Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH  CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 967
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Oscar G. Malapitan 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 7743 enacted in June 1994 aims to further the moral 
and intellectual well-being of the Filipino people by establishing public 
libraries and reading centers throughout the Philippines, with the National 
Library of the Philippines (NLP) and  local government units responsible for 
their establishment, maintenance, and provisions of reference materials. It 
recognizes the vital role of knowledge and  information in nation building, and 
as a tool to elevate the literacy level of every Filipino to the end of eradicating 
illiteracy. 
Yet, despite of the lofty ideals behind the enactment of Republic Act No. 
7743, only a small fraction of the intended number of libraries and/or reading 
centers have so far been established throughout the country since its 
implementation in 1995. Base on the informational website of the NLP 
showing the statistical number of affiliated public libraries  in the Philippines, 
there are only 1,660 public libraries and reading centers as of December 2023, 
or a mere 3% of the total number of barangays, cities, and municipalities in 
the Philippines. 
A lot has come to pass since the passage of Republic Act No. 7743 three 
decades ago. The advances in information and communication technology 
(ICT) has, in fact,  increasingly put to question the relevance of ordinary 
libraries as repositories of physical books and resources, and as centers for 
learning, research, and community engagement,  in today’s digital landscape.  
This bill which seeks to establish a modern library in the 1st District of 
Caloocan City  aims to ensure that the value and significance of libraries will 
remain undiminished, even in the midst of these prevailing new dimension 
and growing misgivings. It is a strategic initiative aimed at adapting to the 
evolving needs  of the community in an era characterized by rapid 
technological advancement. It recognizes  the importance of a modern library 
amidst the digital age and elucidates the  essential equipment and services 
needed to ensure their effectiveness. 
July 1, 2025
5:02 pm


Libraries, despite the proliferation of digital resources and on-line 
platforms, remain indispensable for several reasons. It curate and validate 
information, ensuring its accuracy, reliability and relevance-a function that is 
particularly crucial in an era of misinformation and fake news. It serve as an 
inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can gather, 
interact and exchange ideas, fostering  social cohesion and community 
engagement. It also promote equity and access by providing free and open 
access to information, resources and educational opportunities. And finally, 
libraries promote and preserve cultural heritage through their collections of 
books, manuscript, archives, and artifacts which enrich the cultural fabric of 
society. 
In fine, the establishment of a modern library in the 1st Congressional 
District of Caloocan City represents a proactive response to the challenges 
and opportunities presented by the digital age. By embracing innovation, and 
promoting lifelong learning, it will well-served as catalyst for social progress, 
economic development, and individual empowerment within the community. 
Hence, with the foregoing considered, the immediate approval of this 
bill is earnestly requested. 
HON. OSCAR G. MALAPITAN 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH  CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  967 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Oscar G. Malapitan 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A MODERN LIBRARY IN THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL 
DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF CALOOCAN, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1.  There shall be established in the First Congressional 
District of Caloocan City a modern library which shall be under the direct 
control  and supervision of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP). 
SEC. 2. In addition to the conditions provided under Section 2 of 
Republic Act No. 7743, the establishment of a modern library in the 1st 
Congressional District of Caloocan City shall be based on the latest computer 
and electronic library technology with complete standard sets of books and 
other materials as mandated under Section 3 of  the same Act, including high-
speed internet access, computers and workstations, digital collections, 
interactive technologies, maker spaces and innovative labs, and other 
technology based functions.    
SEC. 3. The Director of NLP shall appoint the following to manage the 
Caloocan City First Congressional District Library: 
(a) Librarian III
(b) Librarian I
(c) Administrative Assistant III
(d) Computer File Librarian I
(e) Administrative Aide VI; and,
(f) Watchman (Security Guard)
The appointments of such positions shall be in accordance with the 
Compensation  and Position Classification System and  other civil service 
rules and regulations. In addition, their salaries and allowances shall be in 
accordance with Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as the “Salary 
Standardization Law of 2019,”  and other applicable laws.   


 
SEC. 4.  The NLP shall include in its program the implementation of 
this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
 
SEC. 5.  Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the NLP 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper  
implementation of this Act. 
 
 
SEC. 6.  If any provision or part of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain 
in full force and effect. 
 
 
SEC. 7.  All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees or issuances, 
letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules and regulations as well as 
local ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 
 
SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete   
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,