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

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 4368

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the State to “protect and
promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and take appropriate steps to
make such education accessible to all.” Section 2 further directs the State to establish and
maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels, and to
adopt measures that make education relevant to the needs of the people and the demands of
national development.

In the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, education must be reimagined to prepare
Filipino learners for a rapidly changing economy and society. Digital technologies are no
longer supplemental but central to learning, teaching, and school administration. The COVID-
19 pandemic revealed both the promise of digital tools in ensuring continuity of education and
the stark disparities in access to them. Without systematic reforms, Filipino students and
teachers risk being left behind.

This bill secks to establish the Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT)
Program. The measure institutionalizes the use of information and communications technology
(ICT) and emerging digital tools in all public elementary and secondary schools, while ensuring
that innovations remain complemented by face-to-face instruction under a “High Touch, High
Tech Framework.” It also creates the PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force to develop a PSOFT
Road Map, a comprehensive plan for infrastructure, digital education programs, online leaning
portals, school administration reforms, and public-private partnerships.

The PSOFT Program envisions every public school connected to the internet, equipped
with the necessary devices, staffed with teachers trained in ICT-enabled instruction, and
supported by online platforms such as a Public Online Library. Pilot schools shall be


established across the country to serve as models, while a system of oversight and annual
reporting will ensure accountability. The measure further authorizes the Department of
Education to receive donations and to engage in public-private partnerships, so that both
government and non-government resources are mobilized.

In doing so, this bill responds to the urgent need to integrate digital education into the
Philippine basic education system, ensuring that all Filipino learners have the skills, tools, and
opportunities to thrive in a technology-driven world.

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

SALCEDA


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

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. £368

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

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.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. The State recognizes the need to adopt innovative
technologies for development. It shall uphold the constitutional mandate of prioritizing quality
‘education by providing mechanisms and resources. It shall harness technological innovations
to enhance student and teacher performance, and provide all learners with access to information
and communications technology (ICT). The State shall create a system to promote and regulate
digital technology in public education, enhance the learning experience by providing access to
digitized materials, and offer a complementary learning mode for national health emergencies.
The State shall encourage participation from private groups, local government units, and
community-based organizations in content generation, and shall promote public and private
partnerships to improve access to quality education.

SEC. 3. Objectives. This Act aims to:

(a) Establish an Inter-Agency Task Force to create and implement the roadmap for the
PSOFT;

(b) Institutionalize a program for integrating digital technology in public basic
education through the PSOFT Road Map;

(c) Identify the key components of the roadmap; and

(@) Provide a public-private partnership mechanism to facilitate the attainment of the
roadmap’s objectives.


SEC. 4, Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined
as follows:

(a) Fourth Industrial Revolution refers to the ongoing automation of traditional
industrial practices using modern smart technology, integrating artificial intelligence
and the Internet of Things, among other technologies;

(b) High Touch, High Tech Framework refers to a policy framework that balances
electronically-delivered teaching methods with traditional face-to-face teaching,
focusing on a teacher’s ability to identify and improve a student’s academic
weaknesses;

(©) Intemet safety policy refers to an age-appropriate, research-based policy that
regulates the safe, ethical, and responsible use of the internet in public education; and

(d) New media refers to emerging digital, computerized, or network information and
communication technologies, such as email, instant messaging, websites, blogs, social
media, and mobile devices.

SEC. 5. Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT) Program, There is hereby
established a PSOFT Program in all public elementary and secondary schools. The program
shall adopt principles such as upgrading outdated technology, maximizing the use of ICT,
providing technical support, training teachers and students on ICT, developing educators to use
ICT effectively, and ensuring a balance between modern and traditional teaching methods.

SEC. 6. Creation of the PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATE). There is
hereby created a PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force to develop the PSOFT Road Map, a
consolidation of development plans for advancing digital technology and innovation in public
education. The Task Force shall be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Education
(DepEd), with members including the Secretaries of the Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA), and the Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). The
Road Map shall be finalized within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act and
incorporated into the Philippine Development Plan. The Department of Social Welfare and
Development shall formulate a program to assist marginalized students.

SEC. 7. PSOFT Road Map. The Road Map shall serve as the basis for programs and
projects that use digital technology to improve the quality of education. It shall be reviewed
and amended every three (3) years.

SEC. 8. Components of the Road Map. The Road Map shalll include the following:

(a) Physical and Technological Infrastructure, including universal access to internet for
public schools and an annual investment program for ICT devices;

(b) Enhanced Digital Education Program, including national human resource
development and training and development of DepEd personnel;


(©) Digital Reforms in Public School Administration, including an intemet safety
policy, strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS), and
a digital Alternative Learning System; and

(d) Development of Online Learning Portals, including DepEd e-leaming resources and
a Public Online Library.

SEC. 9. Universal Access to the Internet in Public Schools. All public schools shall be
provided with internet access to reduce the disparity in computing knowledge and raise
educational standards. The Road Map shall explore all options, including telecommunication
satellites or fiber optic technology, to ensure connectivity, especially in remote areas.

