NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1035
§S7i:iuuit' 
of tl)c
‘22 AUG-4 A9:47
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The public school system of the country has been historically plagued with 
numerous challenges. Various interventions have been undertaken over the years 
but there always remains a ilg gap between the n^ission and objectives of the 
government and the actual situation of the public education system.
According to the study of Childhope Philippines, "The Current Education 
Issues in the Philippines - and How Childhope Rises to the Challenge" published on 
August 25, 2021, "the Philippines doesn't invest on topnotch learning as compared 
to its neighbor countries. In fact, many public schools lack computers and other 
tools despite the digital age. Further, a shortfall In the number of public school 
teachers is also one of the top Issues in the country due to their being among the 
lowest-paid state workers."
The records of the Department of Education (DepEd) shows that during the 
school year 2020-2021, there are 39,193 public elementary schools, 9,694 junior 
high schools, and 7,260 senior high schools in the entire country. DepEd Databits1 
issued on January 2022 highlighted the following data related to the Functional 
Computers and Internet Connectivity of public schools:
1 DepEd Databits - Functiona; Computers and Internet Connectivity
1


> More than eighty percent (80%) of public schools in all levels of basic 
education have functional computers
o 31,999 or 81.6% of elementary schools 
o 8,183 or 84,1% of junior high schools 
o 5,914 or 81.5% of senior high schools 
The total number of computers provided by the DepEd In public schools Is 
1,828,196. These computer units are used for both academic and 
administrative purposes. Computers for acad'^'mic use refer to hose utilized 
In the classroom or laboratory as an aid to instruction. On the other hand,
computers for administrative use are those used for encoding administrative 
data of the school.
o Most of the computer units given to schools are tablets.
o Others are desktops, desktop virtual terminals, and notebooks or 
netbooks.
As to the ratio of learners to computers. It Is 1:19 is for elementary school 
where the total enrollment provided with computers is 10,914,758; 1:9 for 
junior high school where the total enrollmeni provided with computers is 
717,804; and 1:3 for senior high school where the total enrollment provided 
with computers is 1,768,449, all recorded in the database for school year 
2020-2021.
The number of computer units provided in elementary school is 598,332; 
720,489 for junior high school; and 509,375 for senior high school.
The percentage of public schools that have access to Internet are 64.2% 
representing 25,150 elementary schools; 72.2% representing 6,996 junior 
high schools; and 67.3% representing 4,888 serior high schools.
Less learners share a computer as the level of education goes higher. Region 
IV-A has the lowest ration among all schools In all levels which means that
there are fewer learners in the region who are sharing a computer with other 
learners.
When it comes to access to internet, the National Capital Region has the 
highest percentage of elementary and junior high schools that are connected 
to the internet and Region III is the highest for senior high school.


• 
From 2016 to 2020, the number of schools with functional computers showed 
a consistent increase for five (5) years except for elementary schools. While 
the number of junior and senior high schools are constantly Increasing, the 
number of elementary schools only increased from 2016 to 2019, and tfien 
decreased the following year.
• 
Only the number of elementary schools has an increasing trend for five (5) 
consecutive years. The number of junior and senior high schools increased 
from 2016 to 2018, dropped in 2019, and then increased again in 2000.
In relation to these data, the action steps of the DepEd are the following:
• 
DepEd continues to provide computer packages and other ICT equipment to 
schools through the DepEd Computerization Program. DepEd is also 
connecting more schools to the internet and is bringing more teachers online.
• 
These interventions will help ensure that the learners' capability will be 
enhanced and the agency's agenda of promoting ICT-assisted learning and 
improving learners'competence In ICT will be achieved.
It should be acknowledged that concerned government agencies, particularly 
DepEd, constantly endeavors to fulfill its mandate of providing quality and accessible 
education for all. However, a comprehensive legal framework that will support the 
entire systems and structure, as well as the budgetary requiremersts of such 
mandate, is essential. Tnere is a need to complement the existing efforts of the 
DepEd by capacitating the educators and learners to maximize the use of the 
gadgets and connectivity that is provided to them, and enabling them to transform 
hardwares and softwares to usable, practical and beneficial tools for their education 
and development
The "Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT) Act seeks to, among 
others, harness technological innovations, approaches, and instruments in the 
teaching and learning processes that will enhance the performance of students and 
teachers as well as create a system that will promote and regulate the use of digital 
technology In public education. To achieve this, the bill proposes to establish an


