Y 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
Republic of the Philippiiies 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
Introduced by SENATOR LUISA "LOP P. EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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Education is the prime motive force for the development of a nation. This is 
recognized by the Constitution by malting education the foremost coiicern of the State. 
Providing access for acadeinic and technical development the responsibility of the 
government. 
The bill aims to recogiiize and provide the mechanism for the establishment and 
propagating the open and distance learniiig educational mode in the Philippines. This bill 
entrusts the University of the Philippines Open University to be the vanguard for the 
development of this learning system. 
The University shall assist and provide the 
necessary expertise for schools wishing to create learning programs. 
This learning mode will provide access to those who wish to enhance their 
academic and technical training without beiiig bound by the logistical difficulties present 
in our educational landscape. 
The passage of this bill is most earnestly urged. 
Senator 


TI-IIR'TEEN'I" CONGRESS OF THE 
First Regular Session 
Republic of the Philippines 
SENATE 
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Introduced by SENATOR LUISA "LOI" P. EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE OPEN LEARNING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION 
SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it eiTncted by the Serinte nncl House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
nsseiirhlecl: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - 
This Act shall be known as the "Open Learning and 
Distance Education System Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to 
expand and further democratize educational opportunities for our people in a more 
effective and economical nianner through utilization of innovative educational 
technologies. In view thereof, the State recognizes the open learning and distance 
education system as a necessary mode to achieve equitable access to quality tertiary 
education even as it guarantees the academic freedom of higher education institutions. 
SEC. 3. Definitio17 of Terms.- For the purposes of this Act the following terms 
sliall mean: 
(a) 
Open Learning System - an institutionalized system of delivery of 
educational services that allows for wider access to educational 
opportunities by overcoming barriers resulting from geographical 
isolation, and personal or work commitments. 
(b) 
Distance Education - a method of learning and teaching employing print, 
radio, television, computer-based communications, satellite broadcasting, 
teleconfereiiciiig or other educational technologies, that allows students to 
study on their own without having to regularly attend classes in 
conventional classrooms. 
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SEC.4. Iiistitutioiializatioii of tlie Open Learning and Distance Education System - 
The open learning and distance education system, hereinafter referred to as the System, is 
hereby institutionalized in the Philippines in accordance with tlie provisions of tills Act. 
SEC. 5 .  Coverage - The Act sliall apply to public and private higher education 
institutions with existing open and distance learning programs, and to other institutions 
that shall later be authorized as qualified impleinenters of the System. 
SEC. 6. Role of the Cornmission on Higher Education - 
The Commission on 
Higher Education, hereinafter referred to as the €HED, shall plan, set standards, 
coordinate, monitor and authorize the effective implementation of open learning and 
distance education in the country in accordance with tlie provisions of this Act. It shall: 
Formulate, promulgate and implement the necessary rules and regulations 
to maintain the same quality of education and uniform standards of 
performance for both distance and residential students of participating 
higher education institutions; 
Monitor, evaluate and effect the continuation or closure of programs in 
accordance with tlie provisions of the implementing rules aiid regulations; 
Review aiid approve proposals from educational institutions for new open 
learning and distance education programs; and 
Recommend to the Department of Budget and Management supplemental 
budget for open learning and distance education programs of participating 
higher education institutions; 
SEC.7. Criteria for Commission on Higher Education's Approval of New Open 
and Distance Education Programs - Higher education institutions applying for CHED's 
approval to establish open aiid distance learning programs shall be evaluated based on the 
following criteria, among others, to be defined by the CHED: 
(a) 
Qualified faculty with experience and/or training in open and distance 
education; 
(b) 
Relevant curricular progranis; 


(c) 
Appropriate instructional materials; 
(d) 
Appropriate student support services and delivery systems; 
(e) 
Linkages with other appropriate institutions as resource centers; and 
(d) 
Recognized research program on open and distance learning. 
SEC. 8. Role of the University of the Philippines Open University - The 
University o F the Philippines Open University, hereinafter referred to as the UPOU, shall 
be designated as the national open university. It shall set up the model programs, 
undertake relevant research and development projects, assist other interested higher 
education institutions in developing open learning and distance education programs, and 
provide technical assistance to the CHED in open and distance education matters. 
The UPOU shall support start up programs for duly recognized higher education 
iiisti tutioiis and shall provide necessary support for the educational institution's pursuit of 
an educational system catering to and specific to the needs of the institution. 
SEC.9. Role of Government Broadcast Stations and Telecommunications 
Network - Goveiiiment broadcast stations and telecominunications networks shall 
provide the necessary assistance and coordinatioii in support of the System. 
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SEC. 10. Appropriations - For the initial implementation of this Act, the amount 
of Fifty Million Pesos (P 50,000,000.00) from the President's organizational fund shall be 
divided equally between the CHED and UPOU. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the 
continuous implenientation of this program by the CHED and UPOU shall be included in 
the General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 11. Separability Clause- If any provision of this Act shall be held to be 
~rnconstitutio~iaI, 
the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other 
provisions hereof. 
SEC. 1 2. Repealing Clause- All laws, decrees, executive orders, presidential 
proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the 
provisions of tills Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 


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SEC. 13. Effectivity Clause- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
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