REPRES,
RECEIVED A

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL No. 1209

Introduced by Representative
ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to give priority to education, science and
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and accelerate social
progress (Article XIV, Section 1). It likewise affirms the State's responsibility to
make quality education accessible to all. However, in an age where innovation
moves faster than our public systems can adapt, our educational framework must
evolve beyond mere access and towards digital transformation.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes societies through rapid advances in
artificial intelligence, automation, and digital infrastructure, it is imperative that our
Public education system keep pace. The COVID-19 pandemic further revealed
critical gaps in the country’s readiness to shift to distance and blended learning
Modalities. Many public schools remain disconnected, under-equipped, and ill-
prepared to engage learners in technology-driven instruction.

(PSOFT) Program, a national roadmap and reform
systematically integrate digital technologies in public elementary and secondary
schools. Through a multi-agency approach, the PSOFT Road Map shall cover: (a)
universal Internet access; (b) provision of ICT equipment and digital learning tools;
(©) training of teachers and administrators; (d) digital curriculum enhancement and
online learning portals; and (e) protection measures such as Internet safety policies
and the enhancement of digital administration systems.

The bill also institutionalizes partnerships with private and public stakeholders,
including local government units, to ensure scalability and sustainability. It
prioritizes the creation of PSOFT pilot schools across major regions of the country,
the establishment of innovation hubs in campuses, and the development of a
national public online library.

Ultimately, this measure envisions a Filipino learner who is future-ready—equipped
with the digital competencies, critical thinking skills, and ethical standards needed
to thrive in the global knowledge economy.

This bill was passed on Third Reading during the 19th Congress in the
House of Representatives. Its re-filing in the 20th Congress affirms our


commitment to ensuring inclusive, resilient, and future-proof education for
all Filipino learners.

In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this measure is respectfully sought.

REP. ZIAUR-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG
1st District, Lanao del Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL No. 1209

Introduced by Representative
ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG

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:

ARTICLE I
POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

SEC. 1. 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.

SEC. 2. 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 IT
DEFINITION OF TERMS

SEC. 3. 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. 4. Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT) Program. - There is
hereby instituted a PSOFT Program in all public elementary and secondary schools.
The PSOFT Program shall adopt the following principles upon administering basic
education in the public school system:

(a) Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology;

(b) Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning;

(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.

SEC. 5. Creation of the PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF). - There is
hereby created the PSOFT-IATF.

The PSOFT-IATF shall, in consultation with concerned non-government entities,
including private companies, non-profit organizations, and private education
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 Communications 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.
SEC. 6. 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. 7. 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

3. National Human Resource Development

4. Training and Development of DepEd personnel
(©) Digital Reforms in Public Schoo! Administration

5. Internet Safety Policy
6. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS)

7. Digital Alternative Learning System (ALS)
(d) Development of Online Learning Portals


8. DepEd E-Learning Resources

9. Public Online Library

ARTICLE IV
PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

SEC. 8. 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 for 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, purchasing,
or leasing of a satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road
Map.

SEC. 9. 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 —sihybrid~—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 shall be provided with the necessary learning devices as stipulated in the
PSOFT Road Map. Should budgetary constraints prevent the attainment of such
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 shall, with the technical assistance of DICT, 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. 10. 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 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) Alll 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. 11. 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) Respect for and protection of 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;

(f) Insights of Republic Act No. 10175, or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012”
and other related legislation; and

(g) Respect for intellectual property rights.

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. 12. 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 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. 13. 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, creative industries,
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. 14. 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 covered by the
protection provided for in R.A. No. 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. 15. 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
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;

(f) Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use; and

(g) Protection against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children pursuant to
Republic Act No. 11930 or the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of
Children Act”.

SEC. 16. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System
(EBEIS). - The EBEIS shall be the central school database of the DepEd and it
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. No. 10173,
otherwise known as the “Data Privacy Act of 2012.”

SEC. 17. 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. 18. 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 reliable broadband 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.
(c) The PhilSA shall advise and collaborate with the 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, Department of the Interior and Local Government,
NLP, NBDB, PSA, Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, 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. 19. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for PSOFT Program. - The DepEd
may pursue PPPs from any of the modalities under R.A. No. 6957, as amended by
R.A. No. 7718, entitled, “An Act Authorizing the Financing, Construction, 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 (BOT) Center to the Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) 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. 20. Authority to Receive Donations. - The DepEd is authorized to accept
grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or in 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. 21. Joint Congressional Oversight. - Upon the effectivity of this Act, a
joint congressional oversight committee to be known as the Joint Oversight
Committee on the PSOFT Program or JOC-PSOFT, is hereby constituted. The JOC-
PSOFT 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.

SEC. 22. Annual Report. - The DepEd shall submit a report to both Houses of
Congress, or upon the request by the JOC-PSOFT, providing a detailed account of
the status of the implementation of this Act.

ARTICLE XI
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 23. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of Education and Information and
Communications Technology and the Director General of PHIISA 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. 24. 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. 25. 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. 26. 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. 27. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,