Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8794

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Pandemics, epidemics and similar public health crises impact not only the health and well-being
of the population but also a nation’s economy and its capacity for delivery of basic services to the
people, The COVID-19 pandemic is a testament how public health emergencies of this scale can
largely impact the lives of the people and the nation.

During the earlier months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has had some issues with
properly enforcing health protocols and travel restrictions as there was overwhelming confusion
amongst the public. In this light, this measure seeks to prepare the public by providing them with
adequate knowledge about public health emergencies through the integration of the discussion
on pandemics, epidemics, and other public health emergencies to the curricula of primary and
secondary education.

This measure provides for the development of an age and level-appropriate course on the effects
of these health emergencies, achieving preparedness and adopting mitigation strategies, to be
led by the Department of Education in coordination with the Department of Health, National
Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and other relevant institutions.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. the

=e RAS. | duly
2nd District, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8794

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT
MANDATING INCLUSION OF PANDEMICS, EPIDEMICS AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH
CRISES AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Inclusion of Pandemics Education in the Curriculum, — Teaching of and
discussions on pandemics, epidemics, other public health crises, its effects and preparedness or
mitigation strategies is hereby required to be part of the curriculum of all primary and secondary
schools in the Philippines.

The Department of Education (DepEd) shall consult with the Department of Health, the National
Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council, and other relevant public or private institutions
in crafting the age and level-appropriate curriculum for this purpose.

SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DepEd shall adopt the necessary rules
and regulations to implement the provision of this Act.

SEC. 3. Appropriations. — The funds needed for this purpose shall be taken from the
appropriations of the Department of Education. Thereafter, such amount necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4, Repealing Clause. — All other laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive orders,
presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are contrary
to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,