NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
23 JJL17 P2--42
SENATE
S. No. 2317
RECElVtOBV'^
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF DIGITAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT 
TECHNOLOGY COURSES IN THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM, PROVIDING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 21st century has been marked by unprecedented advancements in 
technology, leading to the rise of the digital age. As people around the world embrace 
digital technologies in various aspects of their lives, the need for developing digital 
skills becomes increasingly vital.
In the age of rapid technological advancements, it is crucial for the Philippines 
to adapt and evolve to remain competitive globally. A strong foundation in digital skills 
serves as the backbone of the current job market and economy, both locally and 
internationally.
Addressing the urgency of digital skills and relevant technology courses is vital 
for securing a prosperous future for the Philippines. This proposed measure intends 
to ensure an inclusive digital education, and demonstrates our commitment to 
investing in human capital to foster a tech nolog ica I ly-sawy society.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is sought.
MARKA.'VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. NO. 2317
23 
vM-17 P2--42
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF DIGITAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT 
TECHNOLOGY COURSES IN THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM, PROVIDING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Digital Skills and
2 
Technology Education Act of 2023."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to provide a dynamic,
4 
responsive, and innovation-driven modern educational system that develops a globally
5 
recognized workforce capable of meeting the demands of the digital age. The State
6 
shall enhance and adapt the educational curriculum to incorporate digital skills and
7 
relevant technology courses that will ensure the competitiveness and proficiency of
8 
Filipino students.
9 
Sec. 3. Inclusion of Digital Skills and Relevant Technology Courses. - The
10 
Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and
11 
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall revise the
12 
existing educational curricula in basic, tertiary, and technical-vocational education and
13 
training (TVET) by incorporating appropriate technology courses, including but not
14 
limited to:
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a. Coding and programming
16 
b. Digital marketing


1 
c. Data analytics
2 
d. Web and mobile app development
3 
e. Artificial intelligence and robotics
4 
f. Cybersecurity
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g. Digital multimedia and design
6 
h. Entrepreneurship in the digital age
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These courses should be suitable for each educational level and provide
8 
adequate depth and expertise in relevant digital skills.
9 
Sec. 4. Learning Facilities, Teacher Training, and Assessment. - The DepEd,
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CHED, and TESDA shall ensure appropriate learning facilities, equipment, and
11 
materials are made available to support the implementation of these courses. They
12 
shall also develop and provide continuous training and/or capacity-building programs
13 
for teachers, instructors, and trainers to be adequately prepared for teaching the
14 
curriculum. An assessment system shall be established to measure the effectiveness
15 
and impact of integrating digital skills and relevant technology in the curricula.
16 
Sec. 5. Collaboration with the ICT Industry. - To ensure the relevance of the
17 
courses and to promote job placement, the educational institutions shall collaborate
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with representatives from the information and communications technology (ICT)
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industry. This collaboration may include consultations, partnerships, internships, and
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apprenticeship programs designed to expose students to real-world applications of
21 
their skills.
22 
Sec. 6. Funding. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation of
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this Act shall be sourced from the current fiscal year's appropriation of DepEd, CHED,
24 
and TESDA under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
25 
Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA
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shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the necessary
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implementing rules and regulations.
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Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be
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declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other
30 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still
31 
subsist and be given effect in their entirety.


1 
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
2 
memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
3 
with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
4 
Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall be take effect fifteen (15) days after
5 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,