• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to establish a national program that will expand government services and support for persons on the autism spectrum (POS), bringing the proposed measure closer to becoming law.
Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who filed House Bill No. 3379 or the proposed National Autism Program Act, welcomed the Senate action, saying it moves the country closer to establishing a stronger and more coordinated system of care for persons with autism and their families.
The proposed law seeks to establish a National Autism Care Plan, which the National Council on Disability Affairs has described as the first of its kind in the world.
The measure calls for stronger coordination among government agencies, including the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in providing health, social welfare, education and other support services to persons on the spectrum.
Under the proposal, individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) would be automatically enrolled in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. as sponsored members.
It also provides for an Autism Support Allowance Program under the DSWD, which would grant families of persons with autism a monthly stipend of P4,000 per person with ASD, subject to inflation adjustments.
The bill further seeks to provide free autism assessment for all Filipino children up to five years old, aimed at promoting early detection and intervention.
HB 3379 also defines three levels of autism based on the amount of support required: Level 1, which requires support; Level 2, which requires substantial support; and Level 3, which requires very substantial support.
Benitez said he would continue working to expedite and strengthen the measure until its provisions are fully realized for Filipino families affected by autism. | GPB
