FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
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.' SENf5'18 
S. No. ___ 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago flfCEIVi!t:I'II~V . -1::._~ 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Research suggests that a child's early years are critical to the development of the brain. 
Early brain development is an important component of educational and intellectual achievement. 
Evaluations of early education programs demonstrate that compared to children with 
similar backgrounds who have not participated in early education programs, children who 
participate in such programs perform better on reading and mathematics achievement tests; are 
more likely to stay academically near their grade level and make normal academic progress 
throughout elementary school; are less likely to be held back a grade or require special educatipn 
services in elementary school; show greater learning retention, initiative, creativity, and social 
competency; and are more enthusiastic about school and are more likely to have good attendance 
records. 
Studies have likewise estimated that money invested in quality early education leads to 
yields savings of about seven times that amount in education costs later in the child's life. 
This bill seeks to help improve the quality of Philippine education by providing grants to 
state educational institutions which will serve as incentives for them to include at least one year 
of early education before the year a child enters kindergarten .• 
• This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, Third Regular Session. 


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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
/) /' 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor SantiagQ ' *'!eCiEIWDfliW: f..:-.._ .. 
) 
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AN ACT 
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ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM TO HELP IMPROVE THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATIONAL 
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SYSTEM BY PROVIDING GRANTS TO STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 
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FOR THE INCLUSION OF AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF EARLY EDUCATION 
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PRECEDING THE YEAR A CHILD ENTERS KINDERGARTEN 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION L Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Early Education Act." 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the general 
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welfare of the people. Pursuant (0 this policy, this Act seeks to create a program to develop the 
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foundation of early literacy and numerical training among young children by helping State 
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educational agencies expand the education system to include early education for all children. 
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SECTION 3.Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term 
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(A) "Early education" means not less than a half-day of schooling each week day during 
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the academic year preceding the academic year a child enters kindergarten; 
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(B) "Department" means the Department of Education; and 
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(C) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Education. 
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SECTION 4. Early Education Programs. - The Secretary is authorized to award grants to 
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State educational institutions to expand the education system with programs that provide early 
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education. 
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The amount provided to a State educational institution described in the preceding 
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paragraph shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the program described in the 
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application submitted pursuant to Section 6 of the Act. 


SECTION 5. Program Requirements. -The early education programs described III 
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Section 4 of this Act shal1 be subject to the fol1owing requirements: 
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(A) It shaH be carried out in a public school building or some other facility by, or through' 
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a contract or agreement with, a· local educational agency carrying out the program; 
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(B) It shaH be available to all children served by such State educational institution; and 
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(C) It shall only involve instructors who are licensed or certified in accordance with 
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applicable law. 
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SECTION 6. Program Application. - Each State educational institution desiring a grant 
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pursuant to this Act shaH submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
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and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. Each application shaH 
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include: 
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(A) A description of the program it proposes; 
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(B) A description of the manner by which the program will meet the purpose of this Act; 
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(C) A statement of the total cost of the program and the source ofthe matching funds for 
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the program. 
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SECTION 7. Duties of the Secretary. - In order to carry out the purpose of this Act, the 
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Secretary shall: 
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(A) Establish a system for the monitoring and evaluation of, and shall annuaHy report to 
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Congress regarding, the programs funded under this Act; and 
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(B) Establish any other policies, procedures, or requirements, with respect to the 
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programs. 
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SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION .9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with the provisions of this act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
Irgs 
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