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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

295

House Bill No.

Introduced by Rep. Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offers the amazing advantages of its
application in almost all undertakings of our modem society. Undoubtedly, this technology has
significantly proven its use in improving the quality and efficiency of the education system. It is
affecting all subjects, especially in basic education, not only altering teaching opportunities
because of its new perspectives on communication and dissemination, but also opening up
exciting new resources for learning. Simply put, it allows for the ‘maximization’ of learning.

We say that we have to prepare the Filipino youth to meet the challenges of this new
technology. The youth must be updated on the latest advances of this technology to fully tap their
inner talents and contribute to national development. But how can this be realized if the providers
of knowledge themselves are not equipped with the advantages of such technology. The sad fact
is that a great number of teachers, especially those in basic education, are not even acquainted
with the basics of ICT. Much more of the ICT’s useful and relevant application in classroom
teaching

This bill is a timely response to the demand of this modern era of teaching. Its intent holds
the promise of providing a new learning experience among our students, a unique way of
arousing in these young people as much interest in learning as they have playing games on the
computer.

This piece of legislation aims to institute certain policies and mechanisms that will
strengthen training programs for teachers that will provide them significant knowledge and skills
on information and communication technology (ICT), enabling them to apply computer-aided
teaching methodologies and digital tools and techniques in their classroom activities. Intending to
make ICT a way of life among our basic education teachers, this bill provides a framework of
actions that will not entail cost from our government that is already heavily burdened by the huge
finances of providing quality education to its people. In order to realize its objectives at no cost as
much as possible, the provisions of this bill rely on the capacity of the concerned stakeholders to
draw the appropriate policies, to set the right directions, to recognize the importance of
collaboration, and to realize the meaning of self-sufficiency, towards improving the quality of our
teachers. Under this proposal, the mandates to strengthen ICT training programs for basic
education teachers are lodged in all levels, from the national to local leadership of the
Department of Education, with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and non-government
organizations, as well as business entities,

For the above-mentioned reasons, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

em/

EULOGIO “AMANG” R. MAGSAYSAY


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

House of Representatives

295
House Bill No.

Introduced by Rep. Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
TRAINING PROGRAM FOR BASIC EDUCATION TEACHERS PROVIDING CERTAIN
POLICIES AND MECHANISMS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Teachers’ Information and
Communication Training (ICT) Program Act of 2013"

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The Constitution provides that the State shall give
priority to education, science and technology to accelerate social progress, and promote total
human liberation and development. In recognition of the teachers’ indispensable role in molding
the minds of our youth, the Constitution further provides that the State shall enhance the right of
teachers to professional advancements. In pursuance of these mandates, it is hereby declared to
be the policy of this Act to institute certain policies and mechanisms that will strengthen training
programs for teachers that will provide them significant knowledge and skills on information and
communication technology, enabling them to apply computer-aided teaching methodologies and
digital tools and techniques in their classroom activities.

SECTION 3. Establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Unit in Every School. - The School Heads shall initiate for the creation of an Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) Unit in their respective schools. The office shall be manned by
at least one (1) academic or non-academic personnel, provided, that he/she shall have a
specialization in computer education, computer technology, or in information and communication
technology.

SECTION 4. Regular Computer Education or ICT Seminars/Trainings. - The
Department of Education (DepED) is hereby mandated to institutionalize a system of free regular
training program on computer education, and information and communication technology (ICT)
for teachers in all elementary and secondary schools, both public and private.

SECTION 5. Seminars and Trainings Outside the School. - The school administration
shall encourage attendance or participation of its faculty members in seminars and trainings
outside the school related to computer, and information and communication technology,
particularly those concerning its application to teaching methodologies, organized by private or
professional groups. Teachers who have the specialization in computer education or information


technology shall be prioritized to participate. The cost of seminar-workshop maybe shouldered by
the attending teacher provided that such is manifested in his/her own free will. Otherwise, upon
determination of the necessity and usefulness of such seminar-workshop, the school
administration shall arrange for it to shoulder the entire cost or subsidize the cost for the attending
teacherls. Provided, further, that such attending teacher/s must be required to convey or share
what he/she/they learned with his/her/their co-teachers in an echo seminar.

SECTION 6. ICT Training Collaboration. — The Department of Education (DepEd), in
coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shall explore every
possible collaboration for free information and communication (ICT) trainings with prospective
private and non-government entities particularly those in the field of ICT, that will benefit a mass
number of basic education teachers nationwide. The companies and other business entities that
extend such free ICT trainings may claim the cost as tax credit.

SECTION 7. Authorily vis-a-vis ICT Training Tie-Up Program Agreement. - The local
offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) — Regional Office, Division Office, District Office,
are hereby authorized to enter into a Training Tie-UP Program Agreement with any sponsoring
company, agency or entity that will benefit the teachers and other personnel of the schools under
their jurisdiction. Provided, that such agreement shall potentially contribute to the technology-
related reform of teacher preparation and enhancement programs, and integration and
application of information technology to classroom teaching. Provided, further, that such
‘agreement shall not entail cost on the part of the government

SECTION 8. Partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs). - The Schools
Division Superintendents, Schools District Supervisors, or the School Heads shall arrange a
partnership with any of the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) that will advance in any
form or manner the need of their respective teachers and school personnel

SECTION 8. Initiatives of the School Heads. — The School Heads of all elementary and
secondary schools, both public and private, are hereby enjoined to realize the objectives of this
‘Act by exploring alll the possible initiatives at their school levels, and within the resources of the
school. The Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of the school may also enjoined to include in its
list of priority projects those that will advance or support the objectives of this Act.

SECTION 10. Knowledge in Computer or ICT: A Requirement for Hiring of New
Teachers. — In hiring or recruiting of new teachers, the applicant’s knowledge and skills in
computer and information technology must be given certain considerations.

SECTION 11. Implementation of the Program. — Immediately after its approval, the
Department of Education (DepEd) shalll formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this
Act, and ensure its effective implementation.

SECTION 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision in this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions

hereof.


SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent
with the provision of this Act is herebv repealed, modified or amended accordingly

SECTION 14. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation,

whichever comes earlier.

Approved,