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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  9459
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING DAY CARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, AND 
CARING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING PROGRAM 
IN ALL BARANGAYS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
A recent study conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, 
2022) reveals that approximately 1.6 million children with special needs (CSN) 
reside in the Philippines. It is the state's responsibility to ensure their well-
being and protection. While our government has programs designed to assist 
differently-abled persons (DAP), these programs primarily benefit adults. It is 
now imperative to create a program that specifically caters to the needs of 
CSN while also offering support to their parents and guardians. 
The period from birth to age eight, known as the early childhood 
development (ECD) phase, holds great significance for children with special 
needs. During this critical period, children's brains undergo rapid 
development, and they acquire essential skills for success in school and life. 
CSN may encounter delays or challenges in various aspects of development, 
including cognitive, communicative, social-emotional, and physical skills. ECD 
programs are instrumental in providing the necessary support and services 
that empower these children to reach their full potential. 
The introduction of a dedicated DAY CARE SERVICES program for CSN is 
vital for their early childhood development and social well-being. Such a 
program is indispensable for fostering the development and independence of 
differently-abled individuals, offering invaluable assistance to their families, 
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and mitigating social issues like isolation and marginalization. Moreover, it 
eases the burden on parents and guardians, who may need to make significant 
lifestyle adjustments, potentially sacrificing their jobs to care for their disabled 
children.1 
Children with special needs necessitate a unique approach and a tailored 
program that addresses their specific conditions. Therefore, it is essential to 
establish a distinct day care program focused on the rehabilitation and 
enhancement of CSN, separate from conventional day care centers. 
Furthermore, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive training 
program to educate parents and guardians on caring for children with special 
needs. Parents and guardians of children with disabilities can inadvertently 
hinder their children's learning and development, making this program a 
crucial component. It also serves as an educational resource for parents and 
guardians, helping them gain a deeper understanding of their children's 
unique conditions. 
Prioritizing the care of CSN, their parents, and guardians, and addressing 
their needs is of paramount importance. With their children in day care, 
parents and guardians gain the opportunity to find time for themselves, seek 
part-time employment, or generate additional income. Additionally, the day 
care center can serve as a hub for support groups for co-parents. 
This measure underscores our belief in the inherent value of every child, 
considering them as precious gifts in our care. It is our duty to nurture and 
guide them, enabling their development and realization of their full potential. 
We must provide them with love, encouragement, and a secure environment 
conducive to their growth. It is through these efforts that they can learn to 
become compassionate, responsible, and capable individuals, ultimately 
contributing to the betterment of our world through collective action. 
In light of the preceding, this bill’s approval is fervently sought. 
LORDAN G. SUAN 
Cagayan de Oro City – 1st District 
1 Drăghici, E. 2022 


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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 9459
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING DAY CARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, AND 
CARING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRAINING PROGRAM 
IN ALL BARANGAYS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY 
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 “Barangay Day 
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Care Services for Children with Special Needs Act”. 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. —  It is hereby declared a policy of the 
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state to ensure the wellness and protection of every child, including children 
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with special needs, who shall be treated with sympathy and understanding and 
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shall be entitled to the education and care required by their particular 
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condition. 
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SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the term “Children 
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with Special Needs (CSN)” refers to children who have difficulty learning or 
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performing other tasks due to a disability or a combination of challenges. They 
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may have intellectual disabilities, such as mental retardation, which slows 
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their development compared to other children. They may also have 
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communication disorders, such as speech and language impairments, which 
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make it difficult for them to understand or express themselves. Additionally, 
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they may have physical impairments, such as cerebral palsy, vision problems, 
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or other issues. 
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SECTION 4. Establishment of Day Care Services for Children with Special 
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Needs in All Barangays. — Day Care Services for Children with Special Needs 
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shall be established in every Barangay in accordance with the programs and 
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standards of the National Commission on Disability Affairs. 
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SECTION 5.  Objectives of Day Care Services for Children with Special 
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Needs. The Day Care for Children with Special Needs shall have the following 
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objectives: 
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(a) To provide a holistic, safe, and supportive environment for children 
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with special needs. A place where they are surrounded by professional 
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caregivers that will help CSN to meet their individual needs and interests, and 
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provide opportunities for learning and growth. 
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(b) To provide a program providing opportunities for self improvement, 
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including treatment, academic, and recreational program. 
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(c) To offer evaluation, therapy, and management in order to help CSN 
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reach their full potential for physical, cognitive, social, and psychological 
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function, as well as for participation in society and quality of life. 
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(d) To give young people the chance to socialize with other Children. To 
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help CSN to develop their social skills, communication skills, and problem-
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solving skills. 
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SECTION 6. Conduct of Caring for the Child with Special Needs Trainings 
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and Seminars. — The City Social Welfare and Development Department, 
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under the supervision of the National Council on Disability Affairs, shall 
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conduct Caring for the Child with Special Needs training for parents, 
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caregivers, and guardians of CSN in all barangays throughout the country.   
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SECTION 7. Appropriations. —  The amount needed for the initial 
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implementation of this Act shall be charged against the available current 
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year’s appropriation of The Department of Social Welfare and Development. 
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Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation 
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of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
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SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within six (6) 
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months from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Social Welfare and 
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Development, the National Council on Disability Affairs, and the Department 
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of Interior and Local Government shall jointly promulgate rules and 
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regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
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SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. — If any portion of this Act is declared 
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unconstitutional or invalid, the portions or provisions which are not affected 
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shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SECTION 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
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after its publication in the Official Gazette, in a newspaper of general 
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circulation. or on a website provided for by law. 
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Approved,