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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider QC congressman pushes for autism assistance bill

QC congressman pushes for autism assistance bill

Published Apr 1, 2026 02:53 pm

At A Glance

  • Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM Vargas is calling for the swift passage of House Bill (HB) No. 3771, or the "Autism Assistance Act" in a bid to institutionalize a comprehensive support system for Filipinos diagnosed with autism.
Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM Vargas (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM Vargas (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM Vargas is calling for the swift passage of House Bill (HB) No. 3771, or the "Autism Assistance Act" in a bid to institutionalize a comprehensive support system for Filipinos diagnosed with autism.
Vargas had this to say Wednesday, April 1, a day before the observation of World Autism Awareness Day.
Filed earlier in the 20th Congress, the measure seeks to address the significant gaps in the country's health and education systems, which currently leave many families ill-equipped to handle the needs of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
“Every Filipino deserves to be treated and served well, much more those who need our support and protection,” Vargas said.
“Autism remains a developmental disability that is not yet fully understood in our country, and it is the government’s duty to ensure that these families do not struggle alone,” he added.
The bill mandates the Department of Health (DOH) to establish the Global Autism Assistance Program.
Other key objectives of the bill include the provision of grants to non-governmental organizations and local service providers to implement advocacy and support activities, as well as the creation of the Teach the Teachers program–a specialized program to train health and education professionals in the provinces on the latest biomedical interventions, nutritional impacts on behavior, and speech therapies.
Experts estimate that three to six out of every 1,000 children have ASD. Nationally, it is estimated that one out of every 500 Filipinos—or approximately 200,000 individuals—suffer from the disorder.
The measure is currently pending in the House of Representatives, with appropriations for its continuous operation to be included in the annual budget of the DOH.
“Lahat ng Pilipino ay may karapatang mabuhay nang may dignidad at inaalagaan ng pamahalaan (Every Filipino has the right to live with dignity and to receive care from the government). By partnering with NGOs and the private sector, we can ensure that help reaches those who truly need it,” Vargas concluded.

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PM Vargas Autism Autism Assistance Act Autism Awareness Day
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