NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
7 '''fjtpof
23 mar 22 ?6'A3
SENATE
Senate Bill No. ^0^4
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Technology has become a way of life as people - including Filipinos - have 
become more and more dependent on its potential and impact, especially in making 
our day-to-day activities easier. As its evolution continues to change our daily lives, 
people have found various ways of utilizing it in a variety of capacities such as 
education. In fact, in the 2018 Global Education Census Report published by 
Cambridge International, the usage of technology in schools globally is increasing, 
with 48% of students reporting that they use a desktop computer in the classroom. 
Meanwhile, 42% of learners are using cellphones; 33% are using smart interactive 
whiteboards; and 20% are using tablets. In the Philippine setting, this was more 
evident when the pandemic hit and our teachers and students had to shift to an online 
mode of learning. Consequently, it has had an indelible Impact on the learning setting, 
demonstrating how technology can provide not just an enhanced connection and 
accessibility, but also a deeper learning experience.
While technological tools and equipment are admittedly expensive, one can 
argue that this investment has significant long-term effects on students, especially as 
nations are now traversing the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In light of this fact, 
investing in digital equipment in public schools will ensure fairness and quality 
education for all - including those in remote and geographically isolated areas. 
Moreover, employing technology may enable education organizations to cut 
operational expenditures through automation and deliver predictive analytics to 
improve market awareness and decision-making. Paperless operations could be more 
cost-effective for educational institutions.


And although the Philippine government took measures to guarantee that 
education would not cease due to COVID-19 and the long lockdowns by incorporating 
technology in learning, there are still gaps that need to be addressed. This is much 
needed especially since students, particularly those in public schools, still lack the 
proper equipment such as laptops and decent internet connection to continue their 
education. In fact, in a 2020 enrollment survey conducted by the Department of 
Education (DepEd), the major challenges cited in relation to maximizing distance 
learning include: unstable mobile and internet connection, lack of available gadgets 
and equipment, and insufficient load or data allowance.
In conformity with previously mentioned concerns, a survey conducted by the 
Social Weather Stations in 2020 has revealed that four (4) in 10 Filipino students do 
not have enough resources to afford devices of their own. For those who have devices, 
only 27% of students already owned their own devices, 12% of students were able to 
buy one, 10% of students resorted to borrowing gadgets, while 9% of students have 
second hand gadgets, and 0.3% resorted to renting gadgets when needed.
The proposed measure aims to address the problem of inadequate digital tools 
and promote technological integration in the education system, particularly in public 
schools through the establishment of a Public Schools of the Future in Technology 
(PSOFT) Program and the creation a PSOFT-Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF) 
to formulate and implement a road map to guarantee that all Filipino students have 
access to quality education and services. The said PSOFT road map will serve as the 
blueprint for all the projects and programs aimed at refining the quality of education 
through the use of technology. It is for this reason that the immediate passage of this 
bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


senate
®ffitp of tijc #>frftaiy
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
23 HAR22 P6:43
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 2044
Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Public Schools of the 
Future in Technology (PSOFT) Act".
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - Cognizant of the necessity of adopting
4 
innovative technologies to attain development in more positive and transformative ways,
5 
the Senate shall:
6 
(a) Uphold the constitutional mandate to accord the highest priority to quality
7 
education by providing appropriate mechanisms and resources to ensure the
8 
enjoyment of quality education and services by all Filipino students, regardless of
9 
social and economic status.
10 
(b) Flarness technological innovations, approaches, and instruments in the teaching
11 
and learning processes that would enhance the performance of students and
12 
teachers;


