  of  smoking,  vaping,   alcohol  consumption
and drug use
d)          DETECT -includes health screening and disease prevention
e)          DEVELOP -includes health education and resources
The  Framework shall  be  reviewed  every three  (3) years,  or as  may  be deemed
necessary.
ARTICLE  Ill
HEALTH  PROMOTION  IN THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR
SEC.   16.  Ro/e  of Govemmer}f Agenct.es.  -The  following  government  agencies
shall  perform the  herein  roles  in  mainstreaming  health  promotion  and  integrate specific
health  promotion functions  in their mandates as  provided  and  submit recommendations
to the Center on  Health Promotion on a regular basis or as the need arises.
a)   The   Department  of  Education   (DepED)   shall   recognize   physical   and   mental
health  consciousness  as  a  key  aspect  of  basic  education  and  integrate  health
promotion   and   health   risk   consciousness   into   the   primary   and   secondary
education  curricula  and/or  subjects  such  as  health  information,  and  navigation
through the health service delivery system.
Public and  private schools shall devote at least fifteen  (15)  minutes of class time
per  week  for  health   promotion   education  and   shall   assign   school   nurses  to
provide health  promotion education  in accordance with  modules to be developed
by the Center.
In  the  absence  of  a  school  nurse,  the  school  may  request  nurses  from  the
respective rural health units of the local government unit concerned.
b)   The   Department   of   the   Interior   and    Local   Government   (DILG)   and    Local
Government  Academy,   in   coordination  with  the  Center  and   other  concerned
agencies,  shall  facilitate  the  development  and  provision  of  a  capacity-building
program for LGUs in  health  promotion.
c)   The  Department of Health  (DOH)  shall ensure that health  service providers shall
incorporate population-based  health promotion  in their health services. The DOH,
in  cooperation  with  the  Center,   shall  ensure  sufficient  technical   resources  to
allow it to undertake health impact assessments for policies coming from different
sectors.  It shall  also ensure that its  health  information  management system  and
network    shall    include    information    needed    to    undertake    health    promotion
strategies.
d)   The  National  Nutrition  Council  (NNC)  shall  develop  capacity-building  programs
for nutrition programs for local government units,  other government agencies and
the  private  sector,  promote  good  nutrition  through  information  campaigns  and
provision  of dietary guidelines  and  recommendations,  and  monitor and  evaluate
nutrition  programs and  interventions and  conduct nutrition surveillance.
e)   The     Philippine     Health     Insurance     Corporation     (PhilHealth)     shall     develop
individual-based  benefit packages for comprehensive early detection of diseases
targeted at promoting wellness and  reducing hospital admissions.
f)    The  Philippine  Information  Agency  (PIA)  shall  disseminate  information  on  health


promotion in accordance with the national strategic framework;
g)   The   Department  of  Science  and  Technology  (DOST),  through  the  Food  and
Nutrition   Research   Institute   (FNRl)   in   coordination  with   the   National   Nutrition
Council,  shall  promote,  assist  and,  where  appropriate,  undertake  scientific  and
technological  research  development,   projections  and  analysis  of  nutrition  and
health  behavior,  in  coordination  with  LGUs  in  priority/target  monitoring  sites,  for
the  benefit of agriculture,  trade  and  industry and  in  other areas  of the  country's
development.   The   DOST   shall   also   submit   recommendations  to  the   Center
regularly or as soon as necessary to promote health.
h)   The  Department  of Social  Welfare  and  Development  (DSWD)  shall  incorporate
health  promotion  in the development and  implementation of social protection and
poverty-reduction  solutions  for and  with  the  poor,  vulnerable  and  disadvantaged
to provide a more holistic approach to  improving quality of life;
i)    The  Department of Trade  and  Industry  (DTl)  and  Food  and  Drug  Administration
(FDA)  shall  establish  programs  and  undertake  measures  to  promote  and  give
priority  to  healthy  food  products  in  the  market  as  well  as  provide  policies  on
sufficient   health   information   on   products   to   help   consumers   make   informed
choices;
j)     Department of Agriculture  (DA)  shall  include food  safety  in  its core mandate and
integrate  in  its  plans  and  programs  measures  to  promote  health  and  safe  food
including  the  promotion  of urban  gardening,  and  ensure food  access  to  healthy
agricultural   products   and   availability   and   accessibility   of  organic   produce   to
consumers.
k)   The  Department  of  Environment  and  Natural  Resources  (DENR)  shall  integrate
health   promotion   and   education   and   training   on   climate   change   programs,
promulgate    policies    that    prioritize    clean    air   and    water,    sustainable    land
management and conservation efforts, and conduct awareness campaigns about
links between environmental factors, and  human health and advocate for policies
to mitigate environmental hazards;
I)    The  Department  of  Public  Works  and  Highways  (DPWH)  and  the  Metropolitan
Manila  Development Authority  (MMDA)  shall  include  safety  and  wellness  as  an
integral part of its mandate,  develop programs that would ensure the safety of all
road  users  including  pedestrians,  and  ensure that its  infrastructure  plans  include
those  that  encourage  physical  activity  and  mental  wellness  of citizens  such  as
parks and  bike lanes.
in)  Government financial  institutions,  except Bangko Sentral  ng  Pilipinas  (BSP),  any
provision   in   their   respective   charters   to   the   contrary   notwithstanding,   shall
provide  preferential  financial  packages  for  health  promotion-related  projects.  In
consultation with the  BSP,  they shall, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of
this Act,  issue and promulgate the implementing guidelines therefore.
