Introduced by Representative CAMILLE A. VILLAR 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING 
THE 
EBOOKS 
FOR 
THE 
BARANGAY 
PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF 
Explanatory Note 
This bill seeks to establish a nationwide program to be known as the "Ebooks 
for the Barangay Program" under the Department of Education (DepEd). It aims to 
provide each barangay with access to free and curated digital learning resources that 
support the academic needs of its residents. 
The Philippine archipelago poses significant challenges in terms of providing 
equitable access to educational resources, especially in rural and marginalized 
communities. The limited physical library infrastructures, inadequate reading 
materials, and a lack of access to up-to-date digital learning tools exacerbate the 
situation. In response to these challenges, this measure aims to establish and launch a 
progressive initiative designed to bridge the digital divide, promote digital literacy, 
and improve access to quality educational resources for all Filipinos.  
The Ebooks for the Barangay Program represents a significant step in 
improving access to educational resources, fostering digital literacy, and empowering 
Filipinos across the archipelago, especially in far flung areas. 
November 20, 2023
5:42 pm


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


 
Introduced by Representative CAMILLE A. VILLAR 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING 
THE 
EBOOKS 
FOR 
THE 
BARANGAY 
PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF  
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 "Ebooks for the Barangay 
Program Act of 2023”. 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared policy of the State to ensure 
that quality educational materials are accessible to all, respecting the right of all 
citizens to education and to promote lifelong learning. 
Sec. 3. Establishment of the Ebooks for the Barangay Program. - There is hereby 
established a nationwide program to be known as the "Ebooks for the Barangay 
Program" under the Department of Education (DepEd). This program aims to provide 
each barangay with access to free and curated digital learning resources that support 
the academic needs of its residents. 
Sec. 4. Program Components. - The Ebooks for the Barangay Program shall 
include the following components: 
a) Digital library platform - This shall provide a secure and organized database
of digital learning resources, including e-books, video lectures, simulations, 


and other relevant materials, in various fields of study and in languages 
suitable for the local community. 
b) Devices distribution - The program shall facilitate the provision of electronic 
devices, such as tablets or e-readers, to ensure access to digital library resources 
for all barangays, particularly in areas with limited internet access. 
c) Capacity building - DepEd shall coordinate workshops and training 
programs to enhance digital literacy among barangay residents and develop 
skills in using e-resources. 
d) Monitoring and evaluation - Periodic assessment and data collection shall be 
carried out to measure the program's success and inform its continuous 
improvement. 
 
Sec. 5. Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act shall 
be sourced from the DepEd’s share in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).  
 
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in coordination with 
pertinent government instrumentalities, shall develop the implementing rules and 
regulations, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
 Sec. 7. Separability Clause. – Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be 
declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can 
still subsist and be given effect in their entirety. 
 
 
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent 
with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
 
Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,