1 
(c) Provide all learners with the opportunity to enhance individual capabilities and
2 
knowledge through infornnation and communications technology (ICT);
3 
(d) Create a system that shall promote and regulate the use of digital technology in
4 
public education;
5 
(e) Enhance the learning experience of students by providing them access to digitized
6 
copies of necessary reference materials and digital and online content through the
7 
use of ICT and other related technologies for the advancement of education in the
8 
country;
9 
(f) Provide an accessible complementary mode of learning to allow students to
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continue their education during national health emergencies;
11 
(g) Encourage the wider participation of private groups, local government units
12 
(LGUs), and community-based organizations in content generation and the
13 
utilization of the broader spheres of science and technology; and
14 
(h) Promote public and private partnership in improving access to quality education
15 
and lifelong learning.
16 
Section 3. Objectives. - This Act shall pursue the following objectives:
17 
(a) Establish an Interagency Taskforce to craft and implement the road map for the
18 
PSOFT;
19 
(b) Institutionalize a program for the integration of digital technology and innovation
20 
in public basic education through the PSOFT Road Map;
21 
(c) Identify key components of the PSOFT Road Map; and


1 
(d) Provide a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism to facilitate the attainment
2 
of the objectives of the PSOFT Road Map.
3 
Section 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
4 
(a) Fourth Industriai Revolution - refers to the ongoing automation of traditional
5 
manufacturing and industrial practices using modern smart technology by
6 
integrating advances In large-scale machine-to-machine communication, artificial
7 
intelligence, genetic engineering, the Internet of Things, and other technologies
8 
for increased automation, improved communication and self-monitoring, and
9 
production of smart machines that can analyze and diagnose issues without the
10 
need for human intervention;
11 
(b) High Touch, High Tech Framework - refers to a policy framework supported by
12 
the United Nations Education Commission that espouses the need for educators
13 
to find a balance between the more modern electronically-delivered and digitally-
14 
supported method of teaching and the traditional face-to-face mode, the latter
15 
being teaching methods that are founded on a teacher's capability to identify,
16 
develop, and improve an individual student's academic weakness;
17 
(c) Internet safety policy - refers to an age-appropriate, research-based policy that
18 
regulates the safe, ethical, and responsible use of the Internet in public education,
19 
promotes an informed and critical understanding of the Internet, and the
20 
education of children and communities about how to prevent or respond to
21 
problems or dangers related to the Internet and new media; and


1 
(d) New media - refers to emerging digital, computerized, or network information and
2 
communication technologies that often have interactive capacities, which includes
3 
email, instant messaging, text messaging, web sites, blogs, interactive gaming,
4 
social media, cellphones, and mobile devices.
5 
Section 5. Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT) Program. - There
6 
is hereby instituted a PSOFT Program in all public elementary and secondary schools.
7 
The PSOFT Program shall adopt the following principles upon administering basic
8 
education in the public school system:
9 
(a) Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology;
10 
(b) Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning;
11 
(c) Provide technical support to maintain ICT and other technology;
12 
(d) Train and support teachers and students on ICT and other technology;
13 
(e) Develop educators to use ICT effectively in the classroom; and
14 
(f) Ensure that the balance between modern and traditional methods of teaching are
15 
equally utilized to obtain optimum learning outcomes.
16 
Section 6. Creation of the PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF). - There
17 
is hereby created the PSOFT-IATF.
18 
The PSOFT-IATF shall, in consultation with concerned non-government entities,
19 
including private companies, non-profit organizations, and private education institutions,
20 
develop the PSOFT Road Map, a consolidation of development plans, programs, and
21 
projects to be implemented by various departments and agencies of the national


1 
government for the purpose of advancing digital technology and innovation in public basic
2 
education.
The PSOFT-IATF shall be composed of the Secretary of the Department of 
Education (DepEd) as Chairperson and the following as members: (1) Secretary of the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); (2) Secretary of the
6 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST); (3) Secretary of the National Economic
7 
and Development Authority (NEDA); (4) Secretary of the Department of Budget and
8 
Management (DBM); and (5) Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).
9 
The PsOFT-IATF shall finalize the PSOFT Road Map within twelve (12) months
10 
from the effectivity of this Act, in accordance with national development goals. The PSOFT
11 
Road Map shall be incorporated in the Philippine Development Plan.
12 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall formulate a program
13 
extending assistance to marginalized and disadvantaged students to ensure that they
14 
may fully participate in the PSOFT Road Map.
15 
Section 7. PSOFT Road Map. - The PSOFT Road Map shall serve as the basis for
16 
programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of education through the use of
17 
digital technology.
18 
The PSOFT Road Map shall be subject to review and amendment, if necessary,
19 
every three (3) years.
20 
Section 8. Components of the Roadmap. - The PSOFT Road Map shall include
21 
the following:
22 
(a) Physical and Technological Infrastructure


