Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. __________
__________________________________________________________________________
Introduced by Representative Hon. Christopher “Toff” P. de Venecia
__________________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN
TECHNOLOGY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With the influx of Industry 4.0, it is projected that digitalization and big data will be
the norm in our daily activities. Even now, digital technology has become an indispensable
tool in almost all facets of human activity. It is predicted that 65 percent of current work
skills will become obsolete in two years due to technological innovations and this trend will
only intensify in the years ahead. These emerging technologies are ushering in the Fourth
Industrial Revolution which is expected to disrupt traditional business and employment
models, and thus, result in the obsolescence of certain professions and the displacement of
some sectors of the workforce whose jobs will soon be automated. Our future workers’
inability to adapt to the requirements of the digital economy will lead to higher
unemployment rates, slower economic growth, and worse, inequality. Access to digital
technology and the skills to leverage it will increasingly influence our children’s future
ability to earn a living.
There is, therefore, an urgent need for the Philippines to close the existing
technological and knowledge gaps in relation to digital technology. One of the most ideal
ways that would prepare us for Industry 4.0 is to bring these technological innovations in our
basic educational system by incorporating these essential ICT skills which could boost the
opportunities we have in terms of building our future workforce. Digital technology can also
increase motivation for learning by making it more fun and by providing our children with
access to high quality educational content, including textbooks and video materials.
This bill seeks to establish the Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT)
where a student can finish his/her studies with the use of school-based digital facilities. Each
student will be provided with a laptop, have access to the internet, and receive instruction in
August 9, 2022
12:50 pm
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a digital classroom complete with a digital board and such other digital tools and devices
which will allow them to be at par with their peers in other parts of the world. This School of
the Future operates seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day where students can access their
classrooms on demand, and in the comfort of their homes with the use of a computer or
mobile device.
Teachers will give instructions and guidance, or answer student queries and academic
issues via computer, digital device and/or teleconferencing whichever technology is most
convenient and would facilitate teaching and learning processes. Additionally, teachers will
also be trained and re-trained to equip them with the requisite aptitude and competencies that
will enable them to perform their parts under the PSOFT program. They have to acquire
computer skills and be familiarized with technology-aided teaching programs.
This bill seeks to establish a SOFT platform aimed at providing Filipino students with
the benefits of technological innovations which will prepare them for the challenges of future
economic and employment realities. This arrangement is also most beneficial to all
concerned because they need not go through the rigors of daily commute, not to mention the
cost of a boarding house, transportation fares and daily allowance.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is highly recommended.
HON. CHRISTOPHER “TOFF” P. DE VENECIA
Fourth District, Pangasinan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. __________
__________________________________________________________________________
Introduced by Representative Hon. Christopher “Toff” P. de Venecia
__________________________________________________________________________
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”
ARTICLE I
POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – Cognizant of the necessity of adopting innovative
technologies to attain development in more positive and transformative ways, the State shall:
(a) Uphold the constitutional mandate to accord the highest priority to quality education
by providing appropriate mechanisms and resources to ensure the enjoyment of
quality education and services by all Filipino students, regardless of social and
economic status;
(b) Harness technological innovations, approaches, and instruments in the teaching and
learning processes that would enhance the performance of students and teachers;
(c) Provide all learners with the opportunity to enhance individual capabilities and
knowledge through information and communications technology (ICT);
(d) Create a system that shall promote and regulate the use of digital technology in public
education;
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(e) Enhance the learning experience of students by providing them access to digitized
copies of necessary reference materials and digital and online content through the use
of ICT and other related technologies for the advancement of education in the
country;
(f)
Provide an accessible complementary mode of learning to allow students to continue
their education during national health emergencies;
(g) Encourage the wider participation of private groups, local government units (LGUs),
and community-based organizations in content generation and the utilization of the
broader spheres of science and technology; and
(h) Promote public and private partnership in improving access to quality education and
lifelong learning.
SEC. 3. Objectives. – This Act shall pursue the following objectives:
(a) Establish an Interagency Taskforce to craft and implement the road map for the
PSOFT;
(b) Institutionalize a program for the integration of digital technology and innovation in
public basic education through the PSOFT Road Map;
(c) Identify key components of the PSOFT Road Map; and
(d) Provide a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism to facilitate the attainment of
the objectives of the PSOFT Road Map.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITION OF TERMS
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act:
(a) Fourth Industrial Revolution – refers to the ongoing automation of traditional
manufacturing and industrial practices using modern smart technology by integrating
advances in large-scale machine-to-machine communication, artificial intelligence,
genetic engineering, the Internet of Things, and other technologies for increased
automation, improved communication and self-monitoring, and production of smart
machines that can analyze and diagnose issues without the need for human
intervention;
(b) High Touch, High Tech Framework – refers to a policy framework supported by the
United Nations Education Commission that espouses the need for educators to find a
balance
between
the
more
modern
electronically-delivered
and
digitally-supported method of teaching and the traditional face-to-face mode, the


latter being teaching methods that are founded on a teacher’s capability to identify,
develop, and improve an individual student’s academic weakness;
(c) Internet safety policy – refers to an age-appropriate, research-based policy that
regulates the safe, ethical, and responsible use of the Internet in public education,
promotes an informed and critical understanding of the Internet, and the education of
children and communities about how to prevent or respond to problems or dangers
related to the Internet and new media; and
(d) New media – refers to emerging digital, computerized, or network information and
communication technologies that often have interactive capacities, which includes
e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, web sites, blogs, interactive gaming, social
media, cellphones, and mobile devices.
ARTICLE III
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 5. Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT). – There is hereby instituted a
PSOFT in all public elementary and secondary schools. The PSOFT shall adopt the following
principles upon administering basic education in the public school system:
(a) Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning;
(b) Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology;
(c) Provide technical support to maintain ICT and other technology;
(d) Train and support teachers and students on ICT and other technology;
(e) Develop educators to use ICT effectively in the classroom; and
(f) Ensure that the balance between modern and traditional methods of teaching are
equally utilized to obtain optimum learning outcomes.
SEC. 6. Creation of the PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF). – Thereby created
the PSOFT-IATF. The
PSOFT-IATF
shall,
in
consultation
with
concerned
non-government entities, including private companies, non-profit organizations, and private
educational institutions, develop the PSOFT Road Map, a consolidation of development
plans, programs, and projects to be implemented by various departments and agencies of the
national government for the purpose of advancing digital technology and innovation in public
basic 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 Communication Technology (DICT);
(2) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
(3) Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);
(4) Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); and
(5) Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).


The PSOFT-IATF shall finalize the PSOFT Road Map within twelve (12) months
from the effectivity of this Act, in accordance with national development goals. The PSOFT
Road Map shall be incorporated in the Philippine Development Plan.
Subject to the approval of the DBM, the DepEd, DICT, and PhilSA may create positions as
they deem necessary for the effective implementation of this Act, in accordance with civil
service laws, rules and regulations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall formulate a program extending
assistance to marginalized and disadvantaged students to ensure that they may fully
participate in the PSOFT Road Map.
SEC. 7. PSOFT Road Map. – The PSOFT Road Map shall serve as the basis for programs
and projects aimed at improving the quality of education through the use of digital
technology. The PSOFT Road Map shall be subject to review and amendment, if necessary,
every three (3) years.
SEC. 8. Components of the Roadmap. – The PSOFT Road Map shall include the following:
(a) Physical and Technological Infrastructure
(1) Universal Access to Internet for Public Schools
(2) Annual Investment Program for ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment
(b) Enhanced Digital Education Program
(1) National Human Resource Development
(2) Training and Development of DepEd personnel
(c) Digital Reforms in Public School Administration
(1) Internet Safety Policy
(2) Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS)
(3) Digital Alternative Learning System (ALS)
(d) Development of Online Learning Portals
(1) DepEd E-Learning Resources
(2) Public Online Library
ARTICLE IV
PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
SEC. 9. Universal Access to the Internet in Public Schools. – All public basic education
schools shall be provided access to the Internet for the purpose of reducing the disparity in
computing and information technology knowledge among public school learners and raising
the standards of Philippine education.
In addition to traditional means of accessing the Internet, such as commercially
available connections or existing land-based initiatives of government programs to expand


