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‘pare: 30 JUN 2015
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BY:

Republic of the Philippines |
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | REGISTRATION UNIT
Quezon City, Metro Manila. {BILLS AND Inc. x SERVICE

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

616

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide the free use of computers with internet access in all
public libraries in the Philippines, amending for the purpose Republic Act No
7743, entitled, “An Act Providing For the Establishment of Congressional, City
and Municipal Libraries and Barangay Reading Centers Throughout the
Philippines, Appropriating the Necessary Funds Therefore and For Other
Purposes.”

Republic Act No. 7743 was enacted to promote the moral and intellectual well-
being of the people, elevate the literacy level of every Filipino and recognize the
vital role of knowledge and information in nation-building

At present, there are 688 public libraries in the country: four congressional
district libraries; fifty two provincial libraries; ninety seven city libraries, and five
hundred thirty five municipal libraries.

Public libraries are located in, established and maintained by the barangay,
municipality, city, province, or congressional district that cater primarily to the
information needs of their respective constituents through reading materials,
reference books, and other informative documents. With the establishment of
public libraries throughout the country, the government is helping the members of
the community specially the students to broaden their research skills, enhance
their reading ability and stimulate their desire for knowledge.

Although there are many informative materials available in public libraries, it is
essential that free use of computers with internet access be provided to allow the
students and the community to explore a wider array of information necessary for


quality education. This will encourage the entire community to take advantage of
the political, social, economic, educational and even career opportunities made
available through the internet.

The internet is a network of computers, designed to receive and send data in the
form of e-mails, blogs and webcasts. It can be likened to a super-massive server
armed with a plethora of information which is used by billions of people
simultaneously. It is a virtual treasure trove of information. Accessing the
internet becomes a common practice in seeking assistance to gather resources for
homework, office presentation and supplements for other research work. It has a
major effect on education and has played an important role in the advancement of
mankind.

Public libraries, if properly equipped and managed, can be the most economical
and effective source of information that will enhance and promote moral and
intellectual well-being.

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

vow hora
GERALDINE B. ROMAN


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

616

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B, ROMAN

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE FREE USE OF COMPUTERS WITH
INTERNET ACCESS IN ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE
PHILIPPINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC
ACT NO. 7743, ENTITLED “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF CONGRESSIONAL, CITY AND
MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES AND BARANGAY READING CENTERS
THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING THE
NECESSARY FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

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

assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7743 is hereby amended to

read as follows:
“SEC. 6. Functions of the Public Libraries and Barangay
Reading Centers. — The public libraries and barangay reading
centers shall have the following functions:
a) T[t]o make available to the members of the community
FREE USE OF COMPUTERS WITH INTERNET ACCESS,

reading materials of wide array, including reading materials


prescribed by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and
national newspapers of general circulation and others:

b) _T[t]o be used as a venue for audio-visual presentation in
the community and other kinds of exhibitions and activities aimed at
increasing the literacy rate by government agencies, non-
governmental organizations or private entities in the dissemination
of information of general interest; and

c) T[t]o offer such other related services in furtherance of
this Act.”

SEC. 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,