Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVI
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 276

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY HORIBATA
AND HON. NICOLAS ENCISO VIII

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE
PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM

Much has been accomplished to incorporate digital technology into public schools
throughout the Philippines. From providing personal computers in order to promote
and support computer literacy, the State is henceforth progressing towards the use
of Information and Communications Technology and its various components in
order to upgrade and modernize the educational system, to enhance the quality of
education and to achieve equity in the acquisition of skills among all students

There is therefore a need to address the varying number, age, accessibility to and
use of computers and other technology in different districts and schools. Much
remains to be done including a systematic upgrading and replacing of outdated
digital technology, providing the professional development needed to enable
educators to use such digital technology more effectively in the classroom and
providing the technical and informational support to maintain and enhance the
prevailing systems.

Laying down the foundation for the effective institutionalization of the use of digital
technology in public education has never been more important and necessary. For
example, efficient resource mobilization and funding generation is key to the
management of the costs of purchasing, maintaining, upgrading and replacing
digital technology that is ever evolving. Consequently, spending limited and finite
government resources in attempting to maintain old, outdated technology may not
be aligned with the principles of effective and prudent utilization of government
finances.

The institutionalization of the use of digital technology in public education goes
beyond the systematic provision of technical and infrastructure requirements; It
would pave the way for the successful establishment and management of user
centered knowledge and information resources for teachers and the students, the


development of digital learning materials for use inside and outside of classrooms,
the continuous advancement of teachers and school administrator's knowledge and
skills on technology through professional trainings, development and competency
assessment, among others.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

(1. ——,

LUIS, “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. MIGUEL LUIS R>yiLLAFUERTE

A a,
Ts! SHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA ICOLAS ENE}SO VIII



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 276

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY HORIBATA
AND HON. NICOLAS ENCISO VIII

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE
PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title- This Act shall be known as the Institutionalization of Digital
Technology in Public Education Act.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the declared policy of the State to provide
quality education for all its citizens. Consequently, it is the policy of the State to
promote the adaptation of digital technology from alll sources for the national benefit
and encourage the widest participation of private groups, local governments, and
community-based organizations in the generation and utilization of the broader
spheres of science and technology.

For this purpose, the State shall create a system that will promote and regulate the
use of digital technology in public education

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms are
defined as follows:

(a)"“information and Communications Technology" or "ICE" shall mean the totality of
electronic means to collect, store, process and present information to end-users
in support of their activities and services. It includes, but is not limited to,
computer systems, office systems and consumer electronics, as well as
networked information infrastructure, the components of which include telephone,
cable, wireless and satellite systems, the Internet, fax machines and computers;


(b)"Digital technology" shall mean electronic technology that generates, stores, and
processes data in such a manner that content may be created, viewed,
distributed, modified, and preserved on digital electronic devices;

(c) "DepEd" shall mean the Department of Education;

(d)"DICT" shall mean the Department of Information and Communications
Technology;

(e)"DOST" shall mean the Department of Science and Technology;
(f) "CHED" shall mean the Commission on Higher Education; and

(g)"Blended Learning" shall mean education program in which a student learns at
least in part through delivery of content and instruction via digital and online
media with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace.

SECTION 4. Digital Technology Road Map for Public Schools - The DepEd, shall, in
consultation and in coordination with DICT, DOST and CHED, formulate a road map
for the use of digital technology in public education within six (6) months from the
effectivity of this Act. The road map shall serve as basis for planning, research and
development, and monitoring of activities.

It shall be formulated based on the existing strategic plans, current and future
capacities and the potential for adopting the emerging digital technologies, in
accordance with the national development goals. The Technology Road Map for
Public Schools shall include the following objectives:

a) Broadening and maximizing the use of digital technology to aid learning in a
rapidly changing and increasingly globalized environment;

(b) Establishing as system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology and
providing technical support to maintain the systems;

(c) Providing sufficient training and support for teachers and students in the use of
digital technology in public education; and

(d) Providing the professional development to enable educators to use digital
technology more effectively in the classroom

The road map shall be reviewed every five (5) years, or as may be deemed
necessary.

SECTION 5. Programs. The Digital Technology Road Map shall include, but not
limited to, the following programs:

A. Adequate Digital Technology Resources. Access to computers with a variety
of software shall be ensured in order to reinforce the skills and concepts that are
being taught in the classroom as well as assistance in choosing appropriate
software for their subject and grade level.


B. Systematic Computer Replacement Schedule. A computer replacement
schedule shall be instituted to ensure that computers are consistently being
upgraded and old equipment are timely disposed.

C. Maintenance. Technical support shall be provided in order to fix technical
problems. Teachers and students shall receive instruction to do simple maintenance
and troubleshooting.

D. Equipment Inventory. An annual equipment inventory shall be conducted to
obtain data necessary to determine costs.

E. Appropriate Professional Development. Professional development
opportunities shall be provided for teachers based on their needs. Training
opportunities in a variety of times, locations and delivery modes shall likewise be
provided.

F. Blended and Collaborative Learning. The digital technology road map will
apply a blended learning where students will learn through a combination of
different delivery methods of teaching that includes traditional classroom learning
and digital technology-enhanced learning such as learning online for optimum
teaching and learning from among the students and the teachers.

G. Development of Digital Materials. Digital materials for use in the classrooms
shall be developed and made available to all public elementary, secondary schools
nationwide.

H. — Curriculum Development. DepEd shall undertake to implement the digitization
of curriculum content and the creation of ready-to-use and customizable LCT-based
resources.

SECTION 6. Annual Report. The Secretary of Education shall submit to both
Houses of Congress, or upon the request of the Congressional Oversight
Committee, a report giving a detailed account of the status of the implementation of
this Act.

SECTION 7 - Authority to Receive Donations or Grants. DepEd is authorized to
accept grants, contributions, donations, endowments, bequests, or gifts in cash, or
in kind from local and foreign sources in support of the development and
implementation of this Act. The proceeds of such grants, contributions, donations,
endowments, bequests, or gifts in cash, or in kind shall be used to finance the
following

a) Research, development and utilization of emerging digital technologies;

b) Improvement of ICT infrastructure including hardware and Internet connectivity;

) Training and capacity building; and

d) Conduct of such other activities reasonably necessary to carry out the objectives
of this Act.


SECTION 8. Appropriations. The amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos
(PhP500,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated as the initial operating fund.
Thereafter, such amount necessary to effectively carry out provisions of this Act
shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, DepEd shall, with DOST, CHED and DICT, prepare and
promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out provisions of this Act.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. Alll laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules and
regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after

publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation

Approved,