access to the Internet, the PSOFT Road Map shall exhaust all options in ensuring internet
connectivity for all public schools.
In order to provide the remote areas with digital connectivity, the PSOFT Road Map
shall provide cost-effective options of establishing a telecommunication satellite or installing
fiber optic technology infrastructure as part of the National Government Program under the
DICT, DOST, and PhilSA.
The necessary funding for the conduct of studies to determine the feasibility of
implementing a Telecommunication Satellite Program, through building, purchase, or lease of
a satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map.
SEC. 10. ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment. – The DepEd shall provide the following
equipment and services in all public elementary and secondary schools: personal computers
(PCs), laptops, tablets, learning devices, digital classroom equipment, and internet and hybrid
intranet connectivity.
The PSOFT Road Map shall include a plan for the procurement of PCs, laptops or
tablets for the educational needs of all elementary and secondary public schools. All learners
will be provided with the necessary learning devices as stipulated in the PSOFT Road Map.
Should budgetary constraints prevent the attainment of such a target, the national government
shall endeavor to meet a ratio of one (1) device for every two (2) learners from Grades 4-6 to
ensure that learners can make use of productivity tools in the conduct of regular classes. The
national government shall also maintain one (1) device for every fifteen (15) learners from
Grades 7-12 to ensure that learners can avail of weekly classes on ICT topics that require
higher computing power.
The PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of functional digital
classrooms in all public schools. Digital classrooms shall be equipped with digital boards,
computers, wireless router, multimedia projector, printer, and other necessary tools and
devices.
The PSOFT Road Map shall likewise provide for stable and reliable internet and
hybrid intranet connectivity. Educators in public schools shall make use of ICT and hybrid
intranet connectivity as presentation tools to complement traditional teaching methods. The
DepEd, with the technical assistance of DICT, shall develop an administrative system in all
public schools utilizing hybrid intranet connectivity in order to enhance organizational
management and administration, and streamline front office procedures.
SEC. 11. PSOFT Pilot Schools. – The national government shall establish PSOFT pilot
schools in the academic year following the effectivity of this Act. The pilot schools shall be
located in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and shall fully comply with the
requirements of Article IV in this Act, as follows:
(a) The pilot school shall have full, unrestricted access to the internet and for this purpose
shall be equipped with wireless technology or such other modes of connectivity that
may be developed: Provided, That school administrators shall closely supervise the
access of learners to content in order to protect them from inappropriate, violent, or
immoral material;


(b) Teachers shall be adequately trained in all technologies that the pilot schools shall
adopt for the use of learners;
(c) All pilot schools shall employ trained information technology specialists to assist
faculty and learners; and
(d) All pilot schools shall provide each teacher and learner with the appropriate ICT
devices, tools, and equipment to ensure optimum satisfaction in both the teaching and
learning experiences.
The DepEd shall, in coordination with NEDA, conduct an impact study of the pilot
schools to determine its potential in improving the quality of education. Additional pilot
schools may be established in the following years, subject to the availability of funds and
through cooperative arrangements with LGUs and the public sector.
ARTICLE V
ENHANCED DIGITAL EDUCATION
SEC. 12. National Human Resource Development. – Students in public elementary and
secondary schools must be prepared for the disruptive technologies that come with the Fourth
Industrial Revolution and have a significant impact on skills requirements and on creating a
range of opportunities for them in the future.
To better equip students to overcome the challenges enabled by ever-increasing
technological change and to improve student engagement and achievement, they shall be
provided with introductory courses on foundational technology that will enhance their future
competencies. The DepEd shall determine the content and mode of delivery of such
foundational technology courses and shall introduce them in the curriculum in the school year
following the effectivity of this Act.
To allow students to acquire the appropriate aptitudes and competencies on these
courses, the PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of innovation hubs in
every school to enable students to hone their skills and techniques using a wide variety of
physical and digital tools and equipment. The innovation hubs shall allow teachers and
learners to carry out technology-based projects that address local problems in the community.
In addition to the standard ICT curriculum taught for basic education in the public schools,
the DepEd shall endeavor to include the following subject matters in its curriculum:
(a) Respecting and protecting personal information on the Internet;
(b) Understanding computer security systems;
(c) Online gender sensitivity;
(d) Proper use of social media and social networking;
(e) Responsible and ethical use of the Internet, photographic equipment, smart phones,
and other equipment of similar nature; and
(f) Insights of Republic Act No. 10175, or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act” and other
related legislation.


The DepEd shall, in coordination with the DICT, enjoin the use of the latter’s ICT
Literacy Competency and Development Bureau and its relevant specialized ICT subjects to
be utilized as elective courses in Grades 11-12.
SEC. 13. Training and Development of DepEd Personnel. – The PSOFT Road Map shall
determine the training and development needs of school administrators, teachers, and
personnel with respect to ICT. To ensure that teachers are technologically knowledgeable and
well-equipped with the right aptitudes and competencies, the DepEd shall establish an
Education Technology Division that shall implement teaching programs and utilize
technology-based instruction aids for the effective and efficient performance of teachers
under the PSOFT Road Map. The DICT shall extend its support in the implementation of
training for teachers on ICT, through its ICT Literacy Competency and Development Bureau.
The National Educators Academy of the Philippines shall carry out training programs
for educators in public schools and integrate ICT in classroom learning and instruction to
highlight the professional and educational benefits that may be derived from personally
investing in ICT.
ARTICLE VI
DEVELOPMENT OF ONLINE LEARNING PORTALS
SEC. 14. DepEd E-Learning Resources. – The DepEd shall develop an online portal that
provides access or links to Internet learning resources. The online portal shall include the
following: e-books and videos, learning materials and teachers guides, materials for senior
high school subjects ranging from math, disaster readiness, and science, materials on science,
agriculture, livelihood and information technology, interactive exercises on math, science,
history, and economics. The DepEd shall develop its own library to ensure the quality and
safety of knowledge and information made available to learners.
SEC. 15. Public Online Library. – The PSOFT Road Map shall include the establishment of
the Public Online Library. The DepEd, DICT, DOST, the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall, in
partnership with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book
Development Board (NBDB), and other concerned government agencies, develop and
maintain the Public Online Library, a repository of educational materials and digitized copies
of books and publications suitable for Filipino students and researchers that shall enrich the
learning experience by complementing the textbooks and reference materials prescribed for
the elementary and secondary levels. The Public Online Library shall be directly connected to
the website of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The DepEd and the NLP shall have
joint custody over the digitized copies of textbooks and references in the Public Online
Library which shall be jointly managed by the DepEd and the DICT. In this regard, the DICT
shall ensure the security of the online repository system to guarantee its integrity.


The DepEd may solicit additional reference materials and publications from the NLP,
other agencies of the government, and the private sector to augment its resources. The authors
of the digitized books and publications shall be strictly covered by the protection provided for
in R.A. 8293, as amended, otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the
Philippines.” The DepEd and all concerned agencies shall ensure that the authors of the
digitized books and publications shall be properly remunerated in accordance with law.
ARTICLE VII
DIGITAL REFORM IN PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 16. Internet Safety Policy. – To advance the objective of providing a safe and secured
education program under the PSOFT Road Map, the DepEd shall, within six (6) months after
the effectivity of this Act, formulate and enforce an internet safety policy in order to regulate
students access to content especially against visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic,
and harmful to minors. In this regard, the internet safety policy shall be implemented to
accomplish the following objectives:
(a) Development and implementation of Internet safety education, including safe access
to educational technology, multimedia and interactive applications, and online
resources;
(b) Development of online risk interventions for learners and children;
(c) Training and support to stakeholders on peer-driven Internet safety education
initiatives;
(d) Undertaking of researches on online risks to form the bases for Internet safety
education syllabi and instructional material development;
(e)
Development and implementation of a public education campaign to promote
awareness of online risks to learners and children; and
(f) Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use.
SEC. 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System. – The EBEIS
shall be the central school database of the DepEd which shall contain pertinent personal data
and school records of students. It shall be continually improved to ensure the efficient
management of school records. School administrators and personnel shall be trained on the
operation and access of the EBEIS and be given access to student records and other related
data in the EBEIS such as a student’s school attendance record, records pertaining to the
character of a student, the level of the student’s digital literacy and proficiency, grade
level, examination scores, school performance, immunization and health records, among
others, for purposes of recording student biographical data, handling admissions and
discharges, and transferring to other schools. Any person who is caught illegally altering,
falsifying, or misusing student information in the EBEIS shall be sanctioned in accordance
with R.A. 10173, otherwise known as the “Data Privacy Act of 2012”.
SEC. 18. Digital Alternative Learning System. – The DepEd shall institute a digital format of
the ALS in the PSOFT Road Map. To attain this objective, the DepEd shall provide
professional training to teachers and non-teaching personnel involved in this program and


