Bacolod solon pushes National Autism Program

Bacolod Representative Albee Benitez is calling on his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass a measure providing financial relief and healthcare services to the estimated 1.2 million Filipinos living with autism.

Benitez filed House Bill No. 3379, which proposes the National Autism Program. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of an Autism Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide a P4,000 monthly stipend to affected families.

The lawmaker cited data from the Autism Society of the Philippines showing that one in every 100 Filipinos has autism, including approximately 350,000 children.

“Assessment and treatment for autism is, sadly, still out of reach for many families,” Benitez said. “The National Autism Program bill is a necessary intervention to ensure that persons with autism are able to access timely assessment and treatment.”

Benitez noted that initial consultations can cost up to P5,000 per session, while recommended therapy — often required four to five times a week — typically costs P1,000 per session.

Beyond the monthly stipend, the measure seeks to provide free developmental assessments for all children up to age 5. It also mandates free occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy at Department of Health hospitals, as well as free medication for those diagnosed with Level 3 autism.

“Autism isn’t a disease that needs to be cured; it is a difference in neurological development,” Benitez said. He added that while individuals with autism can be productive members of society, many are currently excluded due to a lack of government support and a shortage of developmental pediatricians.

The proposal coincides with National Autism Consciousness Week, observed during the third week of January to promote public awareness and social acceptance.