Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Third Regular Session

House BILL No. 6492

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to the available data from the Department of Education show that the
incidence of dropout among high school students have continued to rise, albeit slowly,
since 2007. In the school year 2011-2012, the dropout rate in the secondary level was
pegged at 7.82%.

‘The reasons behind the gradual rising of the dropout rate in the secondary level are
economic in nature. High school dropouts often cite the high cost of education or dire need
for employment to financially support their families.

While the government has implemented numerous programs to make education
more accessible to the youth, more programs need to be done to ensure that Filipino
students complete their basic education.

One program that may address the dropout problem in the country is the opening of
night schools in the Philippines. Having evening classes offers a viable option for Filipino
high school students to continue their studies while fulfilling their other obligations or
helping their families earn a living during daytime.

This bill seeks to establish at least one night high school in every congressional
district in the country using existing high school and elementary school facilities. Through
this, we are ensuring that our students are given opportunities to pursue their studies
while fulfilling their other responsibilities.

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

‘ALFREDO D. VARGAS IIT


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS:
Third Regular Session

2
HOUSE BILL NO. 6492

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE OPENING OF NIGHT CLASSES USING EXISTING HIGH
SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACILITIES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY 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 night school classes using the existing
elementary and high school facilities all over the country. Initially, at least one (1) night
high school shall be established in each Congressional District.

Section 2. All public elementary and high schools shall open their school facilities to
be used for the establishment of night school classes.

Section 3. The night high school shall offer general secondary education proper
based on the Department of Education (DepEd) approved curriculum.

Section 4. The night high school shall be open to all qualified students.

Section 5. The teachers of the night high school shall be paid compensation not less
than provided in Republic Act No. 4670, otherwise known as “The Magna Carta for Public
School Teachers”, and other existing laws, computed on an hourly basis and taking into
account such premium compensation rates provided by law for night time service and
overtime work.

Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd shall issue such
rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.


Section 7. Funding. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into
law and thereafter.

Section 8. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree, executive order, or
issuance, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act is hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

Section 10, Effectivity Clause, ~ This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days

following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,