Albay 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda filed the proposed “Magna Carta for Children with Disabilities and Their Families,” a comprehensive measure establishing a national framework for early intervention, subsidized therapy, family support services, and financial assistance for families raising children with disabilities.
“While the Philippines has landmark laws like the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability and the Inclusive Education Act, there remains a gap in legislation that specifically addresses the unique needs of children with disabilities and the extraordinary burdens borne by their families,” Salceda said in filing House Bill 7440.
“This bill recognizes that supporting the child means supporting the entire family unit,” he added.
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Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data showing over 1.4 million persons with disabilities in the country, Salceda noted that a significant proportion are children who require early intervention, specialized therapies, and sustained support to reach their full potential.
Key provisions of the bill include universal developmental screening, right to early intervention and therapy services, subsidized assistive devices, individualized family service plans, respite care for caregivers, monthly caregiver allowance, tax incentives, workplace protections, child and family development centers, and a national database.
The bill also mandates barangay-based early intervention and family support programs, with barangay health workers trained to conduct developmental screening and provide basic guidance to families of children with developmental concerns.
Under the measure, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Department of Health, Department of Education, PhilHealth, National Council on Disability Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, and organizations of and for persons with disabilities, must promulgate the implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from effectivity.
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