Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

3667

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. DENNIS “TOM” L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE INSTALLATION AND UTILIZATION OF OFF-GRID
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The summer of 2023 recorded temperatures that scientists from the University
of Cambridge described as the “hottest summer since the Roman Empire.” Climate
trends indicate that temperatures will continue to rise, and the World Meteorological
Organization has already noted that Asia is warming at a particularly rapid pace. This
was confirmed when South Asia and Southeast Asia experienced intense heat
waves lasting for weeks in April 2024.

The Philippines recorded extreme temperatures and high humidity during the
summer of 2024. Compounded by EI Nifio, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical
and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued danger level warnings
in 31 areas, with heat indices ranging from 42 to 53 degrees Celsius across various
parts of the country.

To cope with the rising heat index and stifling conditions, the Department of
Education (DepEd) suspended classes in several areas and resumed remote
learning, a system first implemented during the pandemic. By April 25, 2024, over
7,000 schools had shifted to this setup. DepEd later declared nationwide face-to-face
class suspensions from April 29 to 30, 2024

However, this setup is still not conducive to a productive learning
environment. Asynchronous classes during the pandemic highlighted that many
homes remain unequipped for the demands of distance learning. Connectivity
issues, lack of equipment, and homes that are not climate-resilient all impact not only
a child's ability to keep up with lessons but also their ability to continue schooling.

While no specific studies have yet measured the extent of learning loss due to
weeks-long class suspensions, educational psychologists agree that it is inevitable.
Disappointing results in global education assessments support this. The World Bank
has stated that 91% of Filipino children at late primary age ‘are not proficient in
reading.” The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked
the Philippines 77th out of 81 countries in mathematics, reading, and science. The


2024 PISA report further showed that the Philippines ranked fourth to the last in
“creative thinking.”

This measure seeks to address these challenges by requiring public schools
to install and utilize off-grid solar energy systems, specifically for powering air-
conditioning units in classrooms and leaming spaces. Solar energy remains the most
abundant renewable energy source. Its use can significantly reduce energy costs
and our dependence on imported fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas
emissions and climate change. More importantly, it can minimize the number of class
suspensions caused by extreme heat and poorly ventilated classrooms.

This measure aims to provide schoolchildren with relief from excessive heat,
ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

REP. DENNIS “TOM” L. HERNAND!
4 District of Rizal


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3667
Introduced by REP. DENNIS “TOM” L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE INSTALLATION AND UTILIZATION OF OFF-GRID
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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 “Off-Grid Solar Energy
Systems in All Public Schools Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is declared a policy of the State to accelerate
total electrification, increase access to sustainable energy, improve efficiency in the
use of energy, spread literacy and equal opportunity in education around the country,
and mandate the development and utilization of renewable energy sources. Towards
this end, the State shall establish the infrastructure and mechanisms to ensure
energy sufficiency in all public schools.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - This act shall provide a framework for establishing off-grid
solar energy systems in all public schools around the country.

SEC. 4. Establishment of Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems in All Public Schools.
- The Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Energy (DOE), shall
identify and begin construction and installation of off-grid solar energy systems in
public schools nationwide within one (1) year after the effectivity of this Act

SEC. 5. Policy. - The off-grid solar energy systems to be established shall initially
supply at least twenty percent (20%) of the average monthly electricity utilization
(AMU) of the public school buildings, particularly for the operation of air-conditioning
units in academic facilities, including but not limited to: classrooms, laboratories, and
libraries for the first year after the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That solar energy
utilization shall be increased annually for five years at which point the established


solar energy systems are expected to have the capacity to supply at least fifty
percent (50%) of the AMU of the public school buildings: Provided, further, That
nothing in this Act shall prevent the agencies mentioned in Section 4 herein from
providing more than the minimum supply of AMU per year: Provided, furthermore,
That nothing in this Act shall preclude the expansion of existing solar energy
systems installed in public school buildings.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged against any available funds of DepEd, DPWH, and DOE.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to implement this Act shall be included
in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the immediately subsequent year.
The installation of Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems shall be performed by DOE-
accredited suppliers in accordance with Government Procurement Laws.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Energy shall
provide the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the effective
implementation within thirty (30) days upon the approval of this Act. Rules and
regulations shall take effect after they have been made and shall be published in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any provisions of this Act are
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions thereof
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,