SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 3072

Introduced by HONORABLE MARK A. VILLAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish the "Books For the Barrios Program" to give the
Filipino youth, particularly those living in remote barangays, the chance for upward
mobility through education not only by listening but also by reading.

The compulsory education of children is the government's responsibility. As a
Constitutional mandate, the government has always given priority to education. But
the
necessity of having books as a tool for better education seems to have been
overlooked. Most public elementary and secondary schools in remote barangays do
not
have a library or even a small reading area in the school premises for the simple
reason
that there are very few books or any reading material available

Education is not only about learning how to read and write, it should be a
continuous infusion of knowledge and information. Only by providing the
environment
for a steady process of intellectual growth gained through reading can the
government truly achieve the objective of an effective education

Approval of this bill is earnestly sought Y

L-——

MARK A. VILLAR



SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)

First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Be
House sito, 3072

Introduced by HONORABLE MARK A. VILLAR.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE BOOKS FOR THE BARRIOS PROGRAM AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Books for the Barrios
Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to give the Filipino youth, particularly in remote areas, the chance for upward mobility
through education not only by listening but also by reading. Towards this end, all
public schools and libraries in remote barangays shall be provided with books under
the Books for the Barrios Program

SEC. 3. Books for the Barrios Program. - There shall be established under
the Department of Education (DepEd), the Books for the Barrios Program,
hereinafter referred to as the Program. For this purpose, the instructional materials
council secretariat of the DepEd shall be in-charge of the program and shall have the
following additional functions:

(a) Prepare a list of all public schools and libraries throughout the country and
regularly update the same;

(b) Formulate guidelines and standards for availment of the benefits under the
program;

(c) Accept and issue receipts for donations of books, magazines and other
educational materials for distribution to qualified schools and libraries;

(d) Designate non-government organizations which may solicit book donations or
distribute books and other educational materials under its supervision;



(e) Make an inventory every three (3) months of all the books and other
educational materials under its supervision; and

(f) Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the effective
implementation of the Program.

SEC. 4. Scope and Coverage of the Program. - All elementary and
secondary public schools and public libraries in remote barangays throughout the
country shall be entitled to the benefits offered by the Program: Provided, That public
schools shall be required to establish their own libraries: Provided, further, That
private schools and libraries in remote barangays may avail of the benefits under the
Program subject to the guidelines and standards as may be prescribed by the
DepEd

SEC. 5. Mechanics of the Program. - (a) The DepEd shall introduce the
Program through the different government offices, agencies and institutions, the
state colleges and universities, non-government organizations and private
establishments which shall solicit from their officials, employees and members
donation of used books, magazines and other educational materials;

(b) The DepEd may also solicit books from foreign sources;

(c) At the end of every school year, all graduates from all levels shall be encouraged
to donate their books and other educational materials to the Program;

(d) Non-government organizations as may be designated by the DepEd shall be
authorized to solicit and distribute book donations in accordance with the guidelines
as may be formulated by the DepEd: Provided, That reports shall be submitted to the
DepEd as to the manner and number of books received and distributed; and

(e) The books and educational materials received shall be inventoried and
distributed to qualified schools and libraries as may be determined by the DepEd in
accordance with the guidelines as may be formulated for the Program;

SEC. 6. Annual Report. - The DepEd shall submit an annual report to the
President of the Philippines and the Congress on the implementation of the Program
which shall include the number of books and other educational materials solicited
and distributed and the beneficiaries thereof.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Reg&lations. - The DepEd shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to initially implement the
Program shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DepEd
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of the
Books for the Barrios Program shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval

Approved,

— =i as