SEC.17.  Ro/e of LGUs.  -The  Local  Government  Units  shall  be  responsible for
the    formulation,    implementation,    monitoring,    and    evaluation    of   the    local    health
promotion   plan   in   their   respective  jurisdiction,   consistent  with   the   national   strategic
framework.
Barangays  shall  be  directly  involved  with  the  municipal  and  city  governments  in
prioritizing  health  promotion  issues  and  in  identifying  and  implementing  best  practices
and   other   solutions.   Provincial   governments   shall   provide   technical   assistance,   in
support of municipal and city health promotion plans.


LGUs  shall   regularly  update  their  respective  action   plans  to   reflect  changing
social,  economic,  and  health  conditions  and  emerging  issues.  The  LGUs  shall  furnish
the   Center   with   copies   of   their   action   plans   and   all   subsequent   amendments,
modifications and  revisions thereof, within one (1)  month from their adoption. The LGUs
shall  mobilize  and  allocate  necessary  personnel,  resources,  and  logistics  to  effectively
implement their respective plans.
The  local  chief executives  shall  appoint  a  focal  person  to  lead  the  formulation,
implementation   and   monitoring  of  the  local   health   promotion  plan.   The  Center  shall
extend   technical   and  financial   assistance  to   LGUs  for  the  accomplishment  of  their
health  promotion  plans.
SEC.   18.   Role  of  Civil   Society  Organizations   and  the   Private   Sector.  -C-IV.iJ
Society   Organizations   as   well   as   community-based   organizations   (CBOs)   shall   be
encouraged to undertake  health  promotion  programs within the national framework and
plan'
The  private  sector  is  encouraged  to  support  the  health  promotion  activities  of
CSOs and  CBOs and to contribute  in  promoting  and  implementing the  national  strategy
and framework plan.
The center shall formulate funding support for the health promotion programs
organized by CSOs and CBOs.
SEC.   19.   Conporafe   Soc/.a/   Respons/.b/.//ty.   -   All   registered   businesses   are
encouraged to develop  health  promotion  programs such as wellness programs for their
employees,    sponsoring    community   health   events   or   supporting    local    healthcare
initiatives as part of their corporate social  responsibility.
All  expenses  incurred  by  any  corporation  in  the  exercise  of  its  corporate  social
responsibility related to health promotion shall be fully deducted from its gross income in
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  National   Internal   Revenue  Code  of  1997,   as
amended.
SEC.    20.     Coordt.Haft.or7    wt'th    Varr.ous    Sectors.     In    the    development    and
implementation  of  the  national  framework  and   plan,   and  the  local  action  plans,  the
Center  shall  consult  and  coordinate  with  the  non-government  organizations  (NGOs),
civic organizations, academe,  people's organizations, the private and corporate sectors,
and other concerned stakeholder groups.
SEC. 21.  Health Promotion in Government Agencies. -AI) gcNerr\meut ager\dies
shall:
a)    Designate focal persons to accelerate health promotion within their offices;
b)    Monitor the health status of all personnel within their respective agencies;
c)    Submit   an   annual   report   to   Congress   on   the   implementation   of   health
promotion programs and activities in accordance with the guidelines to be issued;
SEC.  22.  Pub/t.c /nformafr'on.  -Government networks shall devote an  aggregate
of two (2)  minutes of airtime during  prime time to provide public service announcements
for health promotion within the communication plan embodied  in the national framework.
The  private  sector,   including   privately  owned   radio/TV  networks  and  websites,   and
cinemas  is encouraged to promote effective health  promotion  messages in  accordance
with the national plan  by contributing air-time.


ARTICLE IV
THE  HEALTH  PROIVIOTION  FUND
SEC. 23. lea/th Promof/.on Fund. -To implement the provisions of this Act, there
is  hereby  created  a  Health  Promotion  Fund,  which  shall  be  used  exclusively  for  the
programs,  plans,  projects and activities of the Center to fulfill the objectives of this Act.
SEC.  24.  Souroe  of  Fund.  -  Upon  the  effectivity  of  this  Act  and  every  year
thereafter,  two percent (2%) of the remaining  incremental  revenues allocated for health
pursuant to Republic Act 10351  shall be earmarked for the Health  Promotion  Fund.
Provt.dec/,   That  additional   funding   requirements   may  be   made   in   the  Annual
General Appropriations Act as determined by Congress.
