LAS PIÑAS Rep. Camille Villar is pushing for a measure granting additional privileges to children and youth with special needs

In her House Bill 9896, Villar stressed that the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.

Villar added that the State has the mandate to inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

Moreover, the solon added that the State shall defend the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.

The lawmaker also cited recent study of the United Nations Children’s Fund which estimates that there are about 1.6 million Filipino children with disabilities.

The proposed bill aims to provide children and youth with special needs additional privileges, to facilitate their integration to society and fully develop their potential towards self-sufficiency and become more effective partners in the affairs of the country.