Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTII (19th) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
'  House Bill No. 9 5 9 1
Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Digital literacy education holds immerse significance in the Philippines for several
compelling reasons. It plays a pivotal role in expanding access to information and
resources,  ensuring  that  knowledge  is  accessible  across  the  diverse  population.
Moreover,  it  fosters  education  and  skills  development,  enabling  students  and
professionals  to  benefit  from  e-learning  opportunities,  especially  in  remote  or
underserved  regions.   Digital  literacy  also  bolsters  employability,  as  it  equips
individuals with the skills required in an increasingly digitized job market, spanning
a wide range of industries. Furthermore, a digitally literate workforce contributes to
economic  growth  by  enhancing  productivity  and  competitiveness  through  the
effective use of digital tools.
Additionally, digital literacy facilitates financial inclusion, empowering Filipinos to
access and use digital financial services, reducing reliance on cash transactions.  It
empowers citizens to engage with government services and participate in governance
through e-government initiatives,  making interactions with government agencies
more efficient. In the realm of healthcare, digital literacy is pivotal, particularly in
rural areas, as it enables access to  telemedicine services, health information,  and
online consultations. It also plays a vital role in raising awareness about cybersecurity
risksandpractices,safeguardingindividualsfromonlinethreats.Furthermore,digital
literacy  fosters  social  and  cultural  exchange,  enabling  connections  with  diverse
perspectives and enriching social interactions. It contributes to disaster preparedness
by providing access to timely warnings, emergency information, and facilitating relief
efforts  through  digital  means.  Moreover,  digital  literacy  supports  environmental
awareness by granting access to information on environmental issues and sustainable
practices,   aligning   with   global   competitiveness   as   it   prepares   Filipinos   f or
international trade, communication, and collaboration.
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH (19th) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HouseBi||No.9591
Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar
AN ACT MANDATING THE INCLUSION 0F DIGITAL LITERACY EDUCATION
AS A COURSE IN TIIE ELHMHNTARY, SECONDARY, TERTIARY, AND
TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM IN ALL PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIHS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House Of Represehiatives Of the Philippines in Congress
assembled-.
1      SE:CTLON 1. Short Title. -Thiis Act shall be kno`^rn as the "Digital Literaay Education Act
2      Of the philippines."
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4      SEC. 2. Dcc/¢ro/I.o# a/Po/r.ey. -It is hereby declared the policy of the state to promote digital
5       literacy,  cybersecurity,  and  digital  etiquette  among  its  citizens  through  strengthening  the
6      foundation  of digital  network  awareness  and  education  throughout  all  the  stages  in  the
7       Philippine education system in recognition of this essential life skill as a vital tool in improving
8      the socio-economic welfare of all Filipinos towards eventually developing a more sustainable
9       economy inthe long-term.
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11      SrfLC. 3. Integration Of Digital Literacy  as  a Separate  Course  in the Curriculum - The
12      Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical
13       Education and  Skills  Development Authority  (TESDA)  shall  be tasked  to  include  Digital
14      Literacy education in their respective existing and prevailing curriculum for all students. They
15       shall  collaborate  with  the  Department  of  Information  and  Communications  Technology
16      (DICT), National privacy commission (NPC), and Department of science and Technology
17       (DOST) in developing academic standards and curriculum content for the purpose of this bill.
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1      SEC. 4. Approprz.¢frous - Funds necessary to cany out the provisions of this Act shall be
2      included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and
3       thereafter.
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5      SHC. S. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -W±"n ninety (90) days from the effectivlty
6      of this Act, the DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DICT, NPC, and DOST shall promulgate the rules
7      and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
8
9      SEC. 6. Rcpca/I.#g CJairse. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, memoranda,
10      rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Acts are hereby
11       repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
12
13       SEC. 7.  St?parabJ./rty cJ¢wsc. -If any part or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional
14      or invalid, the remaining parts of provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
15
16      SEC. 8. EJ7rcc/I.vrty. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
17       0j7j7?cz.cz/ Gflzef/e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
18
19
20                   Approved,
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