1 
(1) Universal Access to Internet for Public Schools
2 
(2) Annual Investment Program for ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment
3 
(b) Enhanced Digital Education Program
4 
(1) National Human Resource Development
5 
(2) Training and Development of DepEd personnel
6 
(c) Digital Reforms in Public School Administration
7 
(1) Internet Safety Policy
8 
(2) Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS)
9 
(3) Digital Alternative Learning System (ALS)
10 
(d) Development of Online Learning Portals
11 
(1) DepEd E-Learning Resources
12 
(2) Public Online Library
13 
Section 9. Universal Access to the Internet in Public Schools. - All public basic
14 
education schools shall be provided access to the Internet for the purpose of reducing
15 
the disparity in computing and information technology knowledge among public school
16 
learners and raising the standards of Philippine education.
17 
In addition to traditional means of accessing the Internet, such as commercially
18 
available connections or existing land-based initiatives of government programs to
19 
expand access to the Internet, the PSOFT Road Map shall exhaust all options in ensuring
20 
internet connectivity for all public schools.
21 
In order to provide the remote areas with digital connectivity, the PSOFT Road
22 
Map shall provide cost-effective options for establishing a telecommunication satellite or


1 
installing fiber optic technology infrastructure as part of the National Government
2 
Program under the DICT, DOST, and PhilSA.
3 
The necessary funding for the conduct of studies to determine the feasibility of
4 
implementing a Telecommunication Satellite Program, through building, purchasing, or
5 
leasing of a satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map.
6 
Section 10. ICT Devices, Tools and Equipment. - The DepEd shall provide the
7 
following equipment and services in all public elementary and secondary schools:
8 
personal computers. (PCs), laptops, tablets, learning devices, digital classroom
9 
equipment, and internet and hybrid internet connectivity.
10 
The PSOFT Road Map shall include a plan for the procurement of PCs, laptops or
11 
tablets for the educational needs of all elementary and secondary public schools. All
12 
learners shall be provided with the necessary learning devices as stipulated in the PSOFT
13 
Road Map. Should budgetary constraints prevent the attainment of such target, the
14 
national government shall endeavor to meet a ratio of one (1) device for every two (2)
15 
learners from Grades 4-6 to ensure that learners can make use of productivity tools in
16 
the conduct of regular classes. The national government shall also maintain one (1)
17 
device for every fifteen (15) learners from Grades 7-12 to ensure that learners can avail
18 
of weekly classes on ICT topics that require higher computing power.
19 
The PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of functional digital
20 
classrooms in all public schools. Digital classrooms shall be equipped with digital boards,
21 
computers, wireless router, multimedia projector, printer, and other necessary tools and
22 
devices.


1 
The PSOFT Road Map shall likewise provide for stable and reliable internet and
2 
hybrid intranet connectivity. Educators in public schools shall make use of ICT and hybrid
3 
intranet connectivity as presentation tools to complement traditional teaching methods.
4 
The DepEd shall, with the technical assistance of DICT, develop an administrative system
5 
in all public schools utilizing hybrid intranet connectivity in order to enhance
6 
organizational management and administration, and streamline front office procedures.
7 
Section 11. PSOFT Pilot Schools. - The national government shall establish
8 
PSOFT pilot schools in the academic year following the effectivity of this Act. The pilot
9 
schools shall be located in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and shall fully
10 
comply with the requirements of Article IV in this Act, as follows:
11 
(a) The pilot school shall have full, unrestricted access to the internet and for this
12 
purpose shall be equipped with wireless technology or such other modes of
13 
connectivity that may be developed: Provided, That school administrators shall
14 
closely supervise the access of learners to content in order to protect them from
15 
inappropriate, violent, or immoral material;
16 
(b) Teachers shall be adequately trained in all technologies that the pilot schools shall
17 
adopt for the use of learners;
18 
(c) All pilot schools shall employ trained information technology specialists to assist
19 
faculty and learners; and
20 
(d) All pilot schools shall provide each teacher and learner with the appropriate ICT
21 
devices, tools, and equipment to ensure optimum satisfaction in both the
22 
teaching and learning experiences. The DepEd shall, in coordination with NEDA,


