Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
INCORPORATING THE VALUE OF RESPONSIBLE, FAIR USAGE, AND 
ENJOYMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN EDUCATION CURRICULA 
NATIONWIDE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the advent of information and communications technology in the 
Digital Age, the fast-paced improvement of mobile devices, and the public 
accessibility of Wi-Fi and mobile data in this, Filipinos can easily access the 
internet and social media platforms. Given its apparent accessibility, majority 
of the total population of the Filipinos are internet users and have an active 
presence on social media, particularly Facebook.  
The use of the internet can be beneficial to the development by the 
youth. It gave them the freedom to browse the world wide web for much 
needed information and knowledge. However, there have been instances 
where children have encountered exploitative strangers who prey on them. 
Others experience bullying through demeaning words or comments, or 
posting of one’s private photos. 
Under Section 17, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, the State shall 
address these concerns as it is mandated to prioritize, among others, 
education, science and technology to foster patriotism and nationalism, 
accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and 
development. Section 13 of the same Article recognizes the vital role of the 
youth in nation-building wherein the State shall promote and protect their 
physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate 
in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in 
public and civic affairs. 
September 6, 2022
11:09 am
4468


 
This bill thus seeks to educate our children on how to effectively and 
safely use social media in communications and dissemination of information. 
It aims to help pupils and students utilize social media in public discourse 
and opinion for a more participative democracy. Moreover, this will help 
develop discernment and critical thinking in the responsible use of present 
and future technologies. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
INCORPORATING THE VALUE OF RESPONSIBLE, FAIR USAGE, AND 
ENJOYMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN EDUCATION CURRICULA 
NATIONWIDE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Social Media 
Education Act.”  
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State has constitutionally-declared 
policies to serve and protect the people, to give priority to education to foster 
patriotism and nationalism and to recognize the vital role of communication 
and information in nation building. Towards this end, it is the objective of 
this Act to adapt with the mercurial rise of the influence and prevalence of 
use of Social Media by inculcating onto the youth and for students the virtues 
of discernment and critical thinking in their unavoidable daily immersion in 
social media. 
SECTION 3. Inclusion of Social Media in the Curricula for Primary and 
Secondary Education. – Social Media Awareness shall be part of the 
curriculum for both primary and secondary education, in public and private 
schools, with the following objectives:  
a. To inculcate how various types of Social Media aid in the effective and
efficient dissemination of information;
b. To inculcate how Social Media helps in shaping public discourse and
opinion;
c. To inculcate how Social Media helps in fostering a more participative
democracy;
d. To inculcate the importance of upholding truth and the veracity of
facts, figures and events in Social Media;
e. To inculcate responsible and fair use of Social Media; and
f.
To inculcate the virtues of discernment and critical-thinking in the use
and/or enjoyment of Social Media.
4468


 
 
The Department of Education (DepEd), in consultation with the Department 
of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), shall immediately 
formulate the necessary steps and measures to achieve the objectives of this 
Section. 
 
SECTION 4. Social Media Awareness as part of the National Service 
Training Program (NSTP). – Social Media Awareness shall be made part of 
the National Service Training Program (NSTP), particularly in the service 
components pertaining to the Literacy Training Service and the Civic Welfare 
Training Service (CWTS). 
 
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education 
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in consultation with the DICT, 
shall immediately formulate the necessary steps and measures to achieve the 
objectives or this Section. 
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DepEd shall, in 
consultation with CHED, TESDA, and DICT, promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act: 
Provided, That the failure of the concerned agencies to promulgate the said 
rules and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon 
its effectivity. 
 
SECTION 6. Non-Impairment Clause. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or 
made available to disadvantaged, marginalized, or specific sectors under 
existing laws. 
 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any part of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with or 
contrary to the provisions of this Act are deemed amended, modified or 
repealed accordingly. 
 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,