A lawmaker has filed a measure seeking to expand access to early screening and intervention services for children with developmental conditions, aiming to bring support closer to communities and ease the financial burden on Filipino families.
Brian Yamsuan filed House Bill No. 6309, which proposes a comprehensive national program focused on the early detection, diagnosis, and intervention for children on the autism spectrum and those with other special needs.
The bill also includes scholarship grants to encourage more Filipinos to pursue careers in medicine, special education, and related fields, addressing the country’s shortage of trained professionals who provide specialized care.
Yamsuan said many parents struggle to afford early screening and therapy services, which often receive limited or no coverage from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
He emphasized the need for a national plan that would bring services down to the grassroots level, ensuring access to screening and intervention even at the barangay level.
Research shows that early intervention—ideally before a child reaches preschool age—can significantly improve communication and social skills, while reducing long-term education costs and the severity of certain conditions.
The proposed program will cover a wide range of developmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, learning disabilities, and communication impairments.
Under the measure, the Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, will lead the rollout of a nationwide system to identify, monitor, and support children with developmental challenges. The Department of Education will be tasked with strengthening Special Education (SPED) centers in public schools.
The bill also mandates the establishment of early detection and intervention facilities in government hospitals, alongside community-based services. It directs PhilHealth to develop benefit packages and reimbursement schemes to make therapy and related services more affordable.
Yamsuan said the proposal complements pending legislation seeking to institutionalize a National Autism Care, Support and Inclusion Act, while broadening coverage to other developmental conditions.
Latest estimates from PhilHealth show that around 5.1 million Filipino children are living with disabilities. However, many families face monthly therapy costs ranging from P4,000 to P5,000—expenses that remain out of reach for many.
The lawmaker urged his colleagues to act swiftly on the bill, calling it a crucial step toward building a more inclusive society where children with special needs receive timely care and equal opportunities to thrive.