Inter agency Task Force to craft and implement the road map for the PSOFT,
institutionalize a program for the integration of digital technology and innovation in
public basic education through the PSOFT Road Map, and provide a public-private
partnership (PPP) mechanism to facilitate the attainment of the objectives of the 
PSOFT Road Map.
This measure was approved on Third Reading by the House of 
Representatives in the 18th Congress.
sought.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly
L-
GOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


f;fcr;| ©E.UItf
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17
NINETEENTH CONGRESS Ot: THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
first Regular Session
■■''4 ..i:5
)
r'' of t!)c gxtTffnr]>
•22 AUG-4 A9:47
SENATE
s. No. 1035
RECEIVED BV;
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNni nrv
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
TECHNOLOGY
aiXS’SeS.S 
Hms,! 0f 
of too ootlippinos In
Section 1. Short We. - This Act shall be known as the "Public Schools of the 
Future in Technology (PSOFT) Act".
ARTICLE I
POaCIES AND OBJECTIVES
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Cognizant of the necessity of adopting
innovative technologies to attain development in more positive and transformative 
ways, the State shall:
a) Uphold the constitutional mandate to accords the highest priority to 
quality education by providing appropriate mechanisms and resources to 
ensure the enjoyment of quality education and services by all Filipino 
students, regardless of social and economic status;
b) Harness technological innovations, approaches, and instruments in the 
teaching and learning processes that would enhance the perfo.'-mance of 
students and teachers;
c) Provide all learners with the opportunity to enhance individual capabilities
and knowledge through information and communications technology 
(ICT);


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
d) Create a system that shall promote and regulate the use of digital 
technology in public education;
e) Enhance the learning experience of students by providing them access to 
digitized copies of necessary reference materials and digital and online 
content through (he use of ICT and other related technologies for the 
advancement of education in the country;
f) Provide an accessible complementary mode of learning to allow students 
to continue their education during national health emergencies;
g) Encourage the wider participation of private groups, local government 
units (LGUs) and community-based organizations in content generation 
and the utilization of the broader sphere of science and technology; and
h) Promote public and private partnership in improving access to quality 
education and lifelong learning.
Sec. 3. Objectives. - Tnis Act shall pursue the following objectives:
a) Establish an Inter-agency Task Force to craft and implement the road map 
for the PSOFT;
b) Institutionalize a program for the integration of digital technology and 
innovation in public basic education through the PSOFT Road Map;
c) Identify key components of the PSOFT Road Map; and
d) Provide a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism to facilitate the 
attainment of the objectives of the PSOFT Road Map.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms - As used in this Act:
a) Fourth Industrial Revolution - refers to the ongoing automation of 
traditional manufacturing and industrial practices using modern smart 
technology by integrating advances in large-scale machine-to-machine 
communication, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, the Internet of 
Things, and other technologies for increased automation, improved 
communication and self-monitoring, and production of smart machines
that can analyze and diagnose issues without the need for human 
intervention;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17
1 Q
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
b) High Touch, High Tech Framework - refers to a policy framework 
supported by the United Nations Education Commission that espouses the 
need for educators to find a balance between the more modern 
electronically-delivered and digitally-supported method of teaching and the 
traditionai face-tc face mode, the latter being teaching methods that are 
founded on a teacher's capabiiity to identify develop, and improve an 
individual studont^s acadomic waaknass;
c) Internet safety policy - refers to an age-appropriate, research-based
policy that regulates the safe, ethical and responsible use of the Internet
in public education, promotes an informed and critical understanding of
the Internet, and the education of children and communities about how to
prevent or respond to problems or dangers related to the Internet and 
new media; and
d) New media - refers to emerging digital, computerized, or network 
information and communications technologies that often have interactive 
capacities, which includes e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, web 
sites, interactive gaming, social media, cellphones and mobile devices.
ARTICLE III
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY 
Sec. 5. Pubiic Schoois of the Future in Technology (PSOFT). - There is hereby 
instituted a PSOFT in all public elementary and secondary schools.
The PSOFT shall adopt the following principles upon administering basic 
education in the public school system:
a) Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning;
b) Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology;
c) Provide technical support to maintain ICT and other technology;
d) Tram and support teachers and students on iCT and other technology'
e) Develop educators to use ICT effectively in the classroom;
0 Ensure that the balance between modern and traditional methods of 
teaching are equally utilized to obtain optimum learning outcomes.
Sec. 6. Creadon of td• PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF). - 
There is hereby created the PSOFT-IATF.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
The PSOFT-IATF shall, in consultation with concerned non-government 
entities, including private companies, non-pront organizations, and private 
educational institutions, develop the PSOFT Road Map, a consolidation of 
d„ve.opment plans, programs and projects to be implemented by various 
departments and agencies of the national government for the purpose of advancing 
digital technology and innovation in public basic education.
The PSOFT-IATF shall be composed of the Secretary of the Department of 
Education (DepEd) as Chairperson and the following as members: (l) Secretary of 
the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); (2) 
Secretary of the Departmen’ of Science and Technology (DOST); (3) Secretary of 
the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); (4) Secretary of the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM); and (5) Director General of the 
Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).
The PSOFT-IATF shall finalize the PSOFT Road Map within twelve (12) months 
from the effectivity of this Act, in accordance with national development goals. The 
PSOFT Road Map shall be incorporated in the Philippine Development Plan.
Subject to the approval of the DBM, the DepEd, DICT, and PhilSA may create 
positions as they deem neccssan/ for the effective impiementatlon o- this .Act, in 
accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall formulate a 
program extending assistance to marginalized and disadvantaged students to ensure 
that they may fully participate in the PSOFT Road Map.
Sec. 7. PSOFT Road Map. - The PSOFT Road Map shall serve as the basis for
programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of education though the use 
of digital technology.
The PSOFT Road Map shall be subject to review and amendment, if 
necessary, every three (3) years.
Sec. 8. Components of the Road Map. - The PSOFT Road Map shall include 
the following:
a) Physical and Technological Infrastructure
1) Universal Access m Internet for Public Sdiools
2) Annual Investment Program for ICT Devices, Tools and Equipment


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17 
IS
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
b) Enhanced Digital Education Program
1) National Human Resource Development
2) Training and Development of DepEd personnel
c) Digital Reforms in Public School Administration
1) Internet Safety Policy
2) Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System 
(EBEIS)
3) Digital Alternative Learning System (ALS)
d) Development of Online Learning Portals
1) DepEd E-Learnfng Resources
2) Public Online Library
ARTICLE IV
PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Sec. 9. Universal Access to the Internet in Pihlic Schools. - At public basic 
education schools shall be orovided access to the Internet for the purpose of 
reducing the disparity in computing and information technology knowledge among 
public school learners and raising the standards of Philippine education.
In addition to traditional means of accessing the Internet, such as 
commercially available connections or existing land-based initiatives of government 
programs to expand access to the Internet, the PSOFT Road Map shall exhaust all 
options in ensuring internet connectivity for all public schools.
In order to provide the remote areas with digital connectivity, the PSOFT 
Road Map shall provide cost iffective options of establishing a telecommunication 
satellite or installing fiber optic technoiogy infrastructure as part of the National 
Government Program under the DICT, DOST and PhilSA.
The necessary funding for the conduct of studies to determine the feasibility 
of implementing a Teiecommu -ication Satellite Program, through building, purchase,
or lease of a satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road 
Map.
Sec. 10. ICT Devices, Tools and Equipment - The DepEd shall provide the 
following equipment and services in all public elementary and secondeiry schools:


