EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S. No.
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Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
INTEGRATING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN THE CURRICULUM 
OF THE ENHANCED BASIC EDUCATION (K-12) PROGRAM, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
To thrive in this global and high-tech marketplace of the 21st 
century, one must be able to create technology. Lamentably, our current 
enhanced basic education program is inadequate to meet the needs of the 
times. Our ranking in the 2017-2018 Global Competitiveness Index where 
our overall ranking is 56 out of 137 countries, and only 61 in the 
“Innovation and sophistication factors” sub-index, reflects this reality.
This bill seeks to integrate computer science in all levels of the 
enhanced basic education curriculum. By introducing computer science 
fundamentals to our students, as early as possible and in an age- 
appropriate manner, we are effectively equipping them with the proper 
tools needed to make them capable digital age citizens and also preparing 
them for global competitiveness.
The speedy passage of this bill is therefore earnestly requested.
AQUILINO ^^KOKO” PIMENTEL HI


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S. No. 
99
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BILLS &
Introduced by Senator Aquilino uKoko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
INTEGRATING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN THE CURRICULUM 
OF THE ENHANCED BASIC EDUCATION (K-12) PROGRAM, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the 
“Computer Science Act of 2019. ”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles. -  It is the policy of the State to 
provide an integrated system of education that is complete, adequate, and 
relevant to the needs of the people and society.
Likewise, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to develop a 
method of education that keeps up-to-date with modern technology, 
effectively equipping its graduates with the necessary skills for the 
changing times.
Towards this end, the state shall constantly renew and review the 
existing curricula to ensure the inclusion, learning and utilization of 
modern technologies, computers, and other similar devices.


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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. -  For purposes of this Act, the 
following ternis shall be defined as follows:
a. 
“Computer" shall mean an electronic device that accepts 
digitalized data for the purpose of storing and processing information. It 
shall include all the hardware or physical parts attached to the computer 
system, and the software used therewith;
b. “Computer Science” shall mean the study of the theory behind 
the applications, structure and design of a computational system, and the 
specialization in the theory of computation. It shall include, but not be 
limited to computational complexity theory, computer graphics, 
programming language theory, basic HTML design, and other similar 
computer programming subjects;
c. “DepEd” shall mean the Department of Education;
d. “DICT" shall mean the Department of Infomiation and
Communications Technology;
e. “Foundational Computer Programming Skills” shall include, but
not be 
limited to computational thinking, 
algorithms, looping,
conditionals, variables, functions, abstractions, binary coding, sequences, 
debugging, internet safety, and the like;
f. 
“Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ” shall
mean the totality of electronic means to access, create, collect, store, 
process, receive, transmit, present and disseminate information, as
defined 
in R.A. 10844, otherwise known as “The Department of
Information and Communications Technology Act of 20IS;”
g. 
“K-12 Curriculum ” shall mean the enhanced basic education 
program as defined in R.A. 10533, otherwise known as the “Enhanced 
Basic Education Act of 2013.”
SEC. 4. Mandatory Computer Science Education. -  The design and 
details of the K-12 program shall be re-formulated to include computer


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science, computer literacy, and information and communication 
technology as part of the basic subjects offered to students at all levels 
beginning Kinder. The revision must ensure that foundational computer 
programming skills needed tor higher level education are developed in 
children as soon as practicable.
The K-12 curriculum shall be further revised to create a Computer 
Science and Infonnation and Communications Technology (ICT) strand 
under the Academic Track offered to Senior High School Students: 
Provided, the ICT strand currently under the Technology and Livelihood 
Education (TLE) and Technical — Vocational — Livelihood (TVL) Tracks 
shall be repositioned and moved to the Academic Track.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rides and Regulations. -  Role of DepEd and 
DICT -  The DepEd shall, within ninety (90) days from the approval of 
this Act, fomiulate the design and details of computer science subjects 
and track, and issue the implementing rules and regulations necessary for 
the enforcement of this Act. It shall work in consultation with the 
necessary government agencies and other stakeholders including, but not 
limited to, private and public school associations, national student 
organizations, national teacher organizations, parent-teacher associations 
and other members of relevant private sectors.
The DepEd shall ensure that the use of computers, or the 
introduction of the necessary computer and modern technology skills, 
shall be incorporated in the instruction of all subjects at all levels. The 
appropriate skills to be developed per grade level must be clearly defined 
and unified with the curriculum offered under the K-12 program.
The DepEd shall provide the necessary training for teachers and 
school administrators for the proper enforcement of this Act. It shall, 
likewise, provide the schools with the equipment as may be required.
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The DICT shall be given five (5) years to provide all the schools 
nationwide with the necessary computer hardware and software, and to 
actualize the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 6. Appropriations. -  The sums as may be necessary for the 
effective implementation of this Act shall be provided in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 7. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. -  Nothing 
in this Act shall be construed as encroaching on the academic freedom 
and institutional autonomy of educational institutions, as provided under 
the Constitution.
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. -  If any provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by 
such declaration shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, executive and administrative 
orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the foregoing provisions 
are hereby repealed 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,