Deld 0 Other of the cely TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) AUG -5 P4:30 SENATE RECEIVED BY. S. No. - Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.1 It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. The characteristics may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later. The abilities and needs of people with autism vary and can evolve over time. While some can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. It is a known fact that every person, including person with autism, have the right to enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Unfortunately, autistic people are often subject to stigma and discrimination, including unjust deprivation of health care, education, and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities. In recent years, cases of autism have risen worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, there are about 1 in every 100 children has autism in 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
2023.2 Meanwhile, the World Population Review recorded the Autism Rate in the Philippines in 2021 at 700 children per 100,000 individuals who have been diagnosed at any age with autism. 3 Recognizing the need to strengthen and promote the optimal health and well- being of people with autism, this proposed measure seeks the establishment of a Center for Autism which will focus on improving the quality of life of children and adults with autism. The national government's support and commitment are badly needed to improve the quality of life of people with autism. In this light, the immediate passage of this bill is highly recommended. fusset. 1 JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 2 Autism 3 Autism Rates by Country 2025
Offer of the TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session AUG -5 P4:30 SENATE RECENED BY S. No. — 96'7 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a
prevalent condition in individuals of various ages in the Philippines but the programs, services, support, studies, and statistics dedicated to it by the government remains insufficient. Until now, autistic individual belongs to the marginalized sectors of Philippine society, preventing their total rehabilitation, self-development and self- reliance.
Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the terms below shall
be construed to mean, except where explicitly indicated or where the text clearly indicates otherwise as follows: a) Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - is a neurological and developmental illness that impacts how individuals connect, communicate, learn, and conduct. People with autism have repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities and have trouble getting along with other people; b) Disability - shall mean 1) a physical or mental impairment to substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an individual or activities of such individual; 2) a record of such an impairment; or 3) being regarded as having such an impairment;
c) Disabled Gifted - persons who demonstrate superior performance capabilities in intellectual, creative, specific academic areas, leadership, or in the arts in spite of physical, sensory or psychological disabilities; d) Disabled Worker - means a worker whose earning capacity is impaired by 5 mental, physical, or sensory deficiency or injury; e) Handicap - refers to a disadvantage for given individual, resulting from an impairment or disability that limits or prevents the function of activity, that is considered normal given the age and sex of the individual; f) Impairment - is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function; g) Indigent patient - a disabled person whose level of income falls below the poverty threshold; h) Rehabilitation - an integrated approach to physical, psychological, cultural, spiritual, educational, or vocational, measures that create conditions for individual to attain the highest possible level of functional ability; and, i) Special Education (SPED) - that type of education specifically designed for learners with special needs who cannot profit maximally from regular education such that they require trained personnel, modifications in the curricula, teaching methods, instructional materials and adaptations in facilities equipment.
Sec. 3. Creation of a Center for Autism. - There is hereby created a Center for
Autism which shall be an attached agency of the Department of Health (DOH) and shall be tasked to perform the following functions: 1) Formulate and implement an integrated and comprehensive master plan for early and effective diagnosis, appropriate and affordable treatment and therapy, accessible support services, comprehensive study, updated statistics, and responsive policies regarding autism or ASD; 2) Create diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation clinics in key cities and municipalities in the country; 3) Provide vocational training programs for autistic adults in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); 4) Provide free diagnosis and rehabilitation services to indigent persons with autism or ASD;
5) Provide continuing training programs for teachers, therapists, medical professionals and personnel engaged in providing services to persons with autism or ASD; 6) Provide other services such as counseling, orientation and referral to persons with autism or ASD and their family members; 7) Increase public awareness and concern on autism or ASD by spearheading advocacy programs in coordination with relevant government agencies such as Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Sec. 4. Governing Board, Composition, Term, Functions. - There is hereby
created a National Autism Board referred as to the Board, which shall be under the Office of the President. The Board shall govern the Center for Autism and shall be composed of the following: 1) One (1) representative from the DOH, who shall sit as Chairperson; 2) One (1) representative from the Department of Education who shall sit as the Vice-Chairperson; 3) One (1) representative from the Department of Social Welfare and Development as Member; 4) Two (2) representatives from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons as Members; 5) Two (2) representatives from the Autism Society of the Philippines as Members; 6) Two (2) representatives from the parents or legal guardians of children and adults with Autism as Members.
Sec. 5. Secretariat. - The Board shall have a Secretariat under an Executive
Officer who shall be appointed by the President. The Executive Officer shall manage the day-to-day operations of the Board and shall be assisted by a Deputy Executive Officer who shall likewise be appointed by the President. The Executive Officer shall have the following powers and functions: 1) Execute, administer and implement the policies and measures approved by the Board;
2) Direct and supervise the affairs and operations of the Board; 3) Submit within thirty (30) days after the close of every calendar year an annual report to the Board and such other reports it may require; 4) Submit an annual budget and such supplementary budgets as may be necessary to the Board for its consideration and approval; 5) Represent the Board in all transactions with other offices, agencies, instrumentalities of government and with all persons and other entities, public or private, domestic or foreign; and, 6) Appoint, subject to confirmation of the Board, and discipline in accordance with Civil Service laws, rules and regulations, the officers and personnel below the level of Deputy Executive Officer. The Deputy Executive Officer shall perform the following functions: 1) Assist the Executive Officer in the discharge of his powers and functions; 2) Act as the Executive Officer during the Executive Officer's absence; and, 3) Discharge such other powers and functions as may be required by the Executive Officer and the Board.
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - For the initial operating expenses of the Center, the
amount of Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated from the available funds of the Office of the President. Thereafter, it shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management, its proposed budget for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 7. Transitory Provisions. -Within the period of one hundred and eighty
(180) days after the approval of this Act, the Board constituted shall start its operation. All other government offices having functions similar to the Board shall then cease to perform such functions. Henceforth, these functions shall be deemed transferred to the Board.
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board in consultation with
appropriates agencies from the private and government sectors shall issue guidelines and prescribe rules and regulations within one hundred (120) days after the effectivity of this Act which shall be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. A copy of such guidelines, rules and regulations shall be furnished the Congress of the Philippines.
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
and other issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act, be declared
5 invalid or unconstitutional, no other provisions hereof be affected thereby.
Sec. 11. Effectivity, - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved,