Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the State to "protect and 
promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and take appropriate steps to 
make such education accessible to all." It also emphasizes the State’s duty to give priority to 
science and technology as an essential component of national development. 
A report by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies found that many public 
schools continue to suffer from limited access to reliable internet connectivity and a shortage 
of functional digital devices.1 In addition, while digital literacy is increasingly recognized as an 
essential skill for students in the modern world, inadequate digital skills among both teachers 
and learners persists. These challenges continue to hinder the long-term development of a 
resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education system. 
Institutionalizing digital technology in education is no longer a temporary pandemic 
response but a necessary long-term strategy to modernize learning, bridge inequities, and 
align with the global shift toward hybrid and technology-enhanced education. Without a 
national policy and roadmap, digital education initiatives remain fragmented, underfunded, 
and unsustainable. 
This proposed measure seeks to establish a clear national policy and framework for 
integrating digital technologies in public education through the formulation and implementation 
of a Digital Technology Roadmap for Public Education which will set measurable targets, 
identify needed resources, promote inclusive access, and ensure regular monitoring. It also 
creates the Digital Education Task Force to oversee the implementation and monitor progress. 
Through this legislation, we can reduce disparities in access to learning tools and equip 
both teachers and students with the competencies needed in an increasingly digital world. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
1 Philippine Institute for Development Studies. (2022). PIDS study reveals serious school infrastructure gaps in PH basic educ 
sector. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/press-releases/pids-study-reveals-serious-school-infrastructure-gaps-in-ph-basic-
educ-sector 
August 14, 2025
7:00 pm
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HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC 
EDUCATION SYSTEM 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 "Institutionalization of Digital 
Technology in Public Education Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the declared policy of the State to protect and 
promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and to make such education 
accessible to all, in accordance with Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution. The State 
recognizes the vital role of science and technology in national development and the 
importance of information and communications technology (ICT) in improving educational 
outcomes. 
In pursuit of these objectives, the State shall promote the adoption and integration of digital 
technologies in public education to enhance learning outcomes, reduce educational inequality, 
and improve administrative efficiency. The Department of Education (DepEd), the Department 
of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall coordinate to 
implement this policy. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act: 
(a) "Information and Communications Technology" or "ICT" refers to the totality of
electronic means to collect, store, process and present information to end-users,
including computer systems, office systems, consumer electronics, and networked
information infrastructure (e.g., the Internet, satellite, and wireless communication).
(b) "Digital Technology" refers to electronic tools, systems, devices, and resources that
generate, store, or process data and information, and are used to create, view,
distribute, modify, and preserve digital content.
(c) "Blended Learning" refers to a learning program in which a student learns in part
through digital or online delivery of content, and in part through traditional face-to-face
methods.
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SECTION 4. Digital Technology Roadmap for Public Education. — Within six (6) months 
from the effectivity of this Act, DepEd, in consultation and coordination with the DICT, DOST, 
and CHED, shall formulate a comprehensive Digital Technology Roadmap for Public 
Education. The Roadmap shall serve as basis for planning, research, and development, and 
monitoring of activities. 
 
The road map shall include the following objectives: 
 
(a) Identify existing capacities and areas for improvement in ICT infrastructure and digital 
learning resources; 
 
(b) Set measurable targets for ICT integration in curriculum, teaching methods, and school 
administration; 
 
(c) Provide a phased implementation strategy, including timelines, funding, and 
responsible agencies;  
 
(d) Provide sufficient training and support for teachers and students in the use of ICT 
infrastructure and digital learning resources; and 
 
(e) Promote blended and collaborative learning environments. 
 
The roadmap shall be reviewed and updated every five (5) years, or as deemed 
necessary. 
 
SECTION 5. Programs and Components. — The Roadmap shall include, but not be limited 
to, the following programs: 
 
(a) Adequate Digital Technology Resources. — Schools shall be equipped with up-to-date 
computer systems and educational software appropriate to subject and grade level. 
 
(b) Equipment Maintenance and Replacement. — A systematic replacement schedule and 
technical support framework shall be established. 
 
(c) Inventory System. — An annual inventory of ICT equipment shall be conducted to 
guide planning and budgeting. 
 
(d) Teacher and Student Training. — Regular training opportunities shall be provided for 
the effective use of digital tools, incorporating various delivery modes. 
 
(e) Blended and Collaborative Learning. — Instruction shall incorporate digital platforms 
to enhance classroom teaching, encourage student collaboration, and improve 
individualized learning. 
 
(f) Development of Digital Materials. — Public domain and customized digital learning 
materials shall be developed and disseminated. 
 
(g) Curriculum Digitization. — DepEd shall ensure that curriculum content is digitized and 
aligned with pedagogical goals. 
 
SECTION 6. Inclusive Access and Data Protection. — ICT integration shall consider 
marginalized sectors, including learners with disabilities and those in geographically isolated 
areas. Appropriate safeguards shall be put in place to ensure cybersecurity, child protection, 
and data privacy in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012). 
 


SECTION 7. Digital Education Task Force. — A Digital Education Task Force shall be 
created under the DepEd to oversee the implementation of this Act, ensure coordination 
between relevant agencies, and monitor progress in achieving the objectives set forth. The 
Task Force shall consist of representatives from DepEd, the DICT, the DOST, the CHED, and 
other relevant stakeholders with expertise in digital education, technology infrastructure, and 
curriculum development. 
 
The Task Force shall have the following functions: 
 
(a) Formulating detailed implementation plans and timelines; 
 
(b) Coordinating the efforts of all agencies involved in digital education; 
 
(c) Monitoring and evaluating the progress of digital education programs; and 
 
(d) Submitting an annual report to both Houses of Congress, or upon request of the 
Congressional Oversight Committee, detailing the status of the implementation of the 
Act and making recommendations for improvement. 
 
SECTION 8. Authority to Receive Donations or Grants. — DepEd is authorized to accept 
grants, contributions, donations, endowments, bequests, or gifts in cash, or in kind from local 
and international sources, subject to relevant government accounting and auditing rules. 
These resources shall be allocated for: 
 
(a) Research and development on emerging digital technologies; 
 
(b) Infrastructure improvement and internet connectivity; 
 
(c) Teacher training and professional development; and 
 
(d) Other activities aligned with the objectives of this Act. 
 
SECTION 9. Appropriations. — An initial amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos 
(P500,000,000) is hereby appropriated to implement this Act. Thereafter, such amount 
necessary to effectively carry out provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, DepEd, in coordination with DOST, CHED, and DICT, shall issue the 
necessary rules and regulations to carry out its provisions. 
 
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules, and 
regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 12. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,