THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Libraries provide information and services that are essential to learning and 
progress. They should also be made available to disabled persons who can be as 
productive as normal persons if given sufficient information and access. Learners with 
special needs who cannot avail of institution-based programs and services must not be 
denied access to the wealth of wisdom and information available in libraries. 
Many libraries in other countries have made significant modifications to their 
buildings and to their collections in an effort to provide the disabled community with the 
access to library resources and services, there is no reason why we cannot do the 
same. 
Thus, to complement RA No. 7217 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, 
passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MANNYVILL R 4 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ] 
Second Regular Session 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT ESTABLISING PUBLIC LIBRARIES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE 
DISABLED, EQUIPPED WITH ACCESS TO INFORMATION, LIBRARY RESOURCES 
ANDRESEARCH 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY - Pursuant to the constitutional 
mandate that the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality 
education at all levels and shall hike appropriate steps I make such education 
accessible to all, and encourage nor-formal, informal, and indigenous learning 
systems, as well as self-learning, independent, and out -of 
school study 
programs particularly those that respond to community needs, it is hereby 
declared an operative policy of the government to bring within the reach of 
disabled Filipino people the services of state of the art materials and equipment 
for easier access to information, library resources, and research they need for 
learning. 
SEC. 2. MATERIALS, VISUALS, AND OTHER FACILITIES - The Department of 
Education and the Commission on Higher Education, with the cooperation of the private 
sector, shall provide reading materials printed in Braille system (a system of raised dots 
that can be read by touch) for the visually impaired, books on tape (audio recording of 
books, commonly known as talking books), and large print magazines and books for 
users with limited sight. 
Among other things, they shall also add entrance ramps and elevators to provide 
wheelchair users greater access to library buildings. Aisles in the book stacks shall he 
widened to allow the same patrons easier access to library materials. 
SEC. 3. AVAILABILITY OF PROGRAM - This special program shall be made 
available not only highly urbanized areas but in rural areas as well, where sophisticated 
access to information like the internet and other similar resources are not presently 
available. 
SEC. 4. LIBRARY STAFF - The library staff shall consist of three levels of 
employees: professional librarians, support staff, and partime assistants. These 
employees shall undergo training which expenses shall be shouldered by the 
government. 
SEC. 5. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS - The Secretary of 
Department of Education, in coordination with the Head of the Commission on Higher 
Education, shall issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act within ninety 
(90) days from the approval hereof; provided however, that the non-issuance thereof 
shall in no way prevent the implementation of this Act. 


SEC 6. TAX-FREE FACILITIES - All materials equipment, and facilities imported 
under tins special program shall he free from all taxes and duties, including all excise 
arid value added taxes imposed by the government on the equipment in the 
transactions and in the acquisition thereof. 
SEC. 7. RESOURCES -the 
government shall provide various grants to these 
public library districts for specific development projects. In addition, these Libraries shall 
actively solicit financial assistance from private individuals, organizations and 
corporations For (his purpose, a special committee that seeks gifts and grants from 
various private sources shall he created by she DepEd and the CHED. 
SEC. 8. SOLICITATION AND AGREEMENTS - The Department of Education 
and Commission on Higher Education, subject to existing rules and regulations, may 
solicit and enter into agreements with any local and foreign organization andlor 
governments who can contribute to the attainment of the objectives of this Act. 
SEC. 9 This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved