FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
-7 
I 
?l./.-2 'i; 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Education is the prime motive force for the development of a nation. This 
is recognized by the Constitution by making education the foremost concern of 
the State. Providing access for academic and technical development must be 
the responsibility of the government. 
In line with this duly recognized duty, this bill is being proposed. The bill is 
recognizing and providing the mechanism for the establishment and propagating 
the open and distance learning educational modes of the Philippines. Though 
certain higher educational institutions have been using this mode for pedagogical 
purposes, this bill entrusts to the University of the Philippines Open University to 
be the vanguard for the development of these learning systems. The University 
shall assist and provide for necessary expertise for schools wishing to create 
open and distance learning programs. 
This learning mode will provide access to those who wish to enhance their 
academic and technical training without being bound by the logistical difficulties 
present in our educational landscape. By opening this portal of learning, the 
future is assured of its development and growth. 
These being the premises, the passage of this bill is most earnestly 
sought. 
-s 
GGO 
JERCITO ESTRAD 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JlNGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE OPEN LEARNING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION 
SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Represenfafives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "Open and 
Distance Learning System of Education 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 manner through utilization of innovative 
educational technologies. In view thereof, the State recognizes the open and 
distance learning system as a necessary mode to achieve equitable access to 
quality tertiary education even as it guarantees the academic freedom of higher 
educational institution. 
SEC 3. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this Act, the following 
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. 
Distance Education - a method of learning and teaching 
employing 
print, 
radio, 
television, 
computer-based 
communications, satellite broadcasting teleconferencing or 
other educational technologies that allows students to study on 
their own without having to regularly attend classes in 
conventional classrooms. 
terms shall mean:l 
(a) 
(b) 
SEC 4. 
Institutionalization of the Open and Distance Learning 
System. The open and distance learning system, hereinafter referred to as the 


System, is hereby institutionalized in the Philippines in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act. 
SEC 5. Coverage. The Act shall apply to public and private higher 
educational institutions with existing open and distance learning programs, and to 
other institutions that shall later be authorized as qualified implements of the 
System. 
SEC 6. 
Role of the Commission on Higher Education. 
The 
Commission on Higher Education, hereinafter referred to as the CHED, shall 
plan. Set standards, coordinate, monitor and authorize the effective 
implementation of open learning and distance education in the country in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act. It shall: 
Formulate, promulgate and implement the necessary rules and 
regulations to maintain 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 the 
provisions of 
the 
implementing rules and regulations; 
Review and approve proposals from educational institutions for 
new open 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. 
(a) 
(b) 
( 4  
(dl 
SEC 7. Criteria for Commission on Higher Educafion’s Approval of 
New Open and Distance Education Programs. Higher education institutions 
applying for CHEDs approval to establish open and 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; 
Relevant curricular programs; 
Appropriate instructional materials; 
Appropriate student support services and delivery systems; 
Linkages with other appropriate institutions as resource centers 
and; 
Recognized research programs on open and distance learning. 
(b) 
( 4  
(d) 
(e) 
(0 
SEC 8. Role of fhe University of the Philippines Open University. The 
University of the Philippines Open University, hereinafter referred to as the 
UPOU, shall be designed 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 University of the Philippines Open University shall support start up 
programs for duly recognized higher education institutions 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. 
Government 
broadcast stations and 
telecommunications networks shall provide the necessary assistance and 
coordination in support of the System. 
SEC I O .  Appropriations. For the initial implementation of this Act, the 
amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) from the President's 
organizational fund shall be divided equally between the CHED and the UPOU. 
Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continuous implementation 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 unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the 
other provisions hereof. 
SEC 12. 
Repealing Clause. 
All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, is hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC13. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from the complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,