Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1912

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIV, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution mandates that the study of the
Constitution be included in the curriculum of all educational institutions. While this has
been partially implemented under the K-12 curriculum, the lack of consistent,
progressive, and participatory civic education leaves many Filipino leamers
tuncquipped to understand and uphold their rights and responsibilities.

This bill enhances and broadens existing efforts by introducing the
Constitutional Education and Civic Engagement Program (CECEP), starting at Grade
4 and culminating in advanced learning by Grade 12. The program is designed to be
inclusive, contextualized, digitally enabled, and grounded in critical thinking and
democratic values.

The bill also institutionalizes Constitution Day as a means to elevate civic pride
and awareness, empowers schools to localize content, and invests in teacher training
and evaluation. Through these measures, we aim to develop a generation of Filipinos
who not only know their Constitution ~- but live by its principles.

Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ANTGAINO B. ROMAN II


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1912

HOUSE BILL Ne

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN III

AN ACT
STITUTIONALIZING CONSTITUTIONAL LITERACY AND CIVIC
iGAGEMENT FROM GRADES 4 TO 12 IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE.
BASIC EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 “Constitutional Literacy
and Civic Engagement Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ Pursuant to Article XIV, Section 3 of the 1987
Constitution, it is the policy of the State to include the study of the Constitution in the
curriculum of all educational institutions and to develop civic-mindedness among
leamers. This Act seeks to institutionalize age-appropriate, progressive, and
participatory constitutional education from Grades 4 to 12, guided by democratic
values, digital citizenship, and lifelong civic engagement.

SECTION 3. Development and Implementation of the Constitutional Education
and Civic Engagement Program (CECEP). — The Department of Education
(DepEd), in collaboration with the Philippine Supreme Court, the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines (IBP), and the legal academe, shall design and implement a CECEP that
shall:

a. Begin at Grade 4 and progress through Grade 12, with complexity increasing
by level;

b. Be integrated across relevant learning areas and applied subjects in all Senior
High School tracks;

c. Be leamer-centered. culturally relevant, inclusive, and developmentally
appropriate, consistent with RA 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of
2013;


d. Use digital, multilingual, and accessible instructional materials including
Filipino Sign Language; and

e. Include interactive and practical learning experiences such as debates, mock
courts, immersion activities, and school-based civic projects.

SECTION 4. CECEP Objectives. — ‘The CECEP shall aim to:

a. Raise awareness and understanding of the 1987 Constitution and duties of
citizenship;

b. Promote democratic values, rule of law, human rights, and respect for
institutions;

¢. Encourage critical and reflective thinking on governance and public policy;
d. Equip learners with media literacy and digital citizenship skills; and
¢, Foster civic responsibility and active participation in democratic processes.

SECTION 5. Curriculum Content. -- Topics under the CECEP shall include, but not
be limited to:

a. History and Structure of the 1987 Constitution;

b. Nationalism and Sovereignty;

¢. Branches and Functions of Government;

d. Rights and Duties of Citizens;

e. Suffrage, Elections, and Accountability;

f. Democratic Values, Social Justice, and Human Rights;

g. The Role of the Family and Civil Society;

h. Constitutional Commissions and Local Governance;

i. Government Programs in Education, Science, Culture, and Health: and

j. Constitutional Amendments and Relevant Jurisprudence.


SECTION 6. Teacher Education and Training. - DepEd, in coordination with the
‘Supreme Court, IBP, and legal academe, shall create training and certification programs
for teachers delivering CECEP content. The program shall form part of the required
teacher education and professional development, and may also include recognition for
legal professionals who volunteer instruction time, including CLE credits or formal
commendation.

SECTION 7. Constitution Day. — All schools shall observe Constitution Day on
February 2 through student-led civic activities that promote participatory democracy,
such as forums, student elections, and debates.

SECTION 8. Monitoring and Evaluation. ~ DepEd shall develop a monitoring and
evaluation system, including baseline civic literacy surveys and impact assessments, to
ensure the effective implementation of the CECEP. Findings shall inform policy and be
submitted to Congress every three years.

SECTION 9. Localization and Adaptation. — Schools shall be empowered to localize
and adapt CECEP content based on regional languages, indigenous culture, and local
governance contexts, subject to quality assurance mechanisms of DepEd and consistent
with the principles of the MTB-MLE framework.

SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, DepEd, in consultation with the Supreme Court, IBP, and
relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
regulations.

SECTION 11. Appropriations. — The funds necessary for the initial implementation
of this Act shall be sourced from the current DepEd budget. Thereafter, such sums as
may be necessary shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. DepEd is also
authorized to seck private and international support for CECEP development and
expansion.

SECTION 12. Separability Clause. -- If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and
effect.

SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules,
regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 14. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.