SEC.  25.   Uses  of  the  Func/  -  The  fund  shall  be  used  to  support  the  health
promotion plan and activities of the Center such as,  but not limited to:
a)   Supporting   the    inter-agency   and    inter-sectoral    collaboration   for   preventive
measures and planning;
b)   Promoting supportive environments that affect health;
c)   Promoting preventive care and prevention of non-communicable diseases
d)   Research and evaluation of health promotion policies and strategies
e)   Mass media campaigns
f)    Augmenting support and resources for local health workers
SEC.  26.  Communt.fy Parfi.ct.part.on.  -To promote social  mobilization,  civil society
organizations  not affiliated  with the tobacco and  alcohol  industry and  other commercial
interests   shall   be   encouraged   to   tap   the   health   promotion   fund   which   shall   be
exclusively  used  to  monitor  and   report  on   health   promotion   activities,  to   undertake
health promotion activities at the community level,  and to conduct related  research. The
fund,  however,  shall not be utilized and/or expended for capital-related expenditures.
Prov/.cted,   That  the   concerned   civil   society  organizations   meet  the   minimum
criteria:  Registration  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  or  other  national
government  agencies  empowered  by  law  to  register  organizations,  financial  viability,
suitability  of  the  organizational  structure  and  competence  of  manpower  complement,
successful  track  record  in  the  community  and/or  field  of  expertise,  non-existence  of
conflict of interest and  nepotism, and  legitimacy and commitment to public service.
Provt.c/ed,   further,   That  compliance  with   rules   on   proper   reporting   and   audit
procedure required by existing  laws and guidelines be strictly observed.
SE.C. 2] . Automatic Appropriation and Release of the Fund. -The +unds referred
to  in  Section  24  of this Act shall  be  appropriated  in  the  annual  General  Appropriations
Act and  released automatically in favor of the Philippine Center for Health  Promotion.
SEC. 28. Auc/t.f. -All funds under the management and control of the Center shall
be subject to an internal and external audit to be done as follows:
a)      Internal  Audit -There  shall  be  an  internal  audit with  respect to  the  finance,
accounting  and  procurement of the Center, with a corresponding audit report
for the submission to the Council, at least once a year.
For  purposes  of internal  audit,  there  shall  be  an  official  of the  Center acting
as  an  internal  auditor with  direct accountability to the  Council,  in  accordance
with the regulations prescribed by the Council.


The Center shall prepare a financial statement, which must include at least a
balance sheet and an operation account to be submitted to the auditor within
one hundred and twenty (120) days from the end of each accounting year.
b)    External Audit -At an  interval  of every year,  the  Commission  on  Audit shall
appraise the  utilization  and  disposition  of funds  and  property of the  Center in
accordance with existing  laws and guidelines.
SEC. 2.9.  Authority to  Solicit,  Negotiate,  and  Receive  Donations,  Grants,  G.Ifts,
Legact.es,  Enc/owments,  ant/  Confrr.bufi.ons.  -  The  Center  may  solicit,  negotiate  with,
and   receive  from  any  public  or  private  domestic  or  foreign  sources,   legacies,   gifts,
donations,  grants,  endowments,  contributions  or  other  transfers  of  ownership  and/or
possession  of real  or personal  properties  of all  kinds  in  favor and  for the  benefit of the
Center which shall all be part of the special account in the general fund managed by the
Bureau of Treasury.
The   Council   shall   prescribe   the   measures   necessary   for   the   proper   use,
maintenance, safekeeping, and compliance with the terms and conditions,  if any, of said
donations,  grants,  endowments,  contributions  of transfers  in  accordance with  pertinent
accounting and auditing  laws,  rules and  regulations.
SEC.  30.  Tax /ncenf/.ves.  -Any donation,  contribution,  grant,  in  cash  or in  kind,
whether local or foreign, which  may be made by individuals and organizations,  including
private   entities,   which   shall   provide  the   appropriate   services,   technology,   facilities,
materials  and  other  inputs,  and  other  delivery  support  services  for  health  promotion,
shall  be  exempt  from  donor's  tax  and  the  cost  of  which  shall  be  considered  as  an
allowable   deduction   form   the   gross   income   of  the   donor   in   accordance   with   the
provisions of the National  Internal  Revenue Code of 1997,  as amended.
ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC.   31.   Annua/  Raporf.   -The   Council   shall   submit  to   the   Office   of  the
President,  and  to  both  Houses  of  Congress,  within  the  first  quarter  of every  year,  an
annual performance report and a report on the utilization of the health promotion fund.
SEC.  32.  /r7;.ft.a/ Apprapr7.af/.ons.  -The amount necessary for the operation  of the
Center shall be charged to the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC.  33.  Separabi./r.fy  C/ause.  -  lf  any  provision  or  part  of this  Act  is  declared
unconstitutional,  the  remaining  parts or provisions  not affected  shall  remain  in full force
and effect.
SEC.   34.   Rapea/ing   C/ause,   -   All   other   laws,   decrees,   executive   orders,
proclamations,  and  other executive issuances which  are  not consistent with  or contrary
to the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC.   35.   Effecft.vt.fy.   -     This  Act  shall   take   effect  fifteen   (15)   days   after   its
publication  in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,