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
personal computers (PCs), laptops, tablets, learning devices, digital classroom 
equipment and internet and hybrid intranet connectivity.
The PSOFT Road Map shall include a plan for the procurement of PCs, laptops 
or tablets for the educational needs of all elementary and secondary public schools. 
All learners will be provided with the necessary learning devices as stipulated In the 
PSOFT Road Map. Should !)udgetary constraints prevent the attaint nent of such 
target, the national government shall endeavour to meet a ratio of one (1) device for 
every two (2) learners from Grades 4-6 to ensure that learners can make use of 
productivity tools in the conduct of regular classes. The national government shall 
also maintain one (1) device for every fifteen (15) learners from Gndes 7-12 to
ensure that learners can avail of weekly classes on ICT topics that require higher 
computing power.
The PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of functional digital 
classrooms in all public schools. Digital classrooms shall be equipped with digital 
boards, computers, wireless router, multimedia projector, printer, and other 
necessary tools and devices.
The PSOFT Road Map shall likewise provide for stable and reliable internet 
and hybrid Intranet connectivity. Educators In public schools shall make use of ICT 
and hybrid intranet connectrity as presentation tools to complement traditional 
teaching methods. The DepEd, with the technical assistance of DICT, shall develop 
an administrative system in all public schools utilizing hybrid intranet connectivity in 
order to enhance organizational management and administration, and streamline 
front office procedures.
Sec. 11. PSOFT Pilot Schools. - The national government shall establish 
PSOFT pilot schools m the academic year following the effectivity of this Act. The 
pilot schools shall be located in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and shall 
fully comply with the requirements of Article IV in this Act, as follows:
a) The pilot school shall have full, unrestricted access to the internet and for 
this purpose shall be equipped with wireless technology or such other 
modes of connectivity that may be developed: Provided, That school 
administrators shall closely supervise the access of learners tc content in 
order to protect them from inappropriate, violent, or Immord! material,*


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10 
11
b) Teachers shall be adequately trained in all technologies that the pilot 
schools shall adopt for tho us6 of loarnGrr*
C) All pilot schools shall employ trained information technology specialists to 
assist faculty and learners; and
d) All pilot schools shall provide each teacher and learner with the 
appropriate ICT devices, tools and equipment to ensure optimum 
satisfaction in botn the teaching and learning experiences.
The DepEd shall, in coordination with NEDA, conduct an impact study of the 
pilot schools to determine its potential in improving the quality of education. 
Additional pilot schools may be established in the following years, subject to the 
availabilih/ of funds and through cooperative arrangements with LGUs and the public
12 sector.
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
ARTICLE V
ENHANCED DIGITAL EDUCATION
Sec. 12. National Himan Resource Development - Students in public 
elementary and secondary schools must be prepared for the disruptive technologies 
that come with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and have a significant impact on 
skills requirements and on creating a range of opportunities for them in the futu.'-e.
To better equip students to overcome the challenges enabled by ever-
increasing technological change and to improve student engagement and
achievement, they shall be provided with introductory courses on foundational
technology that will enhance their future competencies. The DepEd shall determine
the content and mode of delivery of such foundational technology courts and shall
introduce them in the curriculum in the school year following the effectivity of this 
Act.
To allow students to acquire the appropriate aptitudes and competencies on 
these courses, the PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of 
innovation hubs in every school to enable students to hone their skills and 
techniques using a wide variety of physical and digital tools and equipment. The 
innovation hubs shall allow teachers and learners to carry out technology-based 
projects that address local problems in the community.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17 
IS
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
In addition to the standard ICT curriculum taught for basic education in the
public schools, the DepEd shall endeavour to include the following subject matters in 
its curriculum:
a) Respecting and protecting personal information on the Internet;
b) Understanding computer security systems;
c) Online gender sensitivity;
d) Proper use of soo jI media and social networking;
e) Responsible and ethical use of the Internet, photographic equipment, 
smart phones, and other equipment of similar nature; and
0 Insights of Republic Act No. 10175 or the "Cybercrime Prevention Act" and 
other related leg!s!atlon.
The DepEd shall, in coordination with the DICT, enjoin the use of the latter's 
ICT Literacy Competency and Development Bureau and its relevant specialized ICT 
subjects to be utilized as elective courses in Grades 11-12.
Sec. 13. Training ano Development of DepEf Personnel. - The PSOFT Road 
Map shall determine the training and development needs of school administrators, 
teachers, and personnel with respect to ICT.
To ensure that teachers are technologically knowledgeable and well-equipped
with the right aptitudes and competencies, the DepEd shall establish and Education
Technology Division that shall implement teaching programs and utilize technology-
based instruction aids for the effective and efficient performance of teacheis under
the PSOFT Road Map. The DICT shall extend its support in the implementation of
training for teachers on ICT, through its ICT Literacy Competency and Development 
Bureau.
The National Educators Academy of the Philippines shall carry- out training 
programs for educators in public schools and integrate ICT in classroom learning and 
instruction to highlight the professional and educational benefits that may be derived 
from personally investing in ICT.
ARTICLE VI
DEVELOPMENT OF ONLINE LEARNING PORTALS 
Sec. 14. DepEd E-Learning Resources. - The DepEd shall develop an online 
portal that p.mvides access or iin.ks to Internet learning resources. The online portal


