1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
1st Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Representatives PAOLO Z. DUTERTE, ERIC G. YAP, 
EDVIC G. YAP, and JEFFREY SORIANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Technology is evolving at a very fast rate. At such exponential rate of growth, it 
promises to reshape virtually any profession. Technology has significantly increased 
access to education and has started to change the roles of teachers and learners 
nowadays. It is very clear that the modern day classroom with the use of technology 
plays a big role in developing all the characteristics of education where it enhances 
learning experience for the students.  
It is therefore urgent that the Philippines fill the current gaps in technology and 
knowledge in the area of digital technology. This bill seeks to institutionalize a 
program for the integration of digital technology and innovation in public basic 
education by creating the Public Schools of the Future in Technology Inter-Agency 
Task Force (PSOFT-IATF) which shall develop the PSOFT Road Map, a consolidation 
of development plans, programs, and projects for the purpose of advancing digital 
technology and innovation in public basic education. 
With the worldwide reach of the internet and the ubiquity of smart devices that can 
connect to it, a new age of anytime, anywhere education is dawning. It is up to 
education designers to make the most of the possibilities provided by technology to 
change education so that effective and efficient education is available to everyone, 
everywhere.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
PAOLO Z. DUTERTE 
ERIC G. YAP 
        EDVIC G. YAP 
           JEFFREY SORIANO 
September 14, 2022
10:26 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
1st Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Representatives PAOLO Z. DUTERTE, ERIC G. YAP, 
EDVIC G. YAP, and JEFFREY SORIANO 
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: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Public Schools of the 
Future in Technology (PSOFT) Act.” 
ARTICLE I 
POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 
SEC. 2. 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;
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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. 3. 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 II 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
 
SEC. 4. 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 


 
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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. 5. Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT). - There is hereby 
instituted a PSOFT in all public elementary and secondary schools. 
 
The PSOFT shall adopt the following principles upon administering basic 
education in the public school system: 
 
a. Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning; 
 
b. Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology; 
 
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. 6. 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 
educational 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. 
 


 
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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 Communication 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. 
 
Subject to the approval of the DBM, the DepEd, DICT, and PhilSA may create 
positions as they deem necessary for the effective implementation of this Act, in 
accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations. 
 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall formulate a program 
extending assistance to marginalized and disadvantaged students to ensure that they 
may fully participate in the PSOFT Road Map. 
 
SEC. 7. 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. 8. 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 
1. National Human Resource Development 
2. Training and Development of DepEd personnel 
 
c. Digital Reforms in Public School Administration 
1. Internet Safety Policy 
2. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System 
(EBEIS) 
3. Digital Alternative Learning System (ALS) 
 
d. Development of Online Learning Portals 
1. DepEd E-Learning Resources 
2. Public Online Library 
 


 
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ARTICLE IV 
PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE 
 
SEC. 9. 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 of 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, purchase, or 
lease of a satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map. 
 
SEC. 10. 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 hybrid 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 will 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, with the technical assistance of DICT, shall develop an 


 
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administrative system in all public schools utilizing hybrid intranet connectivity in 
order to enhance organizational management and administration, and streamline 
front office procedures. 
 
SEC. 11. 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. All 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. 12. 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 


 
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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. Respecting and protecting 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; and 
 
f. Insights of Republic Act No. 10175, or the "Cybercrime Prevention Act" and 
other related legislation. 
 
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. 13. 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 
 


 
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SEC. 14. 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, 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. 15. 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 strictly covered by 
the protection provided for in R.A. 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. 16. 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: 
 


 
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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; and 
 
f. Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use. 
 
SEC. 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System. - 
The EBEIS shall be the central school database of the DepEd which 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. 10173, otherwise 
known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012". 
 
SEC. 18. 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. 19. 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. 


 
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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 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, DILG, NLP, NBDB, PSA, 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. 20. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for PSOFT. - The DepEd may 
pursue PPPs from any of the modalities under R.A. 6957, as amended by R.A. 7718, 
entitled, "An Act Authorizing the Financing, Construction, and 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 Center to the Public-
Private Partnership 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 
 


 
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SEC. 21. Authority to Receive Donations. - The DepEd is authorized to accept 
grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or 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. 22. Joint Congressional Oversight. - Upon the effectivity of this Act, a 
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee is hereby constituted. The Oversight 
Committee 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. 23. Annual Report. - The DepEd shall submit to both Houses of Congress, 
or upon the request by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, a report giving 
a detailed account of the status of the implementation of this Act. 
 
 
ARTICLE XI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 24. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of Education and Information and 
Communications Technology and the Director General of PHilSA 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. 
 


 
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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. 25. 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. 26. 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. 27. 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. 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,