1 
conduct an impact study of the pilot schools to determine its potential in
2 
improving the quality of education. Additional pilot schools may be established in
3 
the following years, subject to the availability of funds and through cooperative
4 
arrangements with LCDs and the public sector.
5 
Section 12. National Human Resource Development - Students in public
6 
elementary and secondary schools must be prepared for the disruptive technologies that
7 
come with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and have a significant impact on skills
8 
requirements and on creating a range of opportunities for them in the future.
9 
To better equip students to overcome the challenges enabled by ever-increasing
10 
technological change and to improve student engagement and achievement, they shall
11 
be provided with introductory courses on foundational technology that will enhance their
12 
future competencies. The DepEd shall determine the content and mode of delivery of
13 
such foundational technology courses and shall introduce them in the curriculum In the
14 
school year following the effectivity of this Act.
15 
To allow students to acquire the appropriate aptitudes and competencies on these
16 
courses, the PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of innovation hubs in
17 
every school to enable students to hone their skills and techniques using a wide variety
18 
of physical and digital tools and equipment. The innovation hubs shall allow teachers and
19 
learners to carry out technology-based projects that address local problems In the
20 
community.


1 
In addition to the standard ICT curriculum taught for basic education in the public
2 
schools, the DepEd shall endeavor to include the following subject matters in its
3 
curriculum:
4 
(a) Respect for and protection of personal information on the Internet;
5 
(b) Understanding computer security systems;
6 
(c) Online gender sensitivity;
7 
(d) Proper use of social media and social networking;
8 
(e) Responsible and ethical use of the Internet, photographic equipment, smart
9 
phones, and other equipment of similar nature; and
10 
(f) Insights of Republic Act No. 10175, or the "Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012"
11 
and other related legislation.
12 
The DepEd shall, in coordination with the DICT, enjoin the use of the latter's ICT
13 
Literacy Competency and Development Bureau and its relevant specialized ICT subjects
14 
to be utilized as elective courses in Grades 11-12.
15 
Section 13. Training and Deveiopment of DepEd Personnei. - The PSOFT Road
16 
Map shall determine the training and development needs of school administrators,
17 
teachers, and personnel with respect to ICT.
18 
To ensure that teachers are technologically knowledgeable and well-equipped with
19 
the right aptitudes and competencies, the DepEd shall establish an Education Technology
20 
Division that shall implement teaching programs and utilize technology-based instruction
21 
aids for the effective and efficient performance of teachers under the PSOFT Road Map.
10


1 
The DICT shall extend its support in the implementation of training for teachers on ICT,
2 
through its ICT Literacy Competency and Development Bureau.
3 
The National Educators Academy of the Philippines shall carry out training
4 
programs for educators in public schools and integrate ICT in classroom learning and
5 
instruction to highlight the professional and educational benefits that may be derived
6 
from personally investing in ICT.
7 
Section 14. DepEd E-Learning Resources. - The DepEd shall develop an online
8 
portal that provides access or links to Internet learning resources. The online portal shall
9 
include e-books and videos, learning materials and teachers guides, materials for senior
10 
high school subjects ranging from math, disaster readiness, and science, materials on
11 
science, agriculture, livelihood and information technology, interactive exercises on math,
12 
science, history, and economics.
13 
The DepEd shall develop its own library to ensure the quality and safety of
14 
knowledge and information made available to learners.
15 
Section 15. Public Online Library. - The PSOFT Road Map shall include the
16 
establishment of the Public Online Library.
17 
The DepEd, DICT, DOST, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the
18 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall, in partnership with
19 
the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book Development Board
20 
(NBDB), and other concerned government agencies, develop and maintain the Public
21 
Online Library, a repository of educational materials and digitized copies of books and
22 
publications suitable for Filipino students and researchers that shall enrich the learning
11


