Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No. 6473

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S, LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Recently, news abounds of children getting food poisoned in school. Others helplessly drown
during school-sanctioned outings. And there are many more incidents of children getting hurt
in school. Either they scratch their legs or they break a bone while playing. Children at a
young age are very active. They always tend to roam around, run through the school’s
corridors, jump from the stairs or climb trees. Children’s physical activeness is part of
growing and hence, parents cannot do anything about it other than worry.

First aid is a life skill that everyone can and should learn. Teaching children how to handle
injuries cannot just prevent worsening of injuries, but it can also save lives.

But in the country’s current educational set up, basic first aid skills are not part of schools
curriculum, First aid lessons are only available through independent seminars provided for by
civil society groups. And mostly, the participants to these seminars are adults.

At present, if children find themselves in danger, their survival depends on knowing what
steps to take. It is thus imperative that the State equips every Filipino child with the basic
knowledge on first aid. At a young age and knowledgeable on first aid techniques, children
‘will be more aware of the dangers surrounding them and as a consequence, they will be more
mindful of their actions. More importantly, they will be able to take care of themselves
instantly whenever they become injured.

Thus, this bill seeks to reform the country’s education system by making First Aid Lessons a
vital part of every school’s curriculum. By teaching the youth about the value of health and
safety as well as immediate medical action, the State can enable them to take care of
themselves. In doing this, we begin raising a generation full of awareness on the importance
of health and in turn, lessen incidents of injury and death

Hence, the passage of this law is urgently sought.

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.
epresentative
‘Third District, Province of Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No. 64:73

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT TO ADVANCE THE PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING ON HEALTH
HAZARDS AMONG ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, TO ADD A
COURSE ON FIRST AID IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM, ESTABLISHING A
MECHANISM 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 “First Aid Act of 2016.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of
the people to’a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature. Likewise, it is the policy of the State to recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-
building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being, It is also the policy of the State to give priority to education, science and
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

Sec. 3. Mandatory First Aid Course. It shall be mandatory for all elementary and high school
students to undergo First Aid classes. Depending on a student’s capacity for higher learning,
First Aid classes shall include among others, detection of health hazards, lessons from
treatment of wounds, injuries and skin burns to CPR and responding to choking/drowning
incidents

Sec. 4. Implementing Agency. The Department of Education, in consultation with
stakeholders, shall ensure the implementation and enforcement of this Act. It shall also
develop economic and personal course content guidelines and recommend textbooks to be
used in a First Aid course.

Sec 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Education shall have the
power to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations as may be necessary to fully
implement the objectives and purposes of this Act within one (1) year from the approval
hereof

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional
or invalid, other provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force


and effect

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days afier its publication in the
Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved.