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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Ninteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN 
TECHNOLOGY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It is projected that by 2025 half of today’s work activities could be digitally enabled. Even 
now, digital technology has become an indispensable tool in almost all facets of human 
activity. The reach of technology has become pervasive, with computers and other devices of 
digital technology becoming ubiquitous. It is predicted that 65 percent of current work skills 
will become obsolete in two years due to technological innovations and this trend will only 
intensify in the years ahead. These emerging technologies are ushering in the Fourth Industrial 
Revolution which is expected to disrupt traditional business and employment models, and thus, 
result in the obsolescence of certain professions and the displacement of some sectors of the 
workforce whose jobs will soon be automated. Our future workers’ inability to adapt to the 
requirements of digital economy will lead to higher unemployment rates, slower economic 
growth, and worse, inequality. Access to digital technology and the skills to leverage it will 
increasingly influence our children’s future ability to earn a living. 
There is, therefore, an urgent need for the Philippines to close the existing technological and 
knowledge gaps in relation to digital technology. The best way to prepare for the disruptive 
technologies that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will bring is through the basic education 
level where students can be equipped with ICT skills for a digital economy.  Aside from 
preparing our future work force, trainings on digital technology will bring equal opportunities 
for children in remote areas, conflict areas and even those who have disability to be present 
physically in the traditional schools. Digital technology can also increase motivation for 
learning by making it more fun and by providing our children with access to high quality 
educational content, including textbooks and video materials.  
July 1, 2022 
8:00 am
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To realize all these, we will need the PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN 
TECHNOLOGY (PSOFT) where a student can finish his/her studies with the use of school-
based digital facilities. Each student will be provided with a laptop, have access to the internet, 
and receive instruction in a digital classroom complete with a digital board and such other 
digital tools and devices which will allow them to be at par with their peers in other parts of 
the world.  This imaginary School of the Future operates seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a 
day where a student can access his “classroom” in the comfort of his home at any anytime of 
the day with the use of a computer or mobile device.  The computer will be the student’s 
library, data bank, writing pad, and communication facility. Teachers will give instructions or 
answer student queries and academic issues via computer, digital device and/or 
teleconferencing whichever technology is most convenient and would facilitate teaching and 
learning processes. However, the student will still be required to go to school to acquire social 
skills or undertake some physical activity.  The learners’ engagement in a face-to-face setting 
is still an important part in the development of the student’s responsiveness to command and 
affective skills by promoting the development of their interpersonal relationships. This is 
especially true for such subjects as Physical Education/Sports, the Arts, and Technology and 
Livelihood. 
Additionally, teachers will also be trained and re-trained to equip them with the requisite 
aptitude and competencies that will enable them to perform their parts under the PSOFT 
program. They have to acquire computer skills and be familiarized with technology-aided 
teaching programs.  
The School of the Future in Technology is guided by the following basic principles, namely: 
a.
Technology is a tool to improve learning and teaching processes and facilitate the
advancement of knowledge. As such, the capacity of teachers and students alike shall be 
enhanced by the appropriate and meaningful use of technology. 
b. Personalized learning modules and flexible schedules are designed to achieve the
best learning results; 
c.
Connectivity with fellow students and institutions of learning is raised to an
optimum level; 
d. Interdisciplinary teaching modalities shall be adapted to allow a student to study a
wide variety of subjects in complex situations; and 
e.
While long distance education is the convention, a holistic approach will be
undertaken to take into account all aspects of human development. 
This bill seeks to establish a SOFT platform aimed at providing Filipino students with the 
benefits of technological innovations which will prepare them for the challenges of future 
economic and employment realities. This arrangement is also most beneficial to all concerned 


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because they need not go through the rigors of daily commute, not to mention the cost of a 
boarding house, transportation fares and daily allowance. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is highly recommended. 
JOEY SARTE SALCEDA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN 
TECHNOLOGY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
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 “Public Schools of the Future in 
Technology (PSOFT) Act” 
ARTICLE I 
POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – Cognizant of the necessity of adopting innovative 
technologies to attain development in more positive and transformative ways, the State shall: 
(a) Uphold the constitutional mandate to accord the highest priority to quality
education by providing appropriate mechanisms and resources to ensure the enjoyment of 
quality education and services by all Filipino students, regardless of social and economic 
status; 
(b) Harness technological innovations, approaches, and instruments in the
teaching and learning processes that would enhance the performance of students and teachers; 
(c) Provide all learners with the opportunity to enhance individual capabilities and
knowledge through information and communications technology (ICT);
(d) Create a system that shall promote and regulate the use of digital technology
in public education;
(e) Enhance the learning experience of students by providing them access to
digitized copies of necessary reference materials and digital and online content through the 
use of ICT and other related technologies for the advancement of education in the country; 
(f) Provide an accessible complementary mode of learning to allow students to
continue their education during national health emergencies; 
(g) Encourage the wider participation of private groups, local government units
(LGUs), and community-based organizations in content generation and the utilization of the 
broader spheres of science and technology; and 
(h) Promote public and private partnership in improving access to quality
education and lifelong learning. 
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SEC. 3. Objectives. – This Act shall pursue the following objectives: 
 
(a) Establish an Interagency Taskforce to craft and implement the road map for 
the PSOFT; 
 
(b) Institutionalize a program for the integration of digital technology and 
innovation in public basic education through the PSOFT Road Map; 
 
(c) Identify key components of the PSOFT Road Map; and 
 
(d) Provide a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism to facilitate the 
attainment of the objectives of the PSOFT Road Map. 
 
ARTICLE II 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
 
(a) Fourth 
Industrial Revolution – refers to the ongoing automation of
 
traditional manufacturing and industrial practices using modern smart technology 
by integrating advances in large-scale machine-to-machine communication, artificial 
intelligence, genetic  engineering,  the Internet  of  Things,  and  other  technologies  for  
increased automation, improved communication and self-monitoring, and production of smart 
machines that can analyze and diagnose issues without the need for human intervention; 
 
(b) High Touch, High Tech Framework – refers to a policy framework supported 
by the United Nations Education Commission that espouses the need for educators to find a 
balance  between  the  more  modern  electronically-delivered  and  digitally-supported 
method of teaching and the traditional face-to-face mode, the latter being teaching methods 
that are founded on a teacher’s capability to identify, develop, and improve an individual 
student’s academic weakness; 
 
(c) Internet safety policy – refers to an age-appropriate, research-based policy that 
regulates the safe, ethical, and responsible use of the Internet in public education, promotes 
an 
informed and critical understanding of the Internet, and the education of children and 
communities about how to prevent or respond to problems or dangers related to the Internet 
and new media; and 
 
(d) New media – refers to emerging digital, computerized, or network information 
and communication technologies that often have interactive capacities, which includes e-
mail, instant messaging, text messaging, web sites, blogs, interactive gaming, social media, 
cellphones, and mobile devices. 
 
ARTICLE III 
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY 
 
SEC. 5. Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT). – There is hereby instituted a 
PSOFT in all public elementary and secondary schools. The PSOFT shall adopt the following 
principles upon administering basic education in the public school system: 
 
(a) Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning; 
 
(b) Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology; 
 
(c) Provide technical support to maintain ICT and other technology; 
(d) Train and support teachers and students on ICT and other technology; 
(e) Develop educators to use ICT effectively in the classroom; and 
 
(f) Ensure that the balance between modern and traditional methods of teaching 
are equally utilized to obtain optimum learning outcomes. 


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SEC. 6. Creation of the PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF). – Thereby created 
the PSOFT-IATF. The  PSOFT-IATF  shall,  in  consultation  with  concerned  non-
government  entities, including private companies, non-profit organizations, and private 
educational institutions, develop the PSOFT Road Map, a consolidation of development 
plans, programs, and projects to be implemented by various departments and agencies of the 
national government for the purpose of advancing digital technology and innovation in public 
basic education. 
 
The PSOFT-IATF shall be composed of the Secretary of the Department of 
Education (DepEd) as Chairperson and the following as members:  
 
(1) Secretary of the Department of Information and Communication 
Technology (DICT);  
 
(2) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST);  
 
(3) Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority 
(NEDA);  
(4) Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); and  
(5) Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). 
 
 
The PSOFT-IATF shall finalize the PSOFT Road Map within twelve (12) 
months from the effectivity of this Act, in accordance with national development goals.  The 
PSOFT Road Map shall be incorporated in the Philippine Development Plan. 
 
Subject to the approval of the DBM, the DepEd, DICT, and PhilSA may 
create positions as they deem necessary for the effective implementation of this Act, in 
accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations. 
 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall formulate a 
program extending assistance to marginalized and disadvantaged students to ensure that they 
may fully participate in the PSOFT Road Map. 
 
SEC. 7. PSOFT Road Map. – The PSOFT Road Map shall serve as the basis for programs 
and projects aimed at improving the quality of education through the use of digital 
technology. The PSOFT Road Map shall be subject to review and amendment, if necessary, 
every three (3) years. 
 
SEC. 8. Components of the Roadmap. – The PSOFT Road Map shall include the following: 
 
(a) Physical and Technological Infrastructure 
 
 
(1) Universal Access to Internet for Public Schools 
 
(2) Annual Investment Program for ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment 
 
(b) Enhanced Digital Education Program 
 
(1) National Human Resource Development 
(2) Training and Development of DepEd personnel 
 
(c) Digital Reforms in Public School Administration 
 
(1) Internet Safety Policy 
(2) Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS) 
(3) Digital Alternative Learning System (ALS) 
 
(d) Development of Online Learning Portals 
(1) DepEd E-Learning Resources 
(2) Public Online Library 
 
 
 


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ARTICLE IV 
PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE 
 
SEC. 9. Universal Access to the Internet in Public Schools. – All public basic education 
schools shall be provided access to the Internet for the purpose of reducing the disparity in 
computing and information technology knowledge among public school learners and raising 
the standards of Philippine education. 
 
In addition to traditional means of accessing the Internet, such as 
commercially available connections or existing land-based initiatives of government 
programs to expand access to the Internet, the PSOFT Road Map shall exhaust all options in 
ensuring internet connectivity for all public schools. 
 
In order to provide the remote areas with digital connectivity, the PSOFT 
Road Map shall provide cost-effective options of establishing a telecommunication satellite 
or installing fiber optic technology infrastructure as part of the National Government Program 
under the DICT, DOST, and PhilSA. 
 
The necessary funding for the conduct of studies to determine the feasibility of 
implementing a Telecommunication Satellite Program, through building, purchase, or lease 
of a 
satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map. 
SEC. 10. ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment. – The DepEd shall provide the following 
equipment and services in all public elementary and secondary schools: personal computers 
(PCs), laptops, tablets, learning devices, digital classroom equipment, and internet and hybrid 
intranet connectivity. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall include a plan for the procurement of PCs, 
laptops or tablets for the educational needs of all elementary and secondary public schools. 
All learners will be provided with the necessary learning devices as stipulated in the PSOFT 
Road Map. Should budgetary constraints prevent the attainment of such a target, the national 
government shall endeavor to meet a ratio of one (1) device for every two (2) learners from 
Grades 4-6 to ensure that learners can make use of productivity tools in the conduct of regular 
classes. The national government shall also maintain one (1) device for every fifteen (15) 
learners from Grades 7-12 to ensure that learners can avail of weekly classes on ICT topics 
that require higher computing power. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of functional digital 
classrooms in all public schools. Digital classrooms shall be equipped with digital boards, 
computers, wireless router, multimedia projector, printer, and other necessary tools and 
devices. 
The PSOFT Road Map shall likewise provide for stable and reliable internet and hybrid 
intranet connectivity. Educators in public schools shall make use of ICT and hybrid intranet 
connectivity as presentation tools to complement traditional teaching methods. The DepEd, 
with the technical assistance of DICT, shall develop an administrative system in all public 
schools utilizing hybrid intranet connectivity in order to enhance organizational management 
and administration, and streamline front office procedures. 
 
SEC. 11. PSOFT Pilot Schools. – The national government shall establish PSOFT pilot 
schools in the academic year following the effectivity of this Act. The pilot schools shall be 
located in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and shall fully comply with the 
requirements of Article IV in this Act, as follows: 
 
(a) The pilot school shall have full, unrestricted access to the internet and for this 
purpose shall be equipped with wireless technology or such other modes of connectivity that 
may be developed: Provided, That school administrators shall closely supervise the access of 


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learners to content in order to protect them from inappropriate, violent, or immoral material; 
 
(b) Teachers shall be adequately trained in all technologies that the pilot schools 
shall adopt for the use of learners; 
 
(c) All pilot schools shall employ trained information technology specialists to 
assist faculty and learners; and 
 
(d) All pilot schools shall provide each teacher and learner with the appropriate 
ICT devices, tools, and equipment to ensure optimum satisfaction in both the teaching and 
learning experiences. 
 
The DepEd shall, in coordination with NEDA, conduct an impact study of the 
pilot schools to determine its potential in improving the quality of education. Additional pilot 
schools may be established in the following years, subject to the availability of funds and 
through cooperative arrangements with LGUs and the public sector. 
 
ARTICLE V 
ENHANCED DIGITAL EDUCATION 
 
SEC. 12. National Human Resource Development. – Students in public elementary and 
secondary schools must be prepared for the disruptive technologies that come with the Fourth 
Industrial Revolution and have a significant impact on skills requirements and on creating a 
range of opportunities for them in the future. 
 
To  better  equip  students  to  overcome  the  challenges  enabled  by  ever-
increasing technological change and to improve student engagement and achievement, they 
shall be provided with introductory courses on foundational technology that will enhance 
their future competencies. The DepEd shall determine the content and mode of delivery of 
such foundational technology courses and shall introduce them in the curriculum in the 
school year following the effectivity of this Act. 
 
To allow students to acquire the appropriate aptitudes and competencies on 
these courses, the PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of innovation hubs in 
every school to enable students to hone their skills and techniques using a wide variety of 
physical and digital tools and equipment. The innovation hubs shall allow teachers and 
learners to carry out technology-based projects that address local problems in the community. 
In addition to the standard ICT curriculum taught for basic education in the public schools, 
the DepEd shall endeavor to include the following subject matters in its curriculum: 
 
(a) Respecting and protecting personal information on the Internet; 
(b) Understanding computer security systems; 
(c) Online gender sensitivity; 
(d) Proper use of social media and social networking; 
 
(e) Responsible and ethical use of the Internet, photographic equipment, smart 
phones, and other equipment of similar nature; and  
 
(f) Insights of Republic Act No. 10175, or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act” and 
other related legislation. 
 
 
The DepEd shall, in coordination with the DICT, enjoin the use of the latter’s 
ICT Literacy Competency and Development Bureau and its relevant specialized ICT subjects 
to be utilized as elective courses in Grades 11-12. 
 
SEC. 13. Training and Development of DepEd Personnel. – The PSOFT Road Map shall 
determine the training and development needs of school administrators, teachers, and 
personnel with respect to ICT. To ensure that teachers are technologically knowledgeable and 
well-equipped with the right aptitudes and competencies, the DepEd shall establish an 


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Education Technology Division that shall implement teaching programs and utilize 
technology-based instruction aids for the effective and efficient performance of teachers 
under the PSOFT Road Map. The DICT shall extend its support in the implementation of 
training for teachers on ICT, through its ICT Literacy Competency and Development Bureau. 
 
The National Educators Academy of the Philippines shall carry out training 
programs for educators in public schools and integrate ICT in classroom learning and 
instruction to highlight the professional and educational benefits that may be derived from 
personally investing in ICT. 
 
ARTICLE VI 
DEVELOPMENT OF ONLINE LEARNING PORTALS 
 
SEC. 14. DepEd E-Learning Resources. – The DepEd shall develop an online portal that 
provides access or links to Internet learning resources. The online portal shall include the 
following: e-books and videos, learning materials and teachers guides, materials for senior 
high school subjects ranging from math, disaster readiness, and science, materials on science, 
agriculture, livelihood and information technology, interactive exercises on math, science, 
history, and economics. The DepEd shall develop its own library to ensure the quality and 
safety of knowledge and information made available to learners. 
 
SEC. 15. Public Online Library. – The PSOFT Road Map shall include the establishment of 
the Public Online Library. The DepEd, DICT, DOST, the Commission on Higher Education 
(CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall, in 
partnership with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book 
Development Board (NBDB), and other concerned government agencies, develop and 
maintain the Public Online Library, a repository of educational materials and digitized copies 
of books and publications suitable for Filipino students and researchers that shall enrich the 
learning experience by complementing the textbooks and reference materials prescribed for 
the elementary and secondary levels. The Public Online Library shall be directly connected to 
the website of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The DepEd and the NLP shall have 
joint custody over the digitized copies of textbooks and references in the Public Online 
Library which shall be jointly managed by the DepEd and the DICT. In this regard, the DICT 
shall ensure the security of the online repository system to guarantee its integrity. 
 
The DepEd may solicit additional reference materials and publications from 
the NLP, other agencies of the government, and the private sector to augment its resources. 
The authors of the digitized books and publications shall be strictly covered by the protection 
provided for in R.A. 8293, as amended, otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code 
of the Philippines.” The DepEd and all concerned agencies shall ensure that the authors of the 
digitized books and publications shall be properly remunerated in accordance with law. 
 
ARTICLE VII 
DIGITAL REFORM IN PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 
 
SEC. 16. Internet Safety Policy. – To advance the objective of providing a safe and secured 
education program under the PSOFT Road Map, the DepEd shall, within six (6) months after 
the effectivity of this Act, formulate and enforce an internet safety policy in order to regulate 
students access to content especially against visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, 
and harmful to minors. In this regard, the internet safety policy shall be implemented to 
accomplish the following objectives: 
 
(a) Development and implementation of Internet safety education, including safe 


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access to educational technology, multimedia and interactive applications, and online 
resources; 
(b) Development of online risk interventions for learners and children; 
 
(c) Training and support to stakeholders on peer-driven Internet safety education 
initiatives; 
 
(d) Undertaking of researches on online risks to form the bases for Internet safety 
education syllabi and instructional material development; 
 
(e) Development and implementation of a public education campaign to promote 
awareness of online risks to learners and children; and 
 
(f) Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use. 
 
SEC. 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System. – The EBEIS 
shall be the central school database of the DepEd which shall contain pertinent personal data 
and school records of students. It shall be continually improved to ensure the efficient 
management of school records. School administrators and personnel shall be trained on the 
operation and access of the EBEIS and be given access to student records and other related 
data in the EBEIS such as a student’s school attendance record, records pertaining to the 
character of a student, the level of the  student’s  digital  literacy  and  proficiency,  grade  
level,  examination  scores,  school performance, immunization and health records, among 
others, for purposes of recording student biographical data, handling admissions and 
discharges, and transferring to other schools. Any person who is caught illegally altering, 
falsifying, or misusing student information in the EBEIS shall be sanctioned in accordance 
with R.A. 10173, otherwise known as the “Data Privacy Act of 2012”. 
 
SEC. 18. Digital Alternative Learning System. – The DepEd shall institute a digital format of 
the ALS in the PSOFT Road Map. To attain this objective, the DepEd shall provide 
professional training to teachers and non-teaching personnel involved in this program and 
formulate the necessary guidelines for its implementation. 
 
ARTICLE VIII 
PARTNERSHIP MECHANISM AND ROLES OF PARTNERS 
 
SEC. 19. Partnership Mechanism and Roles of Partners. – In the furtherance of the PSOFT 
Road Map, the DepEd may coordinate and enter into an agreement or contract with other 
government agencies, LGUs, private and non-profit agencies, institutions or organizations 
duly accredited or recognized by the government, civil society, business and industrial sector, 
and other concerned sectors. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall define and delineate the areas of responsibility of 
government agencies in conformity with their respective charters and mandates. For purposes 
of this Act, these agencies shall have the following roles: 
 
(a) The DepEd shall be the lead government agency responsible for the proper and 
effective implementation of the various provisions of this Act and ensure coordination and 
collaboration among agencies of the government. 
 
(b) The DICT shall provide advice on matters relating to ICT and closely 
coordinate and collaborate in the implementation of this Act. 
It shall undertake the 
installation, maintenance, and operation of hybrid intranet connectivity in all public basic 
education schools, 
provide 
an 
efficient 
and 
reliablebroadband
 
connection, 
assist in 
the implementation of training and development 
for teachers concerning ICT and ICT-assisted  instructions,  and  coordinate  and  collaborate  
in  the  provision  of  digital connectivity in public schools. 


Page | 8  
 
 
(c) The PhilSA shall advise and collaborate with DepEd on matters concerning 
the use of space technology and relevant space-enabled services to implement the provisions 
of this Act. 
 
(d) The DOST, CHED, TESDA, DILG, NLP, NBDB, PSA, the LGUs, and other 
concerned government agencies mentioned in this Act shall provide support and assistance 
for the attainment of the purposes of the PSOFT. 
 
SEC. 20. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for PSOFT. – The DepEd may pursue PPPs from 
any of the modalities under R.A. 6957, as amended by R.A. 7718, entitled, “An Act 
Authorizing the Financing, Construction, and Operation and Maintenance of Infrastructure 
Projects by the Private Sector, and For the Other Purposes”. To this end, the DepEd shall, in 
consultation with the PPP Center of the Philippines created under Executive Order No. 8, 
series of 2010, entitled, “Reorganizing and Renaming the Build-Operate and Transfer Center 
to the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines and Transferring its Attachment 
from the Department of Trade and Industry to the National Economic and Development 
Authority and For Other Purposes”, establish a PPP Unit to coordinate all matters relating to 
PPP, in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map. It shall likewise coordinate with the Project 
Development and Monitoring Facility of the PPP Center in the conduct of feasibility studies 
and the preparation of tender documents for the PPP projects of the DepEd. 
 
ARTICLE IX 
AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE DONATIONS 
 
SEC. 21. Authority to Receive Donations. – The DepEd is authorized to accept grants, 
contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or kind from local and foreign 
sources in support of the development and implementation of this Act, subject to the regular 
auditing guidelines and procedures: Provided, That in case of donations from foreign sources, 
acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing government rules and regulations. The 
proceeds of such grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests shall be used to 
finance the following: 
 
(a) Establishment of pilot schools as provided in Section 11 of this Act; 
(b) Research, development, and utilization of emerging digital technologies; 
 
(c) Provisions of computer laptop units and improvement of ICT infrastructure, 
including hardware and Internet connectivity; 
(d) Training and capacity building; and 
(e) Conduct of other activities necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act. 
 
ARTICLE X 
THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND REPORTORIAL 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
 
SEC. 22. Joint Congressional Oversight. – Upon the effectivity of this Act, a Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee is hereby constituted. The Oversight Committee shall be 
composed of ten (10) members with the chairpersons of the Committee on Basic Education, 
Arts and Culture and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Basic 
Education and Culture and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
as members and three (3) additional members from each House to be designated by the 
Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The members 
of the Committee from each House shall have at least one (1) member from the minority 
party or coalition. 


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SEC. 23. Annual Report. – The DepEd shall submit to both Houses of Congress, or upon the 
request by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, a report giving a detailed account of 
the status of the implementation of this Act. 
 
ARTICLE XI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC.  24.  Appropriations.  –  The  Secretaries  of  Education  and  Information  and 
Communications Technology and the Director General of PHilSA shall immediately include 
in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The funding for the implementation of 
PSOFT Pilot Schools under Section 11 hereof shall be charged against the current year’s 
appropriation of the DepEd. 
 
SEC. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within one hundred-twenty (120) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd and DICT shall, in coordination with other concerned 
agencies of the government and the private stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 26. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the 
remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect. 
 
SEC.  27.  Repealing  Clause.  –  All  laws,  executive  orders,  presidential  decrees, 
proclamations, rules, regulations, issuances and enactments or parts thereof inconsistent with 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 28. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,