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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill no.1348

Introduced by Representative Christian Tell A. Yap

The internet has become the most convenient tool in providing access to information and as
invaluable tools, critical to the ability of the nation to compete in the global economy. More recently,
it has been used as an effective aid in providing education. However, the easy access, widespread use,
and immediately accessible digital connections between individuals have created safety problems for

children, one of the most vulnerable sectors of our society

In 2018, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) found out that more than 175,000
children go online for the first time every day ~ a new child ever half second. Furthermore, 80% of
Filipino children have experience some form of violence at home, in school, in their community and
online. The increasing number of children using the internet may then be vulnerable to unsafe and

potentially violent forms of online content.

While the internet offers tremendous knowledge, benefits and opportunities, we cannot conceal
the fact that being exposed to it at an early age may be detrimental to the welfare of the children, if not
properly supervised. Among the risks identified by the UNICEF are children’s exposure to sexual
abuse and exploitation, bullying and harassment, and inappropriate self-generated contents, Problems
also arise when people using the internet view it as a tool to commit unscrupulous acts like cybersex,

pornography and illegal gambling.

It is therefore imperative that we provide children access to safe online content, The bill seeks
to establish a comprehensive internet program for children that will safeguard their welfare and

encourage safe, ethical and responsible use for the internet.

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In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of the bill is sams pi

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Representative, 2

istrict of Tarlac


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

4
House Bil nol348

Introduced by Representative CHRISTIAN TELL A. YAP

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:

ARTICLE 1
POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1. Short Title, — This Act shall be known as the “Public Schools of the Future in
Technology (PSOFT) Act”

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) Hamess 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
education:

(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:

(8) 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.

ital technology in public

SEC. 3. Objectives. ~ This Act shall pursue the following objectiv

(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.


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ARTICLE I
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 Il
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:

(©) 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). — There is

hereby 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);


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(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

(J) National Human Resource Development
(2) Training and Development of DepEd personne!

(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)

(4) Development of Online Learning Portals
(1) DepEd E-Learning Resources
(2) Public Online Library

ARTICLE [V.
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 intemet 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.


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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 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:

(©) All pilot schools shall employ trained information technology specialists to assist faculty
and learners: and

(d) All pilot schools shall provide each teacher and leamer 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.


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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 leamers 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 network
(e) Responsible and ethical use of the Internet, photographic equipment, smart phones, and
other equipment of similar nature: and

(1) 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 schoo! 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.


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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
ayencies of the government, and the private sector to augment its resources.

The authors of the digitized books and publications shalll 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 VI
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 initiativ
(d) Undertaking of researches on online risks to form the bases for Intemet safety education
syllabi and instructional material development:

(c) Development and implementation of a public education campaign to promote awareness
of online risks to learners and children: and
(8) 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 10 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

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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. — n 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 concemed
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:


(©) 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 PHiISA 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 1! 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 concemed
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. — \f 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,