Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Regular Session

8841
HOUSE BILLNO,

Introduced by Hon. Richard C. Eusebio

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Reedley International School (RIS) is a private, non-sectarian international schoo! committed to
developing globally competent students of good character in a nurturing environment.

‘The RIS campus is housed in an eight-story building in Pasig City for its sole use, with
classrooms optimally designed for effective learning. The average class size in Reedley is 25 students.

RIS has been operating continuously in the Philippines since its establishment nineteen (19)
years ago in 1999. RIS first opened its doors in the year 2000 to eighty (80) students. Since then, the
student population has risen steadily and Reedley now has over seven hundred (700) students
representing thirty-eight (38) nationalities. Foreign students account for 36% of its total population.
Based on a five-year study, over one hundred (100) Reedley graduates, approximately 30 percent of
total graduates, have pursued undergraduate and post-graduate degrees and courses in colleges and
universities in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada, such as Harvard Graduate
School, Oxford University, London School of Economics, St. Andrew's University UK, Bradford
University, Boston University, Purdue University, New York University, Northwood University Michigan,
University of British Columbia, and University of Sydney.

In line with its commitment to continuous improvement, Reedley voluntarily subjects its schoo!
administration and education practices to the scrutiny of international evaluating organizations. AS
validation of the viability and effectiveness of its education programs and strategies, RIS is accredited by
the California-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a respected accrediting
association that works with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. WASC
accreditation recognizes that a school's education program meets a level of quality based on
measurable criteria. Reedley is also a regular member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), an
‘accreditation community for international schools worldwide that ensures that all its members implement
learning programs with a global and intercultural perspective.

The international curriculum of RIS in the English Language Arts and Social Studies is based on
the standards set by the Ohio State Department of Education and the Denver-based Mid-continent
Research for Education and Learning (McREL). Its curriculum for Math and the Sciences follows the
standards of the Singapore Ministry of Education. Reedley was the first school in the Philippines to
teach Singapore Math and Science. More than 95% of Reedley's graduates get accepted to foreign
colleges and the top § local universities.

Reedley is one of the leaders in integrating character education and Life Skills training in its
curriculum. The Center for 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility) Asia, otherwise known as the
‘Thomas Lickona Institute for Asia, awarded Reedley the recognition as a “School of Character”.

In Schools of Character, teachers take an active role in the social, emotional and character development
of the students. Reedley was the first school in the Philippines to launch a campaign against bullying
and to implement a strict anti-bullying policy.


RIS implements the unique Reedley Synergized Learning Approach (RSLA) that combines the
best traditional and modem methods of learning. Through the RSLA, Reedley brings to the Philippines
the best practices of progressive Asian and North American educational institutions and integrates them
with the tested and proven features of traditional approaches to learning.

Reedley has been officially recognized by the Philippine Government through a document entitled
“DepEd-NCR Recognition” executed by and between the Department of Education (DepEd) and
Reedley International School. The recognition was executed on June 8, 2004 between DepEd Director
IV Corazon Santiago and Reedley President and Chairman of the Board Ferdinand Ong.

The Legislature has recognized other schools in the country as educational institutions of
international character, such as the Cebu International School under Republic Act No. 9190 and
‘Southville International School, Inc. under Republic Act No 9493.

Official recognition as an international schoo! will enable Reedley to develop curricula and
programs that will help increase student achievement and nurture its students to become global citizens.
After almost two decades of dedicated service as an international schoo! to Filipinos and foreigners in
the country, Reedley deserves to be recognized by the Philippine Government as an educational
institution of international character, by the enactment of a law to that effect.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Regular Session

8841
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. Richard C. Eusebio

AN ACT
RECOGNIZING REEDLEY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AS AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF
INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER, GRANTING CERTAIN PREROGATIVES CONDUCIVE TO ITS
GROWTH AS SUCH, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Section 1. Official Recognition.

Reedley International School, herein referred to as the “School”, is hereby declared an
educational institution of international character authorized to design and implement educational
programs that conform with universally accepted and recognized educational principles and policies.

Section 2. Governing Body.

The School shall be governed by a Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the “Board”,
elected in accordance with its corporate charter.

Section 3. Grant of Prerogatives.

To enable the Schoo! to continue to improve and implement their educational programs, raise its
standards of instruction and meet the special needs of the foreign temporary resident community, it
shall:

(a) Be managed and administered by its President, who shall possess the qualifications
Prescribed by the Board;

(b) Accept applicants for admission regardless of nationality, in accordance with the School's own
‘standards of eligibility, rules for admission and grade placement;

(c) Establish its own calendar of studies and work schedule to ensure maximum efficiency and to
maintain and improve the quality of the educational programs it has adopted for the benefit of its
students;

(d) Determine its own curriculum and teach whatever language or languages it deems
appropriate;


(e) Determine the reasonable amount of fees and assessments that may be collected from its
students in order to maintain and continually improve the School's high standards of education;

(f) Maintain or exceed the standards of education in similar schools of generally recognized
standing;

(g) Employ its own teaching and management personnel to be selected by the Board and hired
from the Philippines and other countries, foreign nationalities being exempt from laws that impose
nationality restrictions on the control and administration of educational institutions, except laws
that have been or will be enacted for the protection of employees; provided, that such exemption
shall not extend to the foreign nationals’ liability for income taxes; and

(h) Promote international friendship, goodwill and understanding among members of the foreign
‘community and the citizens of the Philippines.

Section 4. Supervision and Regulation of the Department of Education.

Notwithstanding the recognition and prerogatives granted under this Act, the School shall be
under the supervision and regulation of the Department of Education and shall adhere to basic laws,
rules and regulations of the Department of Education governing international schools.

Section 5. Implementing Rules.

‘The Secretary of the Department of Education, in consultation with the members of the School
Board, shall issue such rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Section 6. Severability Clause.

If any clause, sentence, paragraph or part of this Act is subsequently declared unconstitutional,
the validity of the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 7. Effectivity Clause.

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

Approved.