Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _2927

Introduced by Hon. Florabel Co Yatco

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Masakit para sa isang magulang, lalo na isang nanay, na masabihan na ang kanyang anak ay may
diperensya.

But would it not be more helpful for the child’s situation if, early on, it is already
known that they have special needs? Many children are not assessed and diagnosed
because their families cannot afford to consult specialists. As a result, they grow up
misunderstood by others and unable to communicate with the world around them.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the
rights of all citizens, especially the rights of children, particularly those with special
needs, to access education, health, and development services. Republic Act No. 10533 or
the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, and Republic Act No. 11650 or the Inclusive
Education Act, forges this mandate by institutionalizing inclusive learning for learners
with disabilities further underscoring the obligation of the State to ensure that children
with disabilities and special needs are not left behind in the pursuit of inclusive,
equitable, and quality education.

Unfortunately, despite the enactment of these progressive laws, many children
with special needs across the country continue to remain undiagnosed, unsupported, and
excluded from appropriate educational and developmental interventions. The lack of an
institutionalized and systematized early detection, assessment, and support mechanism,
such as accessible specialists, diagnostic tools, and community-level support systems,
prevents many children from receiving the assistance they need at a critical stage in their
growth and development. Early intervention is vital in ensuring that these children reach
their full potential, avoid further developmental delays, and participate meaningfully in
society, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Thus, this bill seeks to establish and institutionalize a national program for the
early detection, assessment, and support of children with special needs as a vital
component of the country’s inclusive education strategy by establishing a National Early
Detection and Support Program under the Department of Health. The proposed measure
aims to create a framework that ensures the following:

1. Systematic and community-based screening and detection of
children with special needs starting from early childhood;


2. Accessible and timely assessment services provided by trained
professionals in schools and community centers;

3. _ Individualized support programs and interventions, integrated into
the education system and implemented in collaboration with families, educators, health
professionals, and social workers;

4. Capacity-building of stakeholders, including teachers, barangay
health workers, and local government units to identify and respond to the needs of
children with special needs;

5. Allocation of adequate funding and resources to support the
sustainability and nationwide implementation of the program.

It mandates all local government units to implement localized screening and
support services, which can equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge to support
their children. Also, the measure emphasizes the importance of a multi-sectoral and
rights-based approach, guided by the principles of equity, inclusion, and respect for
diversity, in accordance with international commitments such as the UN Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Para sa mga anak na kulang man sa tingin ng iba, kayo ang kumukumpleto sa buhay naming mga
nanay.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

wot leche! YATCO

Representative
Nanay Partylist


Twentieth Congress of the
Republic of the Philippines
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
H.B. No.

Introduced by Hon. Florabel Co Yatco

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING THE EARLY
DETECTION, ASSESSMENT, AND SUPPORT OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS PROVIDING THEM PROGRAM AS A NATIONAL STRATEGY IN
SUPPORT OF THE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION ACT, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES:

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Early Detection and Support
for Children with Special Needs Act".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to uphold and protect
the rights of children with disabilities to inclusive education and equal opportunities.
This Act seeks to provide a program to enhance early detection, assessment, and timely
intervention for children with special needs, especially in underserved and marginalized
areas. Towards this end, the State shall institutionalize early detection, assessment, and
intervention strategies to ensure that all children, regardless of disability, are provided
with the necessary support and services that will enable them to fully develop their
potential and participate meaningfully in society.

SECTION 3. Objectives.
This Act aims to:

a) Establish a national program for the early detection, assessment, and support of
children with special needs;

b) Ensure access to early intervention programs and services for children from birth
up to age 12;

c) Strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No. 11650 or the Inclusive
Education Act by integrating early intervention as a foundational component;

d) Build the capacity of schools, local government units (LGUs), and community
health workers to identify and respond to the needs of children with special needs;


©) Promote awareness, inclusion, and support for children with special needs among
families, educators, and the general public.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms.- As used in this Act:
a) Children with Special Needs (CWSN) refer to children with physical, sensory,
developmental delay, or behavioral disabilities that require additional care and
support and specialized educational interventions;

b) Early Detection is the process of identifying developmental delays, disabilities, or
atypical behaviors in young children at the earliest possible stage;

©) Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to
determine a child’s developmental status and specific support needs;

d) Early Intervention consists of programs or services designed to support the
development of children with special needs, including therapies, specialized
education, and family support;

e)

Inclusive Education is a system of education that ensures access and participation
of all leamers, particularly those with disabilities, in regular schools and learning
environments;

f) Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) refers to learning support centers
established under RA 11650 to facilitate inclusive education;

Intervention refers to medical, developmental, behavioral, or educational programs
and therapies to support a child's development;

8

h) Developmental Pediatrician refers to a pediatric specialist in child development and
behavior;

Speech and/or Language Therapist refers to a licensed healthcare professional who
evaluates and treats communication disorders and delays; and

Occupational Therapist refers to a licensed healthcare professional who provides
occupational therapy services. This involves activities that help individuals across
all ages with physical, psychosocial, developmental, or emotional disabilities.

