Pads Are Not a Luxury: Free Period Products Bill Could Change Girls’ Lives
Akbayan partylist Congresswoman Dadah Ismula, together with other lawmakers, has filed House Bill No. 5179, also known as the Free Period Products Bill
For many women and girls, having their period can be challenging—especially when period products are not easily accessible. This may soon change if the proposed bill, known as the “Free Period Products Bill”, is passed in Congress.
Congresswoman Dadah Ismula, along with her co-partylist congressmen Chel Diokno and Perci Cendaña, and Dinagat Islands Congresswoman Kaka Bag-ao, authored the bill, which mandates the Department of Health (DOH)—in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), state universities and schools, and local government units (LGUs)—to provide free period products to students and health center beneficiaries.
What the Free Period Products Bill Proposes
Ismula cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and UNICEF, showing that at least 34 million women in the Philippines use period products monthly. Among these, sanitary pads remain the most commonly used due to familiarity and availability.
According to Ismula, the Free Period Products Bill aims to do the following:
- Provide free period products in schools and health centers — These will be distributed through the DOH in coordination with DepEd, state universities, and LGUs. Beneficiaries will include students, those in learning and skills institutions, and those accessing public health services.
- Ensure access for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics.
- Align procurement and distribution with population data to ensure that supply meets the needs of menstruating individuals.
- Promote sustainable products, such as menstrual cups and tampons, and ensure the proper disposal of these to minimize environmental impact.
- Create an emergency stockpile of menstrual products, particularly useful during natural disasters or emergencies.
Why It Matters for Parents and Girls
Ismula emphasized the reality that while menstruation is a natural part of life, millions of Filipinas still struggle to access basic sanitary products. Some, she said, cannot even afford a single sanitary napkin.
“The cost of pads and tampons has been a silent barrier, forcing girls to miss classes and women to skip work. Ang pagbibigay natin ng libreng menstrual products ay hindi lang usapin ng kalusugan, kundi katarungan din,” Ismula said.
In a conversation with Congressman Chel Diokno, Ismula explained that the bill is also designed to provide a lifeline during emergencies—when access to menstrual products becomes even more limited.
“Sa batas na ito, libre ang mga period products…titiyakin ng gobyerno na may supply lalo na sa panahon ng bagyo at emergency.”
Breaking the Stigma Through Policy
While the proposal may seem simple on the surface, it represents a deeper push for women’s health, equity, and education in the country.
Despite ongoing efforts, period poverty persists. Many still lack access to affordable, hygienic menstrual products. On top of this, social stigma around menstruation continues to discourage young girls from speaking up or asking for help.
More than just offering free products, the Free Period Products Bill also aims to educate young girls about their bodies. It encourages schools and public institutions to normalize menstruation as a natural and healthy part of life.
It’s about time women are taught that what they’re going through—whether it’s menstruation or perimenopause—is natural and nothing to be ashamed of.
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