Key
RECEIVED

are 30 JUL 2005

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2634

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO “ARMAN” R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE FREE DIGITAL PROVISION OF TEXTBOOKS USED IN
BASIC EDUCATION, ENCOURAGING OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Access to quality education is a right guaranteed by our Constitution, and at its
core is the simple truth that every child should have the tools they need to learn. Yet
for far too many Filipino learners, especially in public schools, textbooks remain out of
reach, whether because they are too expensive, outdated, or simply unavailable.

In today’s world, where digital access is increasingly woven into how we learn
and communicate, we must act with urgency and compassion to close this gap. This
bill seeks to do just that by requiring that all textbooks approved for use in basic
education by the Department of Education (DepEd) be made available in digital
format, free of charge.

Under this measure, authors and publishers will be required to submit digital
copies of approved textbooks to DepEd, which will then make them accessible to
learners and teachers through official platforms or other secure, authorized channels.
This policy reflects our belief that education must be inclusive, equitable, and
responsive to the realities of the 21st century.

The bill also supports the development and use of Open Educational

Resources (OER), which are teaching and learning materials that are either in the
public domain or freely available under open licenses. These resources enable no-cost

1



access, adaptation, and sharing, empowering both educators and learners to be more
creative, flexible, and responsive in the learning process.

By mandating free access to digital textbooks and encouraging the growth of
OER, this measure hopes to: a) ease the financial burden on students and families;
b) expand access to current and relevant learning materials; c) support
flexible and alternative learning modes, particularly in times of disruption; and
d) bridge and not widen the digital divide in education.

We also recognize the parallel initiative in the Senate, led by Senator Paolo
Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, who has consistently championed policies that promote
equity and innovation in education. This shared commitment across both Houses
affirms the importance and urgency of this reform.

At the heart of this proposal is a simple but powerful goal: to make sure that
no child falls behind just because they didn’t have the right book in their hands. In an
age where digital tools can level the playing field, we must ensure that our policies
are not only forward-looking but also deeply grounded in compassion and fairness.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2634

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO “ARMAN” R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT REQUIRING THE FREE DIGITAL PROVISION OF TEXTBOOKS USED
IN BASIC EDUCATION, ENCOURAGING OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOUR‘
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 “E-Texbook Para Sa Lahat
Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote accessible,
inclusive, and equitable education for all. Recognizing the transformative potential of
digital learning tools, the State shall ensure that essential educational resources,
including textbooks, are accessible in both print and digital formats at no cost to
learners. The State shall also encourage the creation, adaptation, and use of open
educational resources (OER) to foster collaboration, innovation, and equity in
education.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all textbooks and instructional materials
used in basic education, whether for public or private schools, and approved or


23
24
25
26
27

28
29
30

31
32
33
34

35
36

37
38
39
40

41
42
43

recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd) pursuant to existing laws,
policies, and regulations.

Sec. 4. Mandatory Free Digital Format and Condition for DepEd Approval. -
All authors, publishers, or copyright holders of textbooks and instructional materials
intended for use in basic education and submitted for DepEd approval or procurement
shall:

a) Provide an electronic or digital version of the material in a format accessible on
standard digital devices (PDF or EPUB);

b) Make such digital versions available to the DepEd free of charge; and

c) Authorize the DepEd to distribute or make accessible such digital copies, at no
cost, to learners, teachers, and schools via DepEd-authorized platforms.

Provided, That compliance with the foregoing shall be a prerequisite for the approval,
endorsement, procurement, or inclusion of such materials in the official list of
textbooks and learning resources of the DepEd.

Sec. 5. Promotion of Open Educational Resources. - To further enhance access
to quality education, the DepEd shall encourage the development, use, and adaptation
of Open Educational Resources (OER), freely accessible, openly licensed educational
materials that can be used, shared, adapted, and redistributed.

DepEd shall include in its policies incentives and support mechanisms for schools,
educators, and authors that develop OER for use in the K to 12 curriculum.

Sec. 6. Non-Compliance. - Failure to comply with the requirements under this Act
shall disqualify the textbook or learning material from consideration for DepEd
approval, endorsement, or procurement. Additional sanctions may be imposed in
accordance with the implementing rules and regulations.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.
Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to:


44
45
46
47
48
49

50
SI
52

33
34

55
56

a) Technical standards for digital formats;

b) Guidelines for access and distribution;

C) Provisions to ensure the digital version is identical in content to the approved
print version;

d) Measures to ensure accessibility for learners with disabilities;

e) Data privacy and copyright safeguards.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All jaws, executive and administrative orders, rules, and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,