Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 472)
Proclamation No. 472, issued on September 18, 2003, declares the third week of October of every year as the 'National Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) Awareness Week' in the Philippines.
The proclamation states that AD/HD affects about three (3%) to four (4%) percent of the Philippine population, estimating around four million Filipinos.
AD/HD is described as a chronic brain disorder with social, academic, and emotional impacts, potentially leading to complications such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and anti-social disorder.
Lack of understanding and awareness leads to misconceptions and social stigma, which hinder access to effective treatment and increase risks of co-morbid conditions and complications.
Unmitigated AD/HD may lead to increased incidence of out-of-school youths, child abuse, and neglect.
The proclamation cites studies showing that as high as seventy (70%) percent of juvenile offenders and forty (40%) percent of adult prisoners were found to have AD/HD.
Most persons with AD/HD have above-average intelligence, high creativity, deep energy, multitasking ability, and potential to become path-beaters.
The purpose is to promote understanding and awareness of AD/HD and support proper management to enable AD/HD individuals to lead productive lives and contribute positively to society.
It is conducted under the auspices of the AD/HD Society of the Philippines, Inc.
The proclamation is signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on September 18, 2003, with implementation starting from the third week of October every year.