Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

4982

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable REYNALDO V. UMALI

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 2 {1), Article XIV (Education, Science and Technology,
Arts, Culture, and Sports) of the 1987 Constitution provides:

“SEC. 2. The State shail:

(1) Establish, maintain, and support a complete,
adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the
needs of the people and society;”

In today’s era of advanced science, more countries rely on the
usefulness of information technology in their respective developmental
pursuits. Knowledge on information technology has since evolved from
a fad to absolute necessity in the real world. Hence, the demands for
cyber education have been increasing tremendously. Computers are
now considered necessity because they make our everyday work
easier, faster and more efficient. As a whole, computers have generally
improved the quality of life. Considering the rapid advance of science
and technology, there is now imperative need to adapt to these
demands by introducing cyber education program in public
elementary and secondary schools throughout the country. Cyber
education’ will provide our students with a variety of options to be
ready for global competitiveness. Moreover, our youth must be
technologically prepared so that their technical talents may be fully
harnessed for national development.

It is widely observed that children who learn the relevant
computer language and techniques at an early age gain valuable


command of skills and information needed in modern life. Public
school teachers will also be able to upgrade their capabilities and
effectively in educating these students.

Hence, there shall be substantial improvement in our public
school system as a result of this proposed measure.

It is necessary that the youth who are the future leaders and
nation-builders be taught cyber education as early as possible.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

[ALDO V. UMALI


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Fifteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.___ 4982

Introduced by Honorable REYNALDO V. UMALI

AN ACT
INSTITUTING CYBER EDUCATION IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND
SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND APPRORIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shal] be known as the
“Cyber Education Act of 2011.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to
protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all
levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education
accessible to all. Towards this end, the State shall establish and
maintain the Cyber Education Program in public elementary and
secondary schools throughout the country by providing computers,
internet access and training to students about computer software’s
and other applications relative to information and communications

technology.

SEC. 3. Cyber Education Program. — The Department of

Education shall, in coordination with the Commission on Information


and Communications Technology, formulate, establish and maintain
the Cyber Education Program, hereinafter referred as Cyber Ed, to
provide for quality computer education by providing computers and its
peripherals, network for internet access and other tools relative to
information and communications technology.

For purposes of this Act, Cyber Ed shall include educational or
instructional activities carried out through electronic learning (e-
learning) technologies, online delivery education and other similar

computer applications.

SEC. 4. Purposes. - Cyber Ed shall have the following

purposes:

a} Modernize the delivery of basic education to local
communities through the use and application of information
and communications technology (ICT);

b) Provide a network for internet access which shall serve as a
vehicle for an efficient and cost-effective delivery of
educational services te public elementary and secondary
schools throughout the country;

¢) Link public schools through nationwide network that provides
internet access connectivity;

d) Provide public schools with relevant lectures and
presentations on all subjects in their schools curriculum and
other valuable research materials;

©) Upgrade the knowledge and capabilities of teachers and
school administrators relative to information and
communications technology (ICT);

f) Enable communities around the public schools to make use
of ICT facilities in order to improve functional electronic

literacy among families; and


8) Make the public educational system globally competitive and
at par with those of the rest of the world

SEC. 5. Program Director. — Prior to the implementation of this
Act on the academic year immediately after its approval, the Secretary
of Education shall appoint a Program Director who shall coordinate all
activities necessary for the determination, _ development,
implementation and management of Cyber Ed in the primary and
secondary levels. The Program Director shall be a distinguished
educator and a recognized expert in the field of information and

communications technology and computer education.

SEC. 6. Duties and Powers. — The Program Director shall

exercise the following duties and powers:

a) Execute and administer the plans and projects for the
realization of the policy set forth in this Act;

b) Direct and supervise the operation and internal
administration of the Cyber Ed, and for this purpose, delegate
some or any of his powers and duties to appropriate

subordinate officials

¢] Select and, in coordination with the Department of Budget
and Management, fix the number and compensation of
officials and employees necessary to implement the programs,
subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations;

dj) Within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar year,
submit to the Secretary of Education a report which shall
include recommendations for appropriate remedial legislation;

and


e) Exercise such other powers and duties that are proper or

necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within

Education shall, in coordination with the Chairman of the
Commission on Information and Communications Technology,
formulate the rules and regulations as may be necessary for the

effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the
effective implementation of the Act is hereby charged against the
appropriation for the Department of Education. Thereafter, such
amount as may be necessary for the continuous implementation of the

Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 9, Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
rules and regulations and other issuances inconsistent with this Act
are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national

newspapers of genera) circulation.

Approved.