1 
experience by complementing the textbooks and reference materials prescribed for the
2 
elementary and secondary levels. The Public Online Library shall be directly connected to
3 
the website of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The DepEd and the NLP shall have
4 
joint custody over the digitized copies of textbooks and references in the Public Online
5 
Library which shall be jointly managed by the DepEd and the DICT. In this regard, the
6 
DICT shall ensure the security of the online repository system to guarantee its integrity.
7 
The DepEd may solicit additional reference materials and publications from the
8 
NLP, other agencies of the government, and the private sector to augment its resources.
9 
The authors of the digitized books and publications shall be covered by the
10 
protection provided for in R.A 8293, as amended, otherwise known as the "Intellectual
11 
Property Code of the Philippines." The DepEd and all concerned agencies shall ensure
12 
that the authors of the digitized books and publications shall be properly remunerated in
13 
accordance with law.
14 
Section 16. Internet Safety Policy. - To advance the objective of providing a safe
15 
and secured education program under the PSOFT Road Map, the DepEd shall, within six
16 
(6) months after the effectivity of this Act, formulate and enforce an internet safety policy
17 
in order to regulate students' access to content especially against visual depictions that
18 
are obscene, pornographic, and harmful to minors. In this regard, the internet safety
19 
policy shall be implemented to accomplish the following objectives:
20 
(a) Development and implementation of Internet safety education, including safe
21 
access to educational technology, multimedia and interactive applications, and
22 
online resources;
12


1 
(b) Development of online risk interventions for learners and children;
2 
(c) Training and support to stakeholders on peer-driven Internet safety education
3 
initiatives;
4 
(d) Undertaking of researches on online risks to form the bases for Internet safety
5 
education syllabi and instructional material development;
6 
(e) Development and implementation of a public education campaign to promote
7 
awareness of online risks to learners and children; and
8 
(f) Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use.
9 
Section 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System
10 
(EBEIS). - The EBEIS shall be the central school database of the DepEd and it shall
11 
contain pertinent personal data and school records of students. It shall be continually
12 
improved to ensure the efficient management of school records.
13 
School administrators and personnel shall be trained on the operation and access
14 
of the EBEIS and be given access to student records and other related data in the EBEIS
15 
such as a student's school attendance record, records pertaining to the character of a
16 
student, the level of the student's digital literacy and proficiency, grade level, examination
17 
scores, school performance, immunization and health records, among others, for
18 
purposes of recording student biographical data, handling admissions and discharges,
19 
and transferring to other schools.
20 
Any person who is caught illegally altering, falsifying, or misusing student
21 
information in the EBEIS shall be sanctioned in accordance with R.A. 10173, otherwise
22 
known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012."
13


1 
Section 18. Digital Alternative Learning System. - The DepEd shall institute a
2 
digital format of the ALS in the PSOFT Road Map. To attain this objective, the DepEd shall
3 
provide professional training to teachers and non-teaching personnel involved in this
4 
program and formulate the necessary guidelines for its implementation.
5 
Section 19. Partnership Mechanism and Roles of Partners. - In the furtherance
6 
of the PSOFT Road Map, the DepEd may coordinate and enter into an agreement or
7 
contract with other government agencies, LGUs, private and non-profit agencies,
8 
institutions or organizations duly accredited or recognized by the government, civil
9 
society, business and industrial sector, and other concerned sectors.
10 
The PSOFT Road Map shall define and delineate the areas of responsibility of
11 
government agencies in conformity with their respective charters and mandates. For
12 
purposes of this Act, these agencies shall have the following roles:
13 
(a) The DepEd shall be the lead government agency responsible for the proper and
14 
effective implementation of the various provisions of this Act and ensure
15 
coordination and collaboration among agencies of the government.
16 
(b) The DICT shall provide advice on matters relating to ICT and closely coordinate
17 
and collaborate in the implementation of this Act. It shall undertake the
18 
installation, maintenance, and operation of hybrid intranet connectivity in all
19 
public basic education schools, provide an efficient and reliable broadband
20 
connection, assist in the implementation of training and development for
21 
teachers concerning ICT and ICT- assisted instructions, and coordinate and
22 
collaborate in the provision of digital connectivity in public schools.
14


