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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
CI'I"!C'E OF ,HE SHRETAIW 
) \. 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
839 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The first three (3) years of a child is so-called the formative years because 
this stage is critical to his brain development. Hence, utmost importance should 
be given in training and molding the child during these years. 
This proposed measure seeks to establish early learning programs for 
indigent pre-kindergarten childreh in order to provide them with high-quality, 
child-centered and developmentally appropriate educational programs. 
With the support of the government, our indigent children will be given the 
opportunity to hone their knowledge and skills which will allow them to be 
competent and successful in their future endeavors. Indeed, this is an important 
investment of our nation becaus~ ultimately, these children will be the leaders of 
ou r cou ntry. 
Immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
839 
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) 
Ol'li'itE Of Tilt SECRETA.ltV 
) 
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IIIIIiCIMD 8V : 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR INDIGENT PRE-
KINDERGARTEN CHILDREI\i 
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 "Early 
Learning Program Act'. 
SEC. 2. Purposes. - The purposes of this Act are: 
(1) to make widely available to pre-kindergarten children a high quality, 
child-centered, 
and, developmentally-appropriate 
early 
learning 
program; 
(2) to make widely available to parents of pre-kindergarten children who 
desire the services, a program in which they can enroll their pre-
kindergarten children; and 
(3) to provide resources to ensure that all children enter elementary 
school ready to learn how to read and write. 
SEC. 3. Definitions.-
(1) Early Learning Programs - refers to programs that provide services 
that are for children who have not attended kindergarten or elementary 
school. 
Such programs are designed to provide indigent pre-
kindergarten 
children 
with 
a 
high-quality, 
child-centered, 
and 
developmentally-appn?priate learning program and with resources to 
ensure that all children enter elementary school ready to learn how to 
read and write; 
(2) Parent -
refers to a biological parent, an adoptive parent, a 
stepparent, or a foster parent of a child, including a legal guardian or 
other person standing in loco parentis; 
(3) Secretary - refers to the Secretary of the Department of Education 
(DepEd). 


• 
• 
SEC. 4. Early Learning Program. - The Secretary shall establish and 
maintain an early learning program that provides learning services in every city or 
municipality. The program shall: 
(a) be developed pursuant to guidance provided by the educational 
authorities, and experts in early childhood development; and 
(b) be designed to improv~ child development through: 
(i) 
improved access to and increased coordination with health 
care services; 
(ii) 
increased access to enhanced early learning environments; 
(iii) 
increased parental involvement. 
The prograrn shall be designed to service pre-kindergarten children, 
including those with special needs, who shall receive enhanced educational and 
comprehensive services and supports, through parent involvement and 
education. 
SEC. 5. Assessment. - The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the 
effectiveness of the early childhood programs established and conduct needs 
and resources assessment, and use such an assessment to: 
(i) 
determine where early learning programs are lacking or are 
inadequate within a given city or municipality, with particular 
attention to poor urban and rural areas, and what special services 
are needed; and, 
(ii) 
specify which programs might be expanded or upgraded with the 
use of funds received under this Act. 
SEC. 6. Appropriation. - The amount necessary to effectively carry out 
the provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the 
National Treasury. 
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, 
modified, or amended accordingly. 
SEC. 8. Repealing CIa Lise. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, 
modified or amended accordingly 
SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,