Amid ongoing political and social issues in the Bangsamoro region, legislators are focusing on the needs of a vulnerable population: individuals with autism.
Legislative Efforts Underway
Several bills have been proposed within the Bangsamoro Parliament aimed at improving services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Bill No. 354 proposes the creation of a Bangsamoro Center for ASD, offering free evaluations, therapy, and vocational training. Bill No. 338 outlines a program for free screening, diagnosis, and subsidized therapies. Bill No. 386 seeks to establish Special Education (SPED) centers across all provinces within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Bill No. 245 focuses on empowering children with autism to live more independently.
Members of Parliament Suharto Esmael, Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, Baintan Ampatuan, Nurredha Misuari, and Abrar Hataman are leading the effort to pass these bills. MP Dumama-Alba recently launched the Kaalalai sa Kaisipan at Kakayahan Program, allocating ₱2 million for free intervention therapy.
Addressing a Critical Need
The push for these legislative changes follows the work of the Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP, Inc.), a local NGO providing medical and technical support to children with special needs. MOSEP’s executive director, Mariam Ali, emphasized that intervention services are “a necessity, not a luxury.”
ICARES, a partner organization of MOSEP, provides specialized expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders through Project ENABLE, which receives support from The Asia Foundation and Australian Aid. Imelda Mariano of ICARES highlighted the importance of early intervention, particularly for children under five, stating that a dedicated therapy center in Cotabato is crucial for families who cannot afford private treatment.
Diosa Lagura Avos, a parent of a child with autism, described the efforts of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and NGOs as a “lifeline,” enabling parents to confidently seek educational opportunities for their children. Ali also called for an end to the stigma surrounding autism, framing children with special needs as “an Amana — a sacred trust from Allah (SWT).”
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific services are proposed in Bill No. 354?
Bill No. 354 proposes a Bangsamoro Center for ASD that would offer free evaluations, physical and occupational therapy, and vocational training.
How long are families currently waiting for specialist appointments?
Families in Cotabato City often wait up to a year for an appointment with a developmental pediatrician in cities like Davao.
What is Project ENABLE?
Project ENABLE, short for Empower, Nurture, Access, Break Barriers, Lift Opportunities for Equal Participation, is an initiative supported by The Asia Foundation and Australian Aid through which MOSEP partners with ICARES to provide specialized technical expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders.
What further steps might be taken to ensure these proposed services reach those who need them most?
