• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The House committee on health and persons with disabilities approved on Monday, May 25 House Bill No. 3379, or the proposed National Autism Program Act, marking a significant step toward expanding government support for Filipinos living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who authored HB 3379, said the measure aims to strengthen access to healthcare, education, and social services for individuals with ASD and their families.
The proposed legislation seeks to provide free developmental assessments and therapy services, expanded PhilHealth coverage, early detection programs, inclusive education initiatives, barangay-based therapy centers, and training opportunities through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
It also includes additional leave benefits for parents caring for children with ASD.
“We will continue to push for the passage of this bill, with the goal of building a more inclusive system of care and support for children and families living with ASD,” Benitez said.
HB 3379 was filed to address the growing needs of an estimated 1.2 million Filipinos, including nearly 350,000 children, living with autism.
Benitez emphasized the financial burden faced by families seeking autism diagnosis and therapy services, citing findings from the United Nations Children’s Fund showing that poverty rates are 50 percent higher in households with children with disabilities.
“It is more than crucial that the government make available free or affordable services for the diagnosis and therapies of children on the spectrum,” the lawmaker said.
To help address treatment inaccessibility, the bill proposes the creation of an Autism Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which would provide a monthly stipend of P4,000 to qualified families of persons on the spectrum.
The measure also aims to provide free developmental assessments for Filipino children up to five years old, free occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy in Department of Health hospitals, and free medicines for individuals diagnosed with Level 3 Autism.
Benitez noted that access to early intervention remains difficult due to the limited number of developmental pediatricians in the country and the high cost of consultations and therapy sessions.
He said initial consultations may cost between P4,000 and P5,000 per session, while recommended therapy sessions conducted four to five times weekly may cost around P1,000 each.
Benitez stressed that every child “regardless of their abilities or differences, should be treated with dignity, respect and equal opportunities. | GB
