Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1521

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES ALFREDO A. GARBIN, Jr. and
ELIZALDY S. CO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to mandate all public and private elementary and high schools to
implement a Culture and Gender Sensitivity Program in their respective institutions to
instill the said values among students at an early stage.

Globalization has paved the way for cross culturalism in the Philippines and all
over the world. Many private companies and business opt for a multi-cultural
environment where different cultures and nationalities interact to create a symbiotic and
creative work force. Naturally, in this environment, there will be conflicts among people
because of cultural differences and the variety of backgrounds

Moreover, even with a very strong campaign against gender discrimination,
gender stereotyping and the traditional thinking of biological determinism, a theory that
biological differences between women and men dictate a difference in social roles and
personality, are still rampant among Filipinos. Women are still viewed as limited in terms
of capabilities and capacities, and are therefore shunned out in many professions;
thereby lessening employment opportunities.

Because of this, there is a need to raise consciousness among Filipinos to be
more culture and gender sensitive, and it needs to start at the crucial and early stages
of education.

The bill was filed in the 15" Congress but for lack of time, its progress was halted
at the committee level. In light of all these circumstances, the swift passage of this bill is
eamestly sought.

RBIN, Jr. YY S.cO


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1521

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES ALFREDO A. GARBIN, Jr. and
ELIZALDY S. CO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CULTURE AND GENDER SENSITIVITY PROGRAM FOR ALL
ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Culture and Gender Sensitivity
Education Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the declared policy of the State:
To provide quality education for all its citizens;

(a) To instill into students the awareness of the differences among different cultures,
and that such differences could affect relationships and communication with
others;

(b) To educate students into recognizing issues and problems in the way societies
look at gender, with an understanding of stereotypes and how discrimination and
gender roles are counterproductive in society; and

(c) To institutionalize culture and gender sensitivity in the classroom

Section 3. Definition of Terms. — For the purpose of this Act, the following terms shall
refer to and/or mean as hereunder defined:

(a) “Culture Sensitivity” refers to quality of being aware and accepting of other
cultures. A person who is culturally sensitivity is aware that there could be
differences among cultures, and that such differences could affect relationships
and communication with others;

(b) “Gender Sensitivity” is the ability to recognize issues and problems in the way
societies look at gender, particularly at how women act and are treated, and an
understanding of stereotypes and how discrimination and gender roles hurt
people.

Section 4. Culture and Gender Sensitivity Training in Classes. — All public and
private elementary and high schools are encouraged to instill culture and gender
sensitivity training in all subjects and extra-curricular activities.

Section 5. Culture and Gender Sensitivity Workshop. — All public and private
elementary and high schools are mandated to conduct a one-day culture and gender


sensitivity workshop for all graduating elementary and high school students, which
includes a discussion of topics such as but not limited to:

(a) Traditional views and stereotypes on gender and culture;
(b) Culture- and gender-sensitive language use

(c) Forms of cultural and gender discrimination

(d) Anti-discrimination policies

(e) Cultural awareness in the classroom and in the workplace

Section 4. Duty of the Department of Education (DepEd). It shall be the duty of the
Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with concerned agencies and
organizations, to ensure the proper implementation of this Act, and to provide a uniform
curriculum for the Culture and Gender Sensitivity Workshop. Towards this end, the
DepEd shall:

(a) Promulgate appropriate rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act;

(b) Oversee the implementation of this Act by agencies and educational institutions,
whether public or private;

(c) Establish guidelines and mechanisms to ensure effective education of culture
and gender sensitivity;

(d) Coordinate with other concerned agencies for the promotion of gender and
culture sensitivity in schools.

Section 5. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

Section 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders or rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.