1 
shall include the following; e-books and videos, learning materials and teachers
2 
guides, materials for senior high school subjects ranging from math, disaster 
readiness, and science, materiais on science, agriculture, livelihood and information
4 technology, interactive exercises on math, science, history and economics.
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17 
IS
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
The DepEd shaii deveiop its own iibrary to ensure the quaiity and safety of 
knowledge and information made avaiiabie to learners.
Sec. 15. Public Online Library. - The PSOFT Road Map shall include the 
establishment of the Public Online Library.
The DepEd, DICT, DOST, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and 
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shaii, in 
partnership with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book 
Development Board (NBDB), and other concerned government agencies, develop 
and main the Public Online Library, a repository of educational materials and 
digitized copies of books and publicabons suitable for Filipino students and 
researchers that shall enrich the learning experience by complementing the 
textbooks and reference materials prescribed for tbe elementary and secondary 
levels. The Public Online Library shall be directly connected to the website of the 
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The DepEd and the .NLP shall have joint custody 
over the digitized copies of textbooks and references in the Public Online Library 
which shall be jointly manage., by the DepEd and the DICF. In this regard, the DICT 
shall ensure the security of the online repository system to guarantee its integrity.
The DepEd may solicit additional reference materials and publications from
the NLP, other agencies of the government, and the private sector to augment its 
resources.
The authors of the digitized books and publications shall be strictly covered by 
the protection provided for in Republic Act No. 8293, as amended, otherwise known 
as the "Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines." The DepEd and all concerned 
agencies shall ensure that the authors of the digitized books and publications shall 
be properly remunerated in accordance with law.
ARTICLE VII
DIGITAL REFORM IN PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION


Sec. 16. Internet Safety Policy. - To advance the objective of providing a safe 
and secured education program under the PSOFT Road Map, the DepEd shall, within 
six (6) months after the effectivlty of this Act, formulate and enforce an internet 
S3fe^/ In order to regulate students' access to content especially against visual 
depictions that are obscene, pornographic and harmful to minors. In this regard, the 
internet safety policy shall be implemented to accomplish the following objectives:
a) Development and Implementation of Internet safety education, including 
safe access to educational technology, multimedia and Interactive 
applications, and online resources;
b) Development of online risk interventions for learners and children;
c) Training and support to stakeholders on peer-driven Internet safety/ 
educations initiatives;
d) Undertaking of researches on online risks to form the bases for Internet 
safety education syllabi and instructional material development;
e) Development and implementation of a public education campaign to 
promote awareness of online risks to learners and children; and
f) Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use.
Sec. 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System
(EBEIS). - The EBEIS shall be the central school database of the DepEd which shall 
contain pertinent personal data and school recoids of students. It shall be 
continually improved to ensure the efficient management of school records.
School administrators and personnel shall be trained on the operation and 
access of the EBEIS and be given access to student records and other related data In 
the EBEIS such as student's school attendance record, records pertaiiing to the 
25 character of a student, the level of the student's digital literao/ and proficiency, 
grade level, examination scores, school performance, immunization and health 
records, among others, for purposes of recording student biographical data, handling 
admissions and discharges, and transferring to other schools.
Any person who Is caught Illegally altering, falsifying or misusing student 
information in the EBEIS shall be sanctioned In accordance In with R.A. 10173, 
otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012."
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
10