SEC. 10. ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment. The DepEd shall provide equipment such
as personal computers, laptops, tablets, and digital classroom equipment to all public
clementary and secondary schools. The Road Map shall include a plan for procuring these
devices. Where budgetary constraints exist, the national government shall aim for a ratio of
one device for every two leamers in Grades 4 to 6 and one for every fifteen leamners in Grades
7 to 12. Digital classrooms shall be equipped with digital boards, computers, and reliable
internet or hybrid intranet connectivity. The DepEd, with the assistance of the DICT, shall
develop an administrative system for schools using hybrid intranet connectivity.

SEC. 11. PSOFT Pilot Schools. PSOFT pilot schools shall be established in Metro
Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in the academic year following the effectivity of this
Act. These schools must have full internet access, teachers trained in technology, trained
information technology specialists, and provide appropriate ICT devices to every teacher and
learner. The DepEgd, in coordination with NEDA, shall conduct an impact study on these pilot
schools.

SEC. 12. National Human Resource Development. Public school students shall be
prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution by providing them with introductory courses on
foundational technology. The DepEd shall determine the content and delivery of these courses.
The Road Map shall provide for the establishment of innovation hubs in every school to allow
students to hone their skills and carry out technology-based projects. The DepEd shall also
endeavor to include subject matters such as respect for personal information, understanding
computer security, online gender sensitivity, proper use of social media, and insights into the
Cybercrime Prevention Act in its curriculum.

SEC. 13. Training and Development of DepEd Personnel. The Road Map shall
determine the training and development needs of school administrators, teachers, and personnel
with respect to ICT. The DepEd shall establish an Education Technology Division to implement
teaching programs that use technology-based instruction aids. The DICT shall support training
for teachers, and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines shall implement programs
to integrate ICT into classroom leaning.

SEC. 14. DepEd E-Learning Resources. The DepEd shall develop an online portal with
access to learning resources, including e-books, videos, learning materials, and interactive
exercises. The DepEd shall maintain its own library to ensure the quality and safety of the
information provided.


SEC. 15. Public Online Library. The Road Map shall include the establishment of a
Public Online Library. The DepEd, DICT, DOST, Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in partnership with the
National Library of the Philippines (NLP) and other agencies, shall develop and maintain this
library. The Public Online Library shall be directly connected to the website of the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA). The DepEd and NLP shalll have joint custody over digitized copies
of textbooks, while the DepEd and DICT shall jointly manage the library, with DICT ensuring
security. Authors of digitized books shall be protected and properly remunerated in accordance
with the Intellectual Property Code.

SEC. 16. Internet Safety Policy, The DepEd shall formulate and enforce an internet
safety policy within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act. This policy shall include
internet safety education, online risk interventions, training for stakeholders, public education
campaigns, parental education, and protection against online sexual abuse and exploitation of
children,

SEC. 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS).
The EBEIS shall serve as the central school database for the DepEd. School administrators
shall be trained on and given access to student records for purposes including admissions,
discharges, and transfers. Any person who illegally alters, falsifies, or misuses student
information shall be sanctioned in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

SEC. 18. Digital Alternative Learning System, The DepEd shall institute a digital
format for the Alternative Learning System and provide professional training to personnel
involved in the program.

SEC. 19. Partnership Mechanism and Roles of Partners. The DepEd may coordinate
and enter into agreements with other government agencies, local government units, private
sector, and non-profit organizations. The Road Map shall define the areas of responsibility of
each partner agency. The DepEd shalll be the lead agency for implementation. The DICT shall
provide advice on ICT matters, assist in hybrid intranet connectivity, and support teacher
training. The PhilSA shall advise on the use of space technology. The DOST, CHED, TESDA,
and LGUs shall provide support and assistance.

SEC. 20. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for the PSOFT Program. The DepEd may
pursue public-private partnerships under Republic Act No. 6957, as amended. The DepEd shall
establish a PPP Unit to coordinate all PPP matters and work with the PPP Center of the
Philippines.

SEC. 21. Authority to Receive Donations. The DepEd is authorized to accept grants,
contributions, donations, or bequests from local and foreign sources to support the
implementation of this Act, subject to auditing guidelines. The proceeds may be used to finance
the establishment of pilot schools, research and development of emerging digital technologies,
provision of laptops and ICT infrastructure, and training and capacity building.

SEC. 22. Joint Congressional Oversight. A Joint Congressional Oversight Committee
on the PSOFT Program (JOC-PSOFT) is hereby created. It shall be composed of ten (10)
members, five (5) from the Senate and five (5) from the House of Representatives, including
the chairpersons of the Committees on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, Finance, and


Appropriations. At least one (1) member from the minority party or coalition shall be included
from each House.

SEC. 23. Annual Report. The DepEd shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing
the status of implementation of this Act.

SEC. 24. Appropriations. The Secretaries of Education and Information and
Communications Technology and the Director General of the PhilSA shall include in their
respective programs the funding necessary for the implementation of this Act, to be included
in the annual General Appropriations Act. The funding for PSOFT Pilot Schools shall be
charged against the current year’s appropriation of the DepEd.

SEC. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DepEd and DICT, in coordination
with other government agencies and private stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary
implementing rules and regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity
of this Act.

SEC. 26. Separability Clause, If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 27. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 28. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,