13TH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPTNES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The State must harness its human resources to cope with advancement in technology. The 
youth, being an important component of its human resources, must be given their competitive 
edge in today's world. One way to do this is the proposal of this bill, which is to integrate 
computer education in the curricula for third and fourth year students. 
In the Philippines, computers are already prevalent in the working place. If our youth are 
to be fully equipped to face the business world confidently and with a bright outlook to the 
future, they must, at the very least, be computer-literate. Graduates who are computer illiterate 
often find themselves at a disadvantage when faced with their computer-literate counterparts. 
Being knowledgeable on computers can make them competitive and responsive in the job 
market. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 


13TH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 
538 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VELAR JR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
AN ACT TO INTEGRATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION INTO THE 
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY CURRICULA AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Information Technology Education Act of 
2004.” 
SEC. 2. 
Declaration ofPoZicy. - It shall be the policy of the State to promote and support 
computer literacy starting at the earliest grade level in the public school system of the country. 
Likewise, the State shall encourage the use of Information Technology (IT) and its various 
components (computers, telecommunications, etc.) in order to upgrade and modernize the 
educational system, enhance the quality of education and achieve equity in the acquisition of 
skills among all students. The private sector is encouraged to participate in the development of 
the Information Technology Education Program. 
Toward these ends, the State shall provide for an Information Technology Education Program 
integrated in the existing elementary and secondary school curricula. 
SEC. 3. 
Mandatory Coverage, - It shall be mandatory for all public elementary and 
secondary schools to integrate information technology education in their curricula. 
SEC. 4. 
Definition of Terms. - Information Technology Education refers to the study and 
use of the computer and other Information Technology (IT) components in the school curricula, 
Its objectives shall include: 


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(a) 
The use of computers and related technologies to enhance learning and improve personal 
productivity; 
(b) 
The acquisition of knowledge and skills on the operation and maintenance of computers 
and peripherals, and the understanding of basic operating systems; and 
(c) 
The inculcation of the ethical use of information technology among learners. 
Integration is an education strategy where the information technology education learning 
competencies become part of appropriate subjects in the school curticula. 
SEC. 5. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education, Culture 
and Sports shall issue guidelines, rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the 
purpose of this Act within ninety (90) days upon effectivity. 
SEC. 6. 
Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act 
shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law 
and regularly thereafter. 
Approved,