1 
(c) The PhilSA shall advise and collaborate with the DepEd on matters concerning
2 
the use of space technology and relevant space-enabled services to implement
3 
the provisions of this Act.
4 
(d) The DOST, CHED, TESDA, DILG, NLP, NBDB, PSA, the LGUs, and other
5 
concerned government agencies mentioned in this Act shall provide support and
6 
assistance for the attainment of the purposes of the PSOFT.
7 
Section 20. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for PSOFT Program. - The DepEd
8 
may pursue PPPs from any of the modalities under R.A. 6957, as amended by R.A 7718,
9 
entitled, "An Act Authorizing the Financing, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of
10 
Infrastructure Projects by the Private Sector, and For the Other Purposes." To this end,
11 
the DepEd shall, in consultation with the PPP Center of the Philippines created under
12 
Executive Order No. 8, series of 2010, entitled, "Reorganizing and Renaming the Build-
13 
Operate and Transfer (BOT) Center to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the
14 
Philippines and Transferring its Attachment from the Department of Trade and Industry
15 
to the National Economic and Development Authority and For Other Purposes," establish
16 
a PPP Unit to coordinate all matters relating to PPP, in accordance with the PSOFT Road
17 
Map. It shall likewise coordinate with the Project Development and Monitoring Facility of
18 
the PPP Center in the conduct of feasibility studies and the preparation of tender
19 
documents for the PPP projects of the DepEd.
20 
Section 21. Authority to Receive Donations. - The DepEd is authorized to accept
21 
grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or in kind from local
22 
and foreign sources in support of the development and implementation of this Act, subject
15


1 
to the regular auditing guidelines and procedures: Provided, That in case of donations
2 
from foreign sources, acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing government rules
3 
and regulations. The proceeds of such grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or
4 
bequests shall be used to finance the following:
5 
(a) Establishment of pilot schools as provided in Section 11 of this Act;
6 
(b) Research, development, and utilization of emerging digital technologies;
7 
(c) Provisions of computer laptop units and improvement of ICT infrastructure,
8 
including hardware and Internet connectivity;
9 
(d) Training and capacity building; and
10 
(e) Conduct of other activities necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
11 
Section 22. Joint Congressional Oversight - Upon the effectivity of this Act, a
12 
joint congressional oversight committee to be known as the Joint Oversight Committee
13 
on the PSOFT Program or JOC-PSOFT, is hereby constituted. The JOC-PSOFT shall be
14 
composed of ten (10) members with the chairpersons of the Committee on Basic
15 
Education, Arts and Culture and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the
16 
Committee on Basic Education and Culture and the Committee on Appropriations of the
17 
Flouse of Representatives as members and three (3) additional members from each Flouse
18 
to be designated by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of
19 
Representatives, respectively. The members of the Committee from each House shall
20 
have at least one (1) member from the minority party or coalition.
16


1 
Section 23. Annual Report. - The DepEd shall submit a report to both Houses of
2 
Congress, or upon the request by the JOC-PSOFT, providing a detailed account of the
3 
status of the implementation of this Act.
4 
Section 24. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of Education, Information and
5 
Communications Technology, Science and Technology, and the Director General of PHilSA
6 
shall immediately include in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the
7 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The funding
8 
for the implementation of PSOFT Pilot Schools under Section 11 hereof shall be charged
9 
against the current year's appropriation of the DepEd.
10 
Section 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred-twenty
11 
(120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd and DICT shall, in coordination with
12 
other concerned agencies of the government and the private stakeholders, promulgate
13 
the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
14 
Section 26. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
15 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
16 
remain in full force and effect.
17 
Section 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
18 
proclamations, rules, regulations, issuances and enactments or parts thereof inconsistent
19 
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
20 
Section 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
21 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
17


Approved,
18