formulate the necessary guidelines for its implementation.
ARTICLE VIII
PARTNERSHIP MECHANISM AND ROLES OF PARTNERS
SEC. 19. Partnership Mechanism and Roles of Partners. – In the furtherance of the PSOFT
Road Map, the DepEd may coordinate and enter into an agreement or contract with other
government agencies, LGUs, private and non-profit agencies, institutions or organizations
duly accredited or recognized by the government, civil society, business and industrial sector,
and other concerned sectors.
The PSOFT Road Map shall define and delineate the areas of responsibility of
government agencies in conformity with their respective charters and mandates. For purposes
of this Act, these agencies shall have the following roles:
(a) The DepEd shall be the lead government agency responsible for the proper and
effective implementation of the various provisions of this Act and ensure coordination
and collaboration among agencies of the government.
(b) The DICT shall provide advice on matters relating to ICT and closely coordinate and
collaborate in the implementation of this Act. It shall undertake the installation,
maintenance, and operation of hybrid intranet connectivity in all public basic
education schools, provide an efficient and
reliable broadband connection, assist in
the implementation of training and development for teachers concerning ICT and
ICT-assisted instructions, and coordinate and collaborate in the provision of
digital connectivity in public schools.
(c) The PhilSA shall advise and collaborate with DepEd on matters concerning the use of
space technology and relevant space-enabled services to implement the provisions of
this Act.
(d)
The DOST, CHED, TESDA, DILG, NLP, NBDB, PSA, the LGUs, and other
concerned government agencies mentioned in this Act shall provide support and
assistance for the attainment of the purposes of the PSOFT.
SEC. 20. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for PSOFT. – The DepEd may pursue PPPs from
any of the modalities under R.A. 6957, as amended by R.A. 7718, entitled, “An Act
Authorizing the Financing, Construction, and Operation and Maintenance of Infrastructure
Projects by the Private Sector, and For the Other Purposes”. To this end, the DepEd shall, in
consultation with the PPP Center of the Philippines created under Executive Order No. 8,
series of 2010, entitled, “Reorganizing and Renaming the Build-Operate and Transfer Center
to the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines and Transferring its Attachment
from the Department of Trade and Industry to the National Economic and Development
Authority and For Other Purposes”, establish a PPP Unit to coordinate all matters relating to
PPP, in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map. It shall likewise coordinate with the Project
Development and Monitoring Facility of the PPP Center in the conduct of feasibility studies
and the preparation of tender documents for the PPP projects of the DepEd.
ARTICLE IX


AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE DONATIONS
SEC. 21. Authority to Receive Donations. – The DepEd is authorized to accept grants,
contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or kind from local and foreign
sources in support of the development and implementation of this Act, subject to the regular
auditing guidelines and procedures: Provided, That in case of donations from foreign sources,
acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing government rules and regulations. The
proceeds of such grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests shall be used to
finance the following:
(a) Establishment of pilot schools as provided in Section 11 of this Act;
(b) Research, development, and utilization of emerging digital technologies;
(c) Provisions of computer laptop units and improvement of ICT infrastructure, including
hardware and Internet connectivity;
(d) Training and capacity building; and
(e) Conduct of other activities necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
ARTICLE X
THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND REPORTORIAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
SEC. 22. Joint Congressional Oversight. – Upon the effectivity of this Act, a Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee is hereby constituted. The Oversight Committee shall be
composed of ten (10) members with the chairpersons of the Committee on Basic Education,
Arts and Culture and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Basic
Education and Culture and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives
as members and three (3) additional members from each House to be designated by the
Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The members
of the Committee from each House shall have at least one (1) member from the minority
party or coalition.
SEC. 23. Annual Report. – The DepEd shall submit to both Houses of Congress, or upon the
request by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, a report giving a detailed account of
the status of the implementation of this Act.
ARTICLE XI
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC.
24.
Appropriations.
–
The
Secretaries
of
Education
and
Information
and
Communications Technology and the Director General of PHilSA shall immediately include
in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The funding for the implementation of
PSOFT Pilot Schools under Section 11 hereof shall be charged against the current year’s
appropriation of the DepEd.


SEC. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within one hundred-twenty (120) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd and DICT shall, in coordination with other
concerned agencies of the government and the private stakeholders, promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 26. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the
remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and
effect.
SEC.
27.
Repealing
Clause.
–
All
laws,
executive
orders,
presidential
decrees,
proclamations, rules, regulations, issuances and enactments or parts thereof 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,