Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
1622

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO, Ph. D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide for free public kindergarten education for all children
throughout the country.

Kindergarten education is classified as a pre-school stage of learning. As a
preparatory stage, it has proven to be an effective foundation to develop the academic
interest of a child, Child educators agree that starting education at preschool age has
substantial benefits to the learner and to society. By contributing to better academic
performance, pre-schooling helps reduce the number of repeaters. Unfortunately, not all
children can avail of a preparatory education because of exorbitant fees being charged
by private institutions offering such education. Children from poor families are usually
left behind and wait until they reach the right age to be admitted to grade school.
Clearly, this is detrimental to the development of many children who maybe gifted but
having been born to poor parents cannot get the adequate education they deserve.

Moreover, education is a right, never privilege. Providing quality education is the
most important function of the State and focal government. Such is required in the
performance of our basic public responsibilities. It is a public instrument in awakening a
child to the socio ~ political, economic and cultural realities. It is the most important
weapon in shaping up the child's moral and spiritual values. It is the duty of the State to
provide education to all citizens.

In view thereof, the approval of this bill is highly recommended.

a
vet’

AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO, Ph. D.
2" District, Province of lloilo


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House BillNo.__ 1622

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO, Ph. D.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AND PROVIDING FOR A FREE PUBLIC
KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Free Public
Kindergarten Act of 2010”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right of the citizens to quality education and to take appropriate
steps to make such education accessible to all.

SEC. 3. Definition. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
mean

a) Free Public Kindergarten Education — students enrolled in the pre
— school course offerings in elementary and pilot schools,

specialized schools and n schools established,


administered, maintained and funded by local government
units including city, provincial, municipal, barangay and
those institutions which maybe established by law, shall be

free from payment of tuition and other school fees;

b) Department the Department of Education, Culture and
Sports;
°) ‘fuition Fee - fee representing direct costs of instructions,

training and other related activities and for the student’s use
of the instruction and training facilities.

d) Other School Fees — fees which cover other necessary costs
supportive of instruction, including but not limited to medical

and dental, athletics, library and laboratory fees.

SEC. 4. Implementation of Free Public Kindergarten Education, — The

system of free public kindergarten education provided under this Act shall
commence in School Year 2002 -2003 which shall be offered in public
elementary schools

SEC. 5. Formulaton of a Kindergarten Education Curriculum. - The

Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall formulate a kindergarten

curriculum in order to upgrade its quality, efficiency and access.


SEC. 6. Applicability of Other Laws. ~ Republic Act No. 5546 which
prohibits the collection of contribution trom school children in the public,
primary, intermediate and high schools, shall be applicable to public
kindergarten schools.

SEC. 7. implementing Rules and Regulations, — The Secretary of

Edueation, Culture and Sports shall issue the necessary rules and regulations
for the effective implementation of this Act

SiC, § Funding, - The amount necessary to implement the
provisions of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations for the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports under the current General
Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as maybe necessary for the
continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the Annual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws or parts thereof, inconsistent

with any provision of this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified

SEC. 10

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,