Safe Sound and Sensory Awareness Month Act

Sciate Office of the setruary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session DEC -2 P3:33 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1564 Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER EVERY YEAR AS SAFE SOUND AND SENSORY AWARENESS MONTH EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that "The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them". Noise surrounds us every day. For many, it has become part of modern life. For others, particularly individuals with sensory sensitivities such as those on the autism spectrum and neurodivergent, exposure to unsafe sound levels can cause stress, pain, and significant discomfort. In the Philippines, advocacy for neurodivergent persons has been gaining visibility. The article "Neurodivergence in PH: The Fight for Awareness & Inclusivity" published by the Philippine News Agency (March 13-19, 2023) highlights that, despite growing conversations, many neurodivergent Filipinos continue to face barriers in education, health care, and public services, especially in environments that are not designed with sensory safety in mind. Creating kinder, calmer spaces benefits everyone, lowering stress, supporting learning, and making communities more inclusive. Globally, it is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the population, roughly one in seven individuals, exhibits some form of neurodivergence. Dyslexia is the most common, affecting around 10 percent of adults, followed by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (4 to 5 percent) and

autism (1 to 2 percent). In the Philippines, statistics remain scarce due to underreporting, misdiagnosis, or the lack of comprehensive programs to measure prevalence. Available estimates, however, place autism rates from as high as 1 in 100 to as low as 1 in 500 individuals. ADHD is estimated to affect around 1 in 20 Filipinos. As for dyslexia, while no local data exists, global estimates suggest it may affect up to 10 percent of the population. This bill seeks to declare the month of October as Safe Sound and Sensory Awareness Month, encouraging both public and private sectors to hold activities that promote respect, mindfulness, and safe sound practices. By dedicating one month each year to this advocacy, we take a small yet meaningful step towards building a society that listens with empathy, values inclusiveness, and cares for every member of the community. Thus, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought. Camelics ruin CAMILLE A. VILLAR

Senate O Office of the Securtary REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE First Regular Session DEC -2 P3:34 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1564 Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER EVERY YEAR AS SAFE SOUND AND SENSORY AWARENESS MONTH 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 "Safe Sound and Sensory

2 Awareness Month Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right

to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to raise awareness on the importance of safe sound levels, promote public understanding of sensory sensitivities 7 and encourage inclusive practices that benefit both individuals and communities or neurodivergent and people with autism spectrum.

Sec. 3. Awareness Month. - The month of October every year is hereby

declared as "Safe Sound and Sensory Awareness Month".

Sec 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall

mean: a. Safe Sound Levels - refer to noise levels within thresholds considered non- harmful to human health and well-being, generally not exceeding 85

decibels (dB) over prolonged exposure, as may be further determined by the Department of Health (DOH). b. Sensory Activities - refer to heightened or adverse reactions to sensory input, such as sound, light, or touch, commonly experienced by individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). c. Neurodivergent - refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is considered typical or neurotypical, including but not limited to persons with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other similar conditions. d. Sensory-Safe Environment - refers to physical or social spaces designed to minimize sensory stressors, such as excessive noise, harsh lighting, or overwhelming stimuli, thereby fostering inclusivity and comfort.

Sec. 5. Activities. - During this month, government agencies, local

government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges, public schools, public workplaces and organizations are enjoined to conduct activities, seminars, trainings, public campaigns, and community events that promote understanding of sensory sensitivity and neurodiversity inclusion. The activities shall focus on, but not limited to: a. Education on sensory processing and neurodiversity; b. Participation in the "Quiet Hour Campaign", to be observed nationwide at 12:00 noon, wherein individuals, institutions, and communities symbolically lower noise levels for one (1) hour as a gesture of solidarity and awareness; c. Promotion of the use of sound level monitoring devices in public places; d. Interactive events, workshops, and school activities that highlight inclusivity and understanding of sensory needs; and e. Celebrations that showcase the contributions of neurodivergent persons.

Sec. 6. Participation of the Private Sector. - Private corporations, institutions,

schools and organizations are encouraged to conduct parallel programs in line with Safe Sound and Sensory Awareness Month.

Employers are encouraged to participate in promoting sound-friendly 2 environment and to adopt sensory-safe policies in workplaces, such as flexible lighting, 3 reduced noise, establishment of a quiet room, and reasonable accommodations for neurodivergent employees.

Sec. 7. Implementing Agencies - The Department of Health (DOH), Department

6 of Education (DepEd), and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), in partnership with Local Government Units (LGUs) and non-government organizations 8 (NGOS), shall lead the observance of Safe Sound and Sensory Awareness Month.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

10 unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

letters of instruction, proclamations, or administrative orders, rules or regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,