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17 
IS
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 18. Digital Alternative Learning System. - The DepEd shall institute a 
digttal format of the ALS in the PSOFT Road Map. To attain this objective, the DepEd 
shall provide professional training to teachers and non-teaching personnel involved 
in this program and formulate the necessan/ guidelines for its implementation.
ARTICLE VII
PARTNERSHIP MECHANISM AND ROLES OF PARTNERS
Sec. 19. Partnership Mechanism and Roies of Partners. - In the furtherance of 
the PSOFT Road Map, the DepEd may coordinate and enter into an agreement or 
contract with other government agencies, LGUs, private and non-profit agencies, 
institutions or organizations duly accredited or recognized by the government, civil 
society, business and industrial sector, and other concerned sectors.
The PSOFT Road Map : hall define and delineate the areas of responsibility of 
government agencies in conformity with their respective charters and mandates. For 
purposes of this Act, these agencies shall have the following roles:
a) The DepEd shall be the lead government agency responsible for the 
proper and effectiv/j implementation of the various provision:; of this Act 
and ensure coordination and collaboration among agencies of the 
government;
b) The DICT shall provide advice on matters relating to ICT and closely 
coordinate and collaborate in the implementation of this /ct. It shall 
undertake the instaHation, maintenance, and operation of hybrid intranet 
connectivity in all public basic education schools, provide an efficient and 
reliable broadband connection, assist in the implementation of training and 
development for teachers concerning ICT and ICT-assisted instructions, 
and coordinate and collaborate in the provision of digital connectivity in 
public schools.
c) The PhilSA shall advise and collaborate with DepEd on matters concerning 
the use of space technology and relevant space-enabled services to 
implement the provis ons of this Act.
d) The DOST, CHED, TESDA, DILG, NLP, NBDB, PSA, the LGUs, and other 
concerned government agencies mentioned in this Act shall provide 
support and assistance for the attainment of the purposes of the PSOFT.
11


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 20. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for PSOFT. - The DepEd may pursue 
PPPs from any of the modalities under R.A. 6957, as amended by R.A. 7718, 
entitled, "An Act Authorizing the Financing, Construction, and Operation and
Maintenance of Infrastructure Projects by the Private Sector, and For Other 
Purposes."
To this end, the DepEd shall, in consultation with the PPP Center of the 
Philippines created under Executive Order No. 9, series of 2010, entitled 
Reorganizing the Build-0} erate and Transfer Center to the Public-Private 
Partnership Center of the Philippines and Transferring Its Attachment from the 
Department of Trade and Industry to the National Economic and Development 
Authority and For Other Purposes," establish a PPP Unit to coordinate all matters 
relating to PPP, In accordance with the PSOFT Road Map. It shall likewise coordinate 
with the Project Development and Monitoring Facility of the PPP Center in the 
conduct of feasibility studies and the preparation of tender documents for the PPP 
projects of the DepEd.
ARTICLE IX
AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE DONATIONS
Sec. 21. Authority to Receive Donations. - The DepEd is authorized to accept 
grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or kind from local 
and foreign sources in support of the development and implementation of this Act, 
subject to the regular auditing guidelines and procedures: Provided, That in case of 
donations from foreign sources, acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing 
government rules and regulations. The proceeds of such grants, contributions, 
donations, endowments, or bequests shall be used to finance the following:
a) Establishment of pikT: schools as provided in Section 11 of this Act;
b) Research, development and utilization of emerging digital technologies;
c) Provisions of computer laptop units and improvement of ICT 
infrastructure, including hardware and Internet connectivity;
d) Training and capacib/ building;
e) Conduct of other activities necessary to carry out the objectives of this 
Act.
^ 
ARTICLE X
12


THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND 
REPORTORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Sec. 22. Joint Congressional Oversight. - Upon the effectivity of this Act, a 
Joint Congressional OversigI: Committee is hereby constituted. The Oversight 
Committee shall be composed of ten (10) members with the Chairpersons of the 
Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture and the Committee on Finance of 
the Senate, and the Committee on Basic Education and Culture, and the Committee 
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives as members and three (3) 
additional members from each House to be designated by the Senate President and 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The members of the 
Committee from each House shall have at least one (1) member from the minority 
party or coalition.
Sec. 23. Annual Report. - The DepEd shall submit to both Houses of 
Congress, or upon the request by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, a 
report giving a detailed account of the status of the implementation of this Act.
ARTICLE XI 
FINAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 24. Appropriations. — The Secretaries of Education and Information and 
Communications Technology and the Director General of PhilSA shall immediately 
include in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of 
which shall be included in the r.nnual General Appropriations Act,
The funding for the implementation of PSOFT Pilot Schools under Section 11 
hereof shall be charged against the current year's appropriation of the DepEd.
Sec. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred twenty 
25 
(120) days from the effectivib/ of this Act, the DepEd and DICT shall, in c ^ordination
with other concerned agencies of the government and the private stakeholders, 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of 
this Act.
Sec. 26. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remalnder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
13


Sec. 27. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
modified, or amended accordir»g!y.
Sec. 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
14