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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) fe
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) RECEIED
First Regular Session ) 3 DATE,
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES .

‘2590

H. B. No.

Introduced by Representative Ralph G. Recto

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The advent of the internet can be likened to the invention of Guttenberg’s
printing press. Similar to how the printing press ushered in the human race from the
Dark Ages to the New Age, the internet is ushering humankind into a world
unhampered by borders. Modern Information and Communication Technologies
(ICT) such as Wi-Fi, mobile phones, computers, and laptops allow easier and faster
access to timely information which is necessary in a rapidly globalizing and
competitive world.

“(ICTS) greatly facilitate the acquisition and absorption of knowledge,
offering developing countries unprecedented opportunities to enhance
educational systems, improve policy formulation and execution, and
widen the range of opportunities for business and the poor. One of the
greatest hardships endured by the poor, and by many others who live
in the poorest countries is their sense of isolation. The new


communication technologies promise to reduce that sense of isolation,

and to open access to knowledge in ways unimaginable not long ago.”

- World Bank (1998), The World
Development Report quoted in Blurton,
C, New Directions of ICT — Use in
Education

In line with the goals set forth in the country’s K to 12 Program, particularly
for the secondary level, the utilization of modern technology would better equip
students with faculties necessary in preparation for tertiary education and for the
increasingly competitive labor market.

As of School Year 2020-2021, the number of students enrolled in the
country’s 39,193 public elementary schools was at 13.7 million, while students
enrolled in the 11,009 private elementary schools was at 947,568. Meanwhile,
enrollment in the country’s 9,694 public Junior High Schools was at 7 million, and for
the 5,935 private Junior High Schools it was at 1.2 million’. Enrollment in the
country’s 7,260 public Senior High Schools was at 1.9 million, and for the 4,861
private Senior High Schools it was at 1.2 million. Many of the private schools in the
country have long since supplemented classroom learning with ICT such as the use
of computers and multimedia projectors for a more effective and efficient learning
experience, They have also incorporated computer and internet education in their
curricula while public schools have to wrestle with dated computers that are not
even commensurate to the number of students enrolled in public schools.

Computer and internet literacy is hard currency in most industries and in
today’s labor market. Students who do not have access to computers and to the
internet could potentially have slim chances of securing a job as opposed to students
in most private schools who have had experience with ICT and training in search,
retrieval and processing of information sourced from the internet.

* Department of Education Datasets: Historical Enrollment Data
? Ibid.


The internet and computer use are part and parcel of globalization where the
youth is undoubtedly at the forefront. The burgeoning youth population of the
country grapple with the ever-increasing qualifications needed to land a job. Thus,
limiting them from fully harnessing the capabilities that ICT offers will surely leave
them lagging behind in personal growth and in the labor market.

With a rapidly digitizing world, it is imperative that traditional learning
methods be supplemented with ICT to allow more efficient learning in classrooms.
For School Year 2020-2021, 81.6% of public elementary schools, 84.1% of public
Junior High Schools, and 81.5% of Senior High Schools have functional computers.
As for internet connectivity, 64.2% of public elementary schools, 72.2% of public
Junior High Schools, and 67.3% of Public Senior High Schools have access to the
internet.

Equipping public schools with computers and internet is a challenge that does
not just mean being at par with counterparts in private schools—but it is about
giving students in public schools equal opportunity to make use of ICT, which is an
absolute need in today’s society. Providing public schools with ICT is not the sole
solution to problems of unemployment, but it is a definite step forward to ensuring
that the Filipino youth is competitive in the rapidly changing world characterized by
the introduction of new technologies that lead to a “knowledge-based economy”
where education drives growth, increases productivity, and creates jobs.

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

LPH G?


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B.No,_ 2970

Introduced by Representative Ralph G. Recto

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “ICT in Education Act”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy and Objectives. — It shall be the policy of the
State to provide quality education that is accessible to all citizens. Furthermore, the
State shall also establish and maintain an education system that is relevant to the
needs of society.

This Act shall attain the following objectives:

a. Provide public schools with up-to-date computer facilities including a
stable wireless network and equipment necessary for easier access to
information;

b. Train educators to supplement traditional classroom learning with
Information and Communication Technology (ICT);

c. Replace out-dated textbooks with up-to-date electronic books; and

d. Have an online shared curriculum among public schools to ensure that
students even in rural areas will be given the same quality of education.

Sec. 3. ICT in Public Elementary Schools and High Schools, - The

Department of Education (DepEd) shall use appropriate and effective ICT in public

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schools to broaden access to basic education, improve the quality of learning,
enhance the quality of teaching, and improve educational planning and
management.

Sec. 4. Physical and Technological Infrastructure. — Within a period of three
(3) years, all public schools shall establish at least one (1) Computer Center with a
stable internet connection that will provide and ensure the access of students to the
internet. The schools shall avail of the services of existing commercial internet
providers and shall establish and maintain a computer facility system which should
have, at the minimum, the following equipment:

‘A. Desktop Personal Computer (PC);
. Wireless Broadband Router;
. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS);
). Computer Printer; and
. Multimedia Projector.

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The number of computer units for the Computer Center of each public school
will be based on the standards provided for by the DepEd in consultation with the
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and with each
respective public school.

Sec. 5. Training for Educators and Maintenance of ICT. — The Regional
Offices of the DepEd and the DICT shall carry out training for educators in public
schools to integrate ICT in classroom learning, to instill in educators the professional
and educational benefits of investment in ICT, and to allow educators to have
mastery of sourcing out appropriate resources for education.

The aforementioned agencies shall monitor the use and upkeep of the ICT
introduced in public schools.

Sec. 6. Utilization of ICT in Classroom Learning and in Computer Centers. —
Educators in public schools shall make full use of ICT as presentation tools to
complement traditional teaching methods. Presentation tools may include, but shall
not be limited to, multimedia projectors, television and guided internet surfing where
the educator and the students will be able to view internet sites simultaneously.


Computer Centers in public schools should be made available to students for
training on computer and internet use, and for research purposes.

Sec. 7. Computerization of Administrative Systems. - The DepEd with the
technical assistance of the DICT shall develop an ICT-based administrative system
that will enhance organizational communication; facilitate gathering, analysis,
dissemination, and maintenance of educational statistics; and streamline office
procedures.

Sec. 8. Appropriations. - The sum necessary for the effective implementation
of this Act shall be taken from the current applicable appropriations of the DepEd
and the DICT and over-all savings of the National Government. Thereafter, funds for
its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The DepEd and the DICT shall,
within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, issue the necessary rules and
regulations for its effective implementation,

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. — In the event that any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by
such declaration.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations,
or portions thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official
Gazette.

Approved,