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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO: 2769

Introduced by HON. ERIC D, SINGSON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide our public school youth with computers and access to the
internet,

The computer with its access to the internet is both a product and a catalyst of
globalization. The world has become smaller and the flow of information has become
easier. The past twenty years has inexorably led us to the new age of the computer such
that the twenty-first century is already called the century of the computer.

The more highly developed world is moving from an industrial-based economy to
a computer and IT-based one. It is a must, therefore, that the youth be prepared, educated
and familiarized with the use of the computer so that their generation would become
competitive in computer and IT-based economy.

While average Filipino families have easy access to computers and the internet,
the great majority of the youth in our public schools still don't and this puts them at a
terrible disadvantage. It is therefore the objective of this bill to remove this
disadvantage.

Although this representation is aware that there are some more comprehensive and
more elaborate modemization and computerization bills already filed, this simpler
measure would need less debate and deliberation before it can be passed into law.

Computer education in our public schools should start immediately. It's high time
we started giving out computers now before it becomes too late. Failure to do so would
be like crippling our future generation. We owe it to them

The early passage of this bill is thus earnestly requested.

iC D. SINGSON



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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.2 769

Introduced by HON. ERIC D, SINGSON

AN ACT
PROVIDING AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to establish,
maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant
to the needs of the people and society.

It is also the policy of the State to give priority to science and technology
education, training, and services.

Section 2. Statement of Purpose. This Act seeks to provide computers and
internet connection for public elementary and public secondary schools.

Section 3. | Components. This Act shall consist of the following components:

~Computerization: There shall be at least one computer laboratory, with a
minimum of ten (10) computers, established in every public elementary and public
high school nationwide.

-Library Upgrade: There shall be at least two (2) computers in every library
of every public elementary and public high school nationwide

-Information Technology: Every computer laboratory and library in each
public elementary and public high school shall have wireless internet access, for
interconnection, communication and research.

-Facility Upgrade: In schools where there is no electricity, a power
generator shall be provided,

Section 4. Implementing Agency. The Department of Education shall be the
main implementing agency. The Secretary of Education shall be responsible for ensuring
the smooth implementation of this Act.

Section 5. Financing of the Program. The Department of Budget and
Management shall allocate the necessary funds for the purpose of this law.

To ensure availability of funds, an amount equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the
actual gross collection of excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products shall be earmarked,
after removing the proceeds due to existing laws.

‘The carmarking provided under this provision shall be observed for a period of
three (3) years, from the effectivity of this Act.

After the period of three (3) years, an amount to be determined by the Department
of Education shall be allocated for the purpose of maintenance and replacement of the
information technology systems,



Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of Education,
in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management, shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act.

Section 7. Separability Claus. If any portion of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional, such declaration shall not invalidate other parts thereof, which shall
remain in full force and effect.

Section 8. Repeating Clause. All laws and rules and regulations or part thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,