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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No! 159

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Never again would a child carry the burden of going to school by crossing the rapid
waters or taking a long walk in a rough road, before the child gets to school — never.

This bill requires the convergence between the Department of Public Works and
Highways and the Department of Education in comprehensive planning and constructing
infrastructures that will benefit public students in

1. Geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA)
2. Last Mile Schools
3. With no Access Roads to All Learners (ARAL)

It is the duty of the State to “protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education
at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” The
duty of the States also includes to take concrete steps towards achieving zero literacy by
ensuring that the needs of the students are addressed, taking into consideration in having
adequate facilities and educational supplies and materials , accessible roads to schools and
availability of teaching personnel.

Though many do not realize the connection between roads and education, economists
have stressed for years that underinvestment in roads and education is holding the country back

According to NEDA Report that only 14% of local roads are paved, compared to 69% of
national roads. Local roads are generally of poor quality and condition and so the school
buildings, and worst the absence of buildings and personnel for those located in GIDA and in
far-flung areas.

The schools in far flung areas (or known as Last Mile Schools) are located in the farthest
areas or hours away from the town centers and have less than four classrooms or any of the
following:

Schools farthest/remotest from town centers
. Schools with less than 4 classrooms
. Schools with no electricity

Schools with more than 50% indigenous people learners

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5. Schools with less than 100 learners
6. Schools with makeshift/non-standard rooms
7. Schools with no repairs/new projects for the last 4 years

Currently, there are 8000 last mile schools in different parts of the country that needs
to be empowered and strengthened. In addition, there is a need to upgrade school facilities that
will provide teacher more opportunities to improve teaching methods and provide students new
means of learning. Hence, the need to formulate such policy.

Investment in infrastructures which ensures equitable access to education, most
especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged, and vulnerable is the key intent
of this proposed legislation. It shall strengthen multi-sectoral linkages through the convergence
between the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Education and
improve access and provision of quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete education.

This bill will be the roadmap of the education system in the next three (3) years to
come that will bridge the gap, and navigate the way towards the development of families in
geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. It is intended to break the barriers,
and clear the road blocks that hinder students from learning.

In view of the foregoing the passage of this bill is highly recommended.

DA


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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session
9159

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

THE ACT

ESTABLISHING PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ACCESS ROADS LEADING TO LAST MILE
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED AND DISADVANTAGED
AREAS (GIDA)

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Infra-education Accessibility
Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect
and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

It is also the policy of the State to promote and advance the right of every Filipino to
education, The state recognizes the people’s need for a quality, affordable and adequate
educational system as a tool in nation building.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a. Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) refers to communities with
marginalized population physically and socio-economically separated from the
mainstream society and characterized by physical factors and socio-economic factors:

i, Physical Factors - isolated due to distance, weather conditions, armed
conflicts and transportation difficulties (island, upland, lowland,
landlocked, hard to reach and unserved/underserved communities).

ii Socio-economic Factors (high poverty incidence, presence of
vulnerable sector, communities in or recovering from situation of
crisis or armed conflict).

b. Access Roads to All Learners (ARAL) refers to all roads leading to the schools.


¢. Last Mile Schools refers to schools in far flung areas, located in the farthest areas or
hours away from the town centers and have less than four classrooms or any of the
following

. Schools farthesremotest from town centers

Schools with less than 4 classrooms

. Schools with no electricity

Schools with more than 50% indigenous people learners
. Schools with less than 100 learners

. Schools with makeshift/non-standard rooms

Schools with no repairs/new projects for the last 4 years

NAVAYNE

SECTION 4. Coverage. The Department of Education (DepEd) is hereby mandated to be the
lead agency in the implementation of this Act. It is also mandated to formulate a guideline of
requirements and to structure a timetable to ensure the implementation of this Act, in
consultation with the Department of Public Works and Highways, under the following
circumstances:

1. All public schools that have no access roads nationwide;
2. All public schools in GIDA;
3. All school buildings under the criteria of Last Mile School.

For this purpose, an inventory will also include all school buildings, whether fully functional
or condemned, in all public elementary and secondary schools to determine the physical status
of each structure.

School heads shall submit to their respective Schools Division Superintendents, for appropriate
action, a report indicating the existence of or any need of repair, rehabilitation, construction
and structural damage under their respective supervisions. The exigency of constructing new
school buildings is a priority in anticipation of the increase in student population by virtue of
the implementation of Republic Act No. 10533, or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of
2013".

SEC. 5. Intra-connectivity Access. All schools under this coverage shall gain access to the
availability of the programs under the School of the Future (SOFT)that may be established by
law or by the Department of Education, consistent with the emerging Fourth Industrial
Revolution and socio-economic realities being shaped by shifting employment, demographic,
cultural and other internal and extemal forces which may be spurred by fast-paced technological
progress.

It shall also consider a satellite-based digital learning as alternative to the traditional mode of
learning

SEC. 6. Period of Implementation. The programs under this Act shall be implemented within
three (3) years.


SEC. 7. Administrative Provision. Failure to act any of the programs provided under this Act
and its Implementing Rules and Regulations by the DepEd and DPWH shall be dealt with
accordingly by law through an administration action of suspension from government service

SEC. 8. Appropriations. The appropriation necessary for the implementation of this Act shall
be included in the Annual Appropriations Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or unconstitutional,
the remainder of the law not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its
publication in two (20 national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.