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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
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S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 551 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Education is the prime motive force for the development of a nation. This 
is recognized by the Constitution by making education the foremost concern of 
the State and by providing access for academic and technical development the 
responsibility of the government. 
This bill aims to recognize and provide the mechanism for the 
establishment and propagation of the open and distance learning educational 
mode in the Philippines. This bill entrusts the University of the Philippines Open 
University to be the vanguard for the development of this learning system. The 
University shall assist and provide the necessary expertise for schools wishing to 
create learning programs. 
This learning mode will provide access to those who wish to enhance their 
academic and technical training without being bound by the logistical difficulties 
present in our educational landscape. 
The passage of this bill is most earnestly urged. 
ESTRADA 
Senator 


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S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 5 5 1  
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE OPEN LEARNING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION 
SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "Open Learning 
and Distance Education System Act" 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared a policy of the State 
to expand and further democratize educational opportunities for our people in a 
more effective and economical manner through utilization of innovative 
educational technologies. In view thereof, the State recognizes the open learning 
and distance education system as a necessary mode to achieve equitable 
access to quality tertiary education even as it guarantees the academic freedom 
of higher education institutions. 
SEC 3. Definifion of Terms - For the purposes of this Act the following 
terms shall mean: 
(a) Open Learning System - an institutionalized system of delivery of 
educational services that allows for wider access to educational 
opportunities by overcoming barriers resulting from geographical isolation, 
and personal or work commitments; 
(b) Distance Education - a method of learning and teaching employing print, 
radio, television, computer-based communications, satellite broadcasting, 
teleconferencing or other educational technologies, that allows students to 
study on their own without having to regularly attend classes in 
conventional classrooms. 
SEC 4. lnstitutionalizafion of the Open Learning and Distance 
Education System - The open learning and distance education system, 
hereinafter referred to as the System, is hereby institutionalized in the Philippines 
in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 


SEC 5. 
Coverage - The Act shall apply to public and private higher 
education institutions with existing open and distance learning programs, and to 
other institutions that shall later be authorized as qualified implementers of the 
System. 
SEC. 6. Role of the Commission on Higher Education - The 
Commission on Higher Education, hereinafter referred to as the CHED, shall 
plan, set standards, coordinate, monitor and authorize the effective 
implementation of open learning and distance education in the country in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act. It shall: 
(a) Formulate, promulgate and implement the necessary rules and regulations 
to maintain the same quality of education and uniform standards of 
performance for both distance and residential students of participating 
higher education institutions: 
(b) Monitor, evaluate and effect the continuation or closure of programs in 
(c) Review and approve proposals from educational institutions for new open 
accordance with the provisions of the implementing rules and regulations; 
learning and distance education programs; and 
(d) Recommend to the Department of Budget and Management supplemental 
budget for open learning and distance education programs of participating 
higher education institutions: 
SEC 7. Criteria for Commission on Higher Education's Approval of 
New Open and Distance Education Programs - Higher education institutions 
applying for CHED's approval to establish open and distance learning programs 
shall be evaluated based on the following criteria, among others, to be defined by 
the CHED: 
(a) Qualified faculty with experience and/or training in open and distance 
education; 
(b) Relevant curricular programs; 
(c) Appropriate instructional materials; 
(d) Appropriate student support services and delivery systems; 
(e) Linkages with other appropriate institutions as resource centers; and 
(d) Recognized research program on open and distance learning. 
SEC 8. Role of the University of the Philippines Open University - 
The University of the Philippines Open University, hereinafter referred to as the 
UPOU, shall be designated as the national open university. It shall set up the 
model programs, undertake relevant research and development projects, assist 
other interested higher education institutions in developing open learning and 
distance education programs, and provide technical assistance to the CHED in 
open and distance education matters. 


The UPOU shall support start up programs for duly recognized higher 
education institutions and shall provide necessary support for the educational 
institution's pursuit of an educational system catering to the specific needs'of the 
institution. 
SEC 
9. 
Role 
of 
Government 
Broadcast 
Stations 
and 
Telecommunications Network - Government broadcast stations 
and 
telecommunications networks shall provide the necessary assistance and 
coordination in support of the System at a discounted rate of 20% or higher. 
SEC I O .  Appropriations - For the initial implementation of this Act, the 
amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) from any of the President's funds 
which has not been earmarked shall be divided equally between the CHED and 
UPOU. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continuous implementation of 
this program by the CHED and UPOU shall be included in the General 
Appropriations Act. 
SEC 11. Separability Clause- If any provision of this Act shall be held to 
be unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the 
other provisions hereof. 
SEC 12. Repealing Clause- All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of tills Act is hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC 13. Effectivity Clause- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,