NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
)
First Regular Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE VIRGILIO S. LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As Filipino students slowly return back to face-to-face learning, the government is given the
opportunity to address the perennial problems of the Education sector during this transition. One of the
manifestations of our failed education system is the lack of school supplies among the students. Many public
school students, who can barely afford to go to school, encounter difficulties as well in buying other supplies
that they need, such as pencils, notebooks, among others.
Various Local Government Units have their individual efforts to address this problem, however, the
program is not institutionalized. As a result, many students in less privileged areas are left without choice
but to look for resources themselves. Other times, teachers take it upon themselves to raise funds for
students’ school supplies.
Providing free and adequate school supplies for students lessens the burden on the part of the
teachers, as well as the students. Students will have more time and motivation to focus on their studies
when they are well provided for. Students who are equipped with what they need for school have a better
learning experience.
In a study conducted by Kids in Need Foundation in 2017 among 12,000 educators, it was found
that there is a correlation of free school supplies and the ability of the teachers in effectively delivering their
lessons. The presence of free school supplies creates a more equitable classroom, where no student will feel
ostracized because of poverty.
This bill seeks to, once and for all, institutionalize free school supplies allowance for all students in
public schools from Kinder to Grade 12. The importance of this bill cannot be overemphasized as more
than 28 million young Filipino minds are educated and shaped by our public school system.. It is hereby
incumbent upon the government to ensure that their resources are sufficient.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is sought.
VIRGILIO S. LACSON
Manila Teachers Partylist
July 28, 2022
2:13 pm
2670


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
)
First Regular Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE VIRGILIO S. LACSON
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE PROVISION OF FREE LEARNING MATERIALS AND
OTHER SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM KINDER TO
GRADE 12, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Learning Materials and School
Supplies Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in
nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and
social well-being. Thus, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the provision of
learning materials and other supplies to guarantee equitable learning experience among students in
the public education system.
SEC. 3. Mandatory Provision of Learning Materials and School Supplies for Students in
the Public Education System. – The Department of Education shall identify the basic learning
materials and school supplies, and cause the procurement and preparation of School Kits, which
shall be provided to all public school students from Kinder to Grade 12 in a 1:1 ratio.
SEC. 4. 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.
SEC. 5. Periodic Review. — The Secretary of Education is hereby mandated to conduct a
periodic review of this program, taking into account the changes in curriculum, method of
instruction, among other factors, and recommend amendments as necessary.
2670


SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, resolutions, orders or ordinances, rules
and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly. 
SEC. 8. 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,