SECTION 5. National Program for Early Detection, Assessment, and Support.-The
Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Department of Health
(DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), shall establish and implement
a National Program for the Early Detection, Assessment, and Support of Children with
Special Needs. This program shall include:

a) Community-based screening and identification systems;
b) Provision of multidisciplinary assessment services in schools and health centers;
©) Individualized intervention plans and inclusive education support services;


d) Training and capacity-building for teachers, child development workers, and
health professionals; and
¢) Family education, guidance, and counseling services.

SECTION 6. National Early Detection and Support Program for Children with Special
Needs (CWSN).- The National Program for the Early Detection, Assessment, and
Support of Children with Special Needs shall be established and shall be led by the
Department of Health (DOH), in close coordination with the Department of Education
(DepEd), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Local
Government Units (LGUs).

SECTION 7. Role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in the establishment of Early
Detection and Support Units.- All provincial, city, and municipal LGUs shall establish
an Early Detection and Support Units (EDSUs) within their health offices or ILRCs. LGUs
shall integrate early detection and intervention services in their local health and
education programs. They shall establish or designate Child Development and
Assessment Centers (CDACs) to provide localized support and referral services. They
shall also be mandated to deploy and train barangay health workers to conduct initial
screening and referral, and maintain a registry of children assessed and provided
interventions.

The Department of Health (DOH) shall assign a developmental pediatrician and speech
therapist in provinces that shall be part of the EDSUs.

SECTION 8. Integration with the Inclusive Education Act.

The services and programs under this Act shall form an integral part of the
implementation of Republic Act No. 11650 (Inclusive Education Act), and all public and
private schools shall incorporate early detection and intervention mechanisms in their
school programs and services.

The DepEd, in coordination with teacher education institutions and relevant agencies,
shall develop and implement a training program for teachers, guidance counselors,
barangay health workers, and other stakeholders involved in the delivery of services to
children with special need

SECTION 9. Capacity Building and Standardization.- The DOH, in coordination with
the city and municipal health offices of local government units (LGUs), shall develop and
implement the standardized developmental screening and assessment protocols;
facilitate training for LGU health personnel in early detection, including barangay health
workers; and provide support in hiring and deployment of developmental pediatricians,
‘occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other related specialists.

SECTION 10. Parent and Caregiver Education.- All EDSUs shall conduct mandatory
seminars and workshops for parents and caregivers of children identified with

developmental concerns. These sessions shall:

a) Promote understanding of their child's condition;

b) Provide practical strategies for home-based support and care; and


©) Encourage active participation in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
development process.

SECTION 11. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting. - The DOH, in coordination with
the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (PSDBP),
Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), and city and municipal health offices, shall develop indicators to monitor the
detection, assessment, diagnosis, and management outcomes of EDSUs and their CWSN
clients. They shall conduct an annual monitoring of the Act and submit an annual report
of its status to the Office of the President and to the Joint Congressional Oversight
Committee.

SECTION 12. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - A Joint Congressional
Oversight Committee, hereafter referred to as the Oversight Committee, is hereby
constituted. The Oversight Committee shall set the overall framework to review the
implementation of this Act. It shall also determine the inherent weaknesses in the law
and recommend the necessary remedial legislation or executive measures.

The Oversight Committee is composed of seventeen (17) members, with the chairpersons
of the Committee on the Welfare and the Children, Committee on Health and Committee
on Social Services of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Health and
Demography and Committee on Women, Children and Family and Gender Equality of
the Senate as co-chairpersons; and six (6) members from each House, to be designated by
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President, respectively.

‘The review of the implementation of this Act must include a systematic evaluation of its
impact, accomplishments of the program, and performance of its implementing agencies.
The Oversight Committee shall conduct the review every three (3) years reckoned from
the effectivity of this Act, or whenever deemed necessary by a majority of the members
of the Oversight Committee.

SECTION 13. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged to the current year’s appropriations of the Department of Health (DOH).
Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Health, in coordination with the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education
(DepEd), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), National Center for Mental
Health (NCMH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), non-
government organizations (NGOs) and other relevant agencies and stakeholders, shall
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) necessary for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 15. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and
subsisting.


SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the
provisions of this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 17